May 15 - June 15, 2023: Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with symptoms that include involuntary repetitive movements and sounds called tics, which can wax and wane and change unpredictably; and,

WHEREAS, Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders affect 1-2 percent of school-aged children in the United States; and,

WHEREAS, Tourette Syndrome commonly co-occurs with other neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric conditions, the most common of which include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), processing problems, behavior challenges, anxiety, social skills deficits, handwriting difficulties, learning difficulties, and sleep problems, which are more problematic and harder to manage than the tics; and,

WHEREAS, The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Tourette Association estimates that 50 percent of children go undiagnosed, which underscores the need for awareness and education. Because of this, 80 percent of Children with Tourette Syndrome feel that it negatively affects their education and school experience and 70 percent have experienced bullying because of it; and,

WHEREAS, there are medications and therapies that can help mitigate tics and co-occurring conditions, but there is no cure for this syndrome and no standard treatment. While tics may fade while in adulthood, that is not always the case;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim May 15 – June 15, 2023, as Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month in Michigan.