Really need some support right now

Posted on May 20, 2013 by RuthieP

OK, I need some support and kind words right now. Just had a big conversation with my mom. Basically, I don’t really tic around her because she just tells me to stop when I do and that it’s not socially acceptable. She has seen me tic before and has lived with my OCD and other conditions my whole life, though.

She tried to deny yet again that I even have TS.

She told me that if I just exercise more then maybe I wouldn’t have TS. Then, when I finally convinced her — probably just temporarily — that I do have TS because I was diagnosed by a neurologist with her in the room and my cousin also has TS and my dad and all of his brothers have OCD, she told me that I better tell my husband/guy I’m dating that I have TS/OCD because if my dad would have told her then maybe she would have thought a little harder before marrying him.

Yeah….. so I need some support right now because I’m not feeling very accepted right now.

Like old times

Posted on May 17, 2013 by RuthieP

Last summer, I worked at special school district alongside children with high-functioning autism for my senior project. Yesterday, I went back to visit the kids with my mom who works there! We brought our dog because the kids love her, and I had a great time playing with the kids.

One of the girls, Piper, has high-functioning autism and tics/Tourette Syndrome, so it was great to connect with her! It got me even more excited about being a counselor at Camp Twitch and Shout this summer!

P.S. … Shout-out to my friend Shayna, who will also be a counselor at Camp Twitch and Shout this summer! Shayna: I still am jealous of your awesome tics, and I promise you I will get used to them.

Where has the time gone?

Posted on May 17, 2013 by AislingL

Well, somehow it’s now May! I’ve nearly finished my first year of university, and I’ve somehow made it through, but I can’t help but regret that I haven’t had time to write more blog posts! So here I am trying to make it up…

A very brief summary of what I’ve been up to: Lectures and seminars (boo), a musical, a week of placement in a special school and other things…there must be other things!!! I have managed to keep myself very busy with various things, I just can’t pin down exactly what those things are!

Anyway, as I’ve more recently been trying to learn the lines to a play I have to do for the drama part of my degree, I was trying to work out why things like learning lines and repeating information has been easy for me, especially learning song lyrics.

I did think I just had a knack for learning things (but then nothing important still seemed never to stick!), but more recently it has occurred to me that it probably has more to do with my fondness of repetition. I’ve always liked listening to, for example, one album for months at a time (as the other people I live with will probably tell you, as they get sick of whatever I’m listening to!), so I inevitably end up knowing all the lyrics.

So when I had to learn songs in choir, or for a musical I could listen to the songs over and over again without a hint of boredom, or without even realising I was doing it — so I would learn the songs without any intention of doing so. Continue reading →

I WON!!!!

Posted on May 9, 2013 by CoryS

I won!

Can you believe it? A kid who tics, has Asperger’s and other disorders, won a National singing competition on the Kandi Factory!!!!

I was so proud and very proud to represent our community. It was a hard secret to keep, as I knew I had won the competition in December. One of the best experiences of my life! It was so great to work with Kandi and her team, and I love my song. It was an honor in itself to have Kandi write me a song and even more humbling when I heard the lyrics for the first time.

Here is my video, tell me what you all think. I can’t wait to see the campers at NJCTS’ annual Family Retreat Weekend at YMCA Camp Bernie on June 8! I’m looking forward to visiting and singing for all of you!

If anyone has a song request, respond to the blog!

NOTE: NJCTS will have much more on Cory and his story of winning the Kandi Factory competition next week, and it’ll be all right here on the blog. Stay tuned!

Tourette Camp

Posted on May 3, 2013 by EduardoC

I just wanted to inform everyone that there is a Tourette Camp coming up this summer. I have been to the camp three times already, and this summer is gonna be my fourth time. It is an awesome camp where you can meet many people with Tourette and not feel embarassed to do your tics.

The name of it is Camp George, and it is run by Jonah Schnel. I have had so much fun at this camp. There are many things to do such as swimming, bb guns, zipline, hikes, recreational activities and more. At this camp, I met someone who is now a good friend of mine and a blogger on this website.

This is great place to go and feel free and not judged by people. The camp is at Irvine Ranch in Southern California. Even if you’re not from the state, you can still come. Two years ago, a kid from Peru came to the camp! All ages are welcome. The camp takes place August 3-6. It you want to have great time and make some friends, come to this camp you will enjoy it.

For more info, e-mail jonah@tsa-socal.org or visit http://www.tsa-socal.org/camp-george.