'I Have Tourette's, But Tourette's Doesn't Have Me' Broadcasts November
12th, 2006, Exclusively on HBO
In every school in America, it’s likely that at least one child has
Tourette Syndrome (TS), a neurological condition characterized by repetitive,
involuntary vocal and motor tics that persist over time. Many parents and educators
don’t recognize the symptoms and often the disorder goes undiagnosed or
misdiagnosed.
 Produced
in association with the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA), I HAVE TOURETTE’S,
BUT TOURETTE’S DOESN’T HAVE ME presents a candid, wide-ranging look
at the lives of children growing up with this baffling condition broadcast Saturday,
November 12 (7:30-8:00 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO. Directed and produced
by Ellen Goosenberg Kent (the Emmy®-winning HBO specials “How Do You
Spell God?” and “Happy to Be Nappy and Other Stories of Me”),
the special demystifies and humanizes what it’s like to have TS by giving
voice to children ages eight to 13 who have the disorder.
The documentary features the youngsters going about their daily lives, doing
all the things regular kids do. It shows that some can also have problems with
impulse control, e.g., tantrums, verbal outbursts, or obsessive, unusual behaviors.
Though medication can help control TS, there is no cure.
The children speak frankly about living with Tourette’s. While freely
describing the wide range of physical tics and obsessive-compulsive behaviors
that characterize the disorder, they also poignantly reveal the most debilitating
effect: its emotional impact. Too often these children are subjected to the painful
ridicule and scorn of their peers, or even adults.
They also tell of the devastating impact of being ostracized by their fellow
students. And they respond joyfully when a friend understands their condition
and accepts them. They want nothing more than to be like everyone else.
In response to bullying and teasing, school systems across the country are
adopting curricula to teach acceptance of diversity, as well as the tools to bring
about positive conflict resolution. Each year, a large number of prestigious organizations,
including TSA, sponsor “No Name Calling Week” in schools nationwide.
I HAVE TOURETTE’S, BUT TOURETTE’S DOESN’T HAVE ME will be
an invaluable tool in this “campaign of compassion.” At a time when
children with disabilities are mainstreamed and no longer kept on the sidelines,
it is vital for others to hear their voices. Through an open and honest discussion
of their differences, these children show just how similar everyone is.
I HAVE TOURETTE’S, BUT TOURETTE’S DOESN’T HAVE ME is produced
in collaboration with the Tourette Syndrome Association; directed and produced
by Ellen Goosenberg Kent; co-producer, Beth Aala; editor, Andrew Morreale. For
Tourette Syndrome Association: president, Judit Ungar; vp, medical & scientific
programs, Sue Levi-Pearl; manager, pr & communications, Tracy Colletti-Flynn.
For HBO: production executive, Susan Benaroya; coordinating producer, Sara Bernstein;
supervising producer, Dolores Morris; executive producer, Sheila Nevins.
There are many extra DVD features, in addition to content shown on the HBO
broadcast, including a variety of resources for educators, families, and children
interested in learning more about Tourette Syndrome, as well as supplementary
information from experts John Walkup, M.D., Susan Conners, M.Ed., and Evan Trost,
M.D. |
