Episode 16 – The truth about Tourette Syndrome with Seamus Evans

Tourette Syndrome Awareness Week is running from 2 – 8 May 2022! So, Janine and Aleena are raising understanding and busting some myths around Tourette Syndrome, especially as Janine’s little boy has this condition. The sisters are joined by their first ever guest – Seamus Evans! Seamus is an awesome TV and radio broadcaster and now passionate public speaker. As an ambassador for the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia (TSAA), Seamus speaks about his personal experience with Tourette Syndrome, and how he has learned to manage the condition, and ultimately turn it into his superpower. Aleena and Janine share insights from the science on Tourette Syndrome, including the prevalence and underlying genetics. Aleena, Janine and Seamus all then stick around to nerd out in the inner square segment, which leads to much “Type 1 fun”. You’ll have to listen in to understand wtf that means 😉

_{Mastering of this episode, plus intro and outro music, by the ever-talented Dr Adrian Diery.}

First things first squares: we did things a little differently in this episode. Rather than covering individual scientific studies in more depth, we gave a big picture overview of what is Tourette Syndrome and how common it is. Then we had our awesome chat with Seamus – a whole ~90 minutes’ worth (but we don’t think you’ll mind). Of course, we peppered some more science throughout the chat! Below are our sources and relevant links.

Guest: Seamus Evans

More information and contact details for our fantastic guest, Seamus Evans, can be found on Seamus’ website.

Support for those with Tourette Syndrome

• Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia
• Tourette Syndrome family camps

Tourette Syndrome research

Below are the sources that informed the scientific content of this episode:

• What is Tourette Syndrome (TS)?
• European clinical guidelines – great source for more detailed information about TS
• Population prevalence in children
• Population prevalence in adults – much more research is needed!
• Current understanding of the genetics of Tourette Syndrome
• Prevalence of TS based on sex differences, and high rates of co-morbid conditions like ADHD and OCD
• Current research into cannabis-based treatments here and here

What brought out our inner square?

Aleena discovered trick sticks (aka devil sticks) at the recent Tourette’s Camp and has been obsessed with them ever since. Now her and her nephew can perfect their double act for next year’s camp talent show!

Janine randomly came across “The Fun Scale” by Kelly Cordes and is now categorising her whole life around the 3 ‘official’ types of fun: Type 1 fun – known simply as fun; Type 2 fun – only fun in retrospect; and Type 3 fun – not fun at all. We hope you all have some Type 1 fun listening in!

Seamus shares what he has learned about the power of language and positive self-talk: amazing and important lessons for everyone!

_{Image by Etienne Girardet on Unsplash}

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