A Message from the Producer

Ellen Goosenberg Kent, Producer/Director of HBO's "I Have Tourette's But Tourette's Doesn't Have Me"

"Working on I Have Tourette's But Tourette's Doesn't Have Me was an inspiring experience. I met parents who were able to help their children see that their strengths and talents far outweighed their tics and troubles. I met children who refused to let their Tourette's define them. These are the things I remember with gratitude.

I also heard stories about brutal teasing, uncomprehending school faculty, fear and social isolation. The availability of a caring community, which many families find through TSA, makes an enormous difference. It changes kids' lives. Don't be alone or feel alone. Reach out.

One more thing that isn't in the film but maybe should be. The symptoms of Tourette's often disappear or become much milder after adolescence. Those who still have tics have often learn to incorporate them beautifully into their lives, careers and personalities. Tourette's doesn't have to stop you from achieving your dream, whatever it is. This may sound corny, but it's true.

Patience, a sense of adventure and a willingness to be flexible can go a long way when medications and other approaches aren't working or when things feel out of control. Just take a look at the children in I Have Tourette's But Tourette's Doesn't Have Me. They speak for themselves."

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