This TSA video, produced in 2001, introduces us to 6 individuals with TS and their families: Dr. Peter, a University professor; Reverend Mike, a former Army officer and minister; Ryan, a teenage boy; Rachel, a teenage girl; Dakota, a young boy; and the Turners, who have three daughters with TS.  Each vignette is about 10 minutes in length and can stand independently or viewed as a group.  This video has something for everyone and is especially good for families of those newly diagnosed with TS.  There is a hopeful and positive message throughout.

In this TSA video, different people with TS share their experiences.  They include an 11 year-old girl, a doctor, a Hispanic boy in special education classes, a 26 year-old woman who was mistakenly placed in a school for mentally handicapped children, and a man who is both a lawyer and a stockbroker.  The theme of this video is that what matters most is what is inside of a person, not what is on the outside.  This video is appropriate for both children and adults.

Jim Eisenrich, a professional baseball player in the 1990’s with the Phillies and Marlins, talks about what it was like growing up with undiagnosed TS, getting started in professional baseball and subsequent career, and his role as a husband and father.  His messages are clear: TS is not life-threatening; someone with TS can do anything that anyone else can do; and a person with TS may have setbacks, but these setbacks can be a learning experience.  Jim has a very positive attitude and the video is good for families, adults and kids with TS.  The video can be a bit slow at times and may be most appropriate for older children and adults.

This program aired in May 2001 after Icy Sparks, the story of a girl growing up in rural Kentucky in the 1950’s with undiagnosed Tourette Syndrome, was chosen as an Oprah Book Club selection.  The staff of the Oprah program consulted with National TSA in preparing the program and the discussion of TS is very sensitive and accurate.  There is a book discussion and author interview at the core of the program, but several children and teens with TS and their parents are also profiled.  Their stories are well told and candidly address some of the challenges of living with TS and parenting a child with TS.  The program is appropriate for children and adults.

The theme of this episode examines what happens when people hurt each others feelings and the consequences of standing by and doing nothing to prevent this from happening.  The primary story line is that of a boy with TS, Bobby, who exhibits echolalia (repeating words) in church.  Issues addressed are the misdiagnosis of TS as ADD, and guilt and anguish of parents.  One of the minister’s sons befriends Bobby and stands up to the bully that is teasing and tormenting Bobby.  Information is given about the diagnosis, symptoms, treatment and support available for those with TS.  This episode is particularly well presented and sensitively addresses topics of bullying and standing up for those who need support.  This video could be used with children and adults, with or without TS.  This would also be good for students at the middle school level as a spark for discussion.

This TSA video, narrated by William Shatner, begins with kids talking about what it is like in school and in social situations when they can’t control their tics.  TS and its symptoms are described.  Shatner talks about how bad it feels when people are teased and the importance of taking time to get to know people with TS.  The video introduces an Olympic hopeful with TS who talks to kids about what it is like to have TS.  The message is that while TS can be a disability, you have to try your best and always go after what you want.  Also, that TS is easier to cope with if you accept it and that explaining it to others will hopefully lessen the teasing.  The information in this video is appropriate for adults and kids, with or without TS.  The video was produced more than 10 years ago and does seem a bit dated.

Danya International produced this video in conjunction with TSA of Greater Washington in 2000.  This 11-minute video was created for use in elementary school classes to explain TS to the classmates of a child with TS and build understanding and empathy in the school setting.  A lively, fast moving video that students from ages 7 to 11 will find this both interesting and entertaining.  A parent may want to consider this video to show a newly diagnosed child with TS. 

How Difficult Can This Be?  (Understanding Learning Disabilities)

One of 3 videos by Richard Lavoie, educator and learning disability expert.  This unique program allows viewers to experience the same frustration, anxiety and tension that children with learning disabilities face in their daily lives.  Produced in 1989, this video features a diverse group of non-learning disabled adults, primarily teachers, who attend a seminar during which they “live” the experience of having learning disabilities.  They go through a number of exercises in order to better understand and appreciate the challenges faced by a child with a learning disability.  This video is often used as a training tool for educators who work with students with learning disabilities. 

Last One Picked, First One Picked On

This is one of three videos by Richard Lavoie, a nationally known learning disability expert.  Playing with friends is a daily ritual for most children.  However, kids with learning disabilities are often isolated and rejected. Their problems making and keeping friends are compounded by their poor social skills. The challenges confronting learning disabled children in their lives both in and out of the classroom are examined in this video produced in 1994.

Look What You’ve Done!  Learning Disabilities and Self-Esteem - Stories of Hope and Resilience

Whether they've failed a spelling test or dropped an easy pop fly, kids with learning disabilities hear those words far too often.  It's no wonder they often give up hope. Moreover, it's no wonder we sometimes overlook what Dr. Robert Brooks calls the "every-day courage" of our children. Dr. Brooks, a nationally known expert on learning disabilities, says we need to find each child's "islands of competence" and then build on those strengths. He offers practical strategies for helping children develop the confidence and resilience they will need to succeed in this video produced in 1997.

Features E. Collins, Ph.D. and R. Fisher-Collins, M.Ed.  This 45-minute video provides guidance to TS families on school advocacy issues.  This video provides parents with concrete ideas to help insure the success of the child's school experience.

Partnership for Special Education:  What a Great IDEA!

When the Chips are Down: Learning Disabilities and Discipline - Strategies for Improving Children's Behavior
One of three videos by Richard Lavoie, a nationally known expert on learning disabilities, offers practical advice on dealing with behavioral problems quickly and effectively.  He shows how preventive discipline can anticipate many problems before they start.  In addition, he explains how teachers and parents can create a stable, predictable environment in which children with learning disabilities can flourish.  This video was produced in 1997.

This film about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) follows a young boy, Terry, at school.  An especially sensitive teacher notices his behaviors on the playground, in class, and during lunch, and attempts to figure out what is going on.  The teacher realizes that because of his counting and hand washing behaviors, Terry feels like an outsider.  Terry only feels good about himself while performing in the school play.  After consulting with a psychologist friend, the teacher identifies Terry’s behaviors as those of OCD.  The film then explains OCD to the viewer and discusses the differences between obsessions and compulsions.  The film takes the viewer through Terry’s treatment process, which includes medications, behavior therapy, and support groups.  The film ends a year later from diagnosis on a hopeful note.  The film is done in a sensitive and hopeful manner and is appropriate for children and adults.

Three episodes aired in January 2001 featuring Anne Heche as a woman with Tourette Syndrome.  She is a teacher, but enters the program as a murder suspect, is exonerated in the initial episode, and then becomes a love interest of one of Ally’s colleagues.  Although there were mixed reactions to the initial storyline, the developing storyline was of a woman with a rewarding career, an interesting new love interest, and a fascinating personality – all despite her rather florid motor and vocal tics.  This video would be appropriate for teens and adults.

The Maze

A dramatic feature film starring Rob Morrow as a young man with Tourette Syndrome struggling with the challenges of his TS and a new romance. 

The Tic Code

Narrated by photojournalist Lowell Handler, who has Tourette Syndrome (TS) himself, this documentary film looks at the lives of others with TS.  The viewer is introduced to four adults with TS – and actress with mild symptoms, Chris Jackson (Abdul Mahmud-Rauf) a basketball player in the NBA, a Canadian artist, and an elderly member of the Mennonite community.  Each of these adults, with varying degrees of TS, explains what it is like to live the TS and symptoms of OCD, which often accompanies TS.  We also hear from attendees at the TSA National Conference.  Candid discussions about the impact of TS on professional lives, as well as more personal aspects of dating and getting married, are presented.  This video has a positive perspective and offers a very candid look at life with TS.

Teaching Children With Tourette Syndrome: A Resource for Educators
Produced by National TSA in 2001, this video clarifies some of the challenges inherent in teaching children with TS.  This video features teachers, education specialists, and physicians discussing issues relevant to the school environment.  This 15 minute video can stand alone or be used as apart of an in-service presentation.

The Complexities of TS Treatment: A Physician’s Roundtable

Three internationally recognized TS experts, Drs. Cathy Budman, Joseph Jankovic and John Walkup. provide colleagues with valuable information about the complexities of treating and advising families with TS. Emphasis is on different clinical approaches to patients with a broad range of symptom severity.  Co-morbid and associated conditions are covered.  This video was produced by TSA in 2001 and is 15 minutes in length.