Tourette Syndrome affects its victims differently; some have more violent tics more often that can cause
devastating disruptions to their daily lives. From the time she was diagnosed as a young child until she
was in third grade, TS was trying to make a mess of Amaris Tyynismaa’s life. But then she started playing
soccer, and she and her parents realized that anytime she was moving and running on the field, her
tics didn’t come. And then they came less off the field. She’s been running ever since, and now
the Montgomery Catholic eighth grader is considered one of the fastest girls in the country,
racking up record after record in cross-country distance events. She shared a bit of her
story with Potential.
To what do you credit your running strength/success?
I believe that God gave me the gift of running well. I would not be the runner I am
today if it was not for the support of my parents, teammates and coaches!
It seems as though you and your family have managed to deal
with living with TS pretty well. What has helped you overcome?
To overcome TS, it has been a long trip. I had tiny strategies to calm myself down or
to distract myself from thinking about the next tick. I would sometimes use a smooth
rock to rub, which would relieve tension.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with others dealing with TS?
For those living with TS, I want you to know that you are special and no one can tell you otherwise!
If you stay strong and be who you choose to be, that is amazing! It is hard, but you will get through it like I
have. Live your life to the absolute fullest and treasure it!
CBIT
rehe
Comp
nsive Behavioral Intervention for
T i cs
Physical Therapy
and Occupational
Therapy Department
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a non-drug treatment with three important components:
• training the child to be more aware of tics
• training the child to use “competing” behavior when they feel the urge to tic and
• making changes to day to day activities in ways that can be helpful in reducing tics.
Our program consists of eight one-hour weekly sessions that focus on:
• identifying the frequency and severity of tics
• teaching alternate strategies to help the child manage the tic disorder
with discretion and confidence and
• embedding the tic strategies or “competing responses” into everyday life.
An occupational therapy practitioner works with the child or youth to help limit the
interruption of tics on health, well-being and development. Patients come from all
over the country to participate in our program due to the limited availability of
this therapy for children with Tourette syndrome or other tic disorders.
Contact Outpatient Scheduling at 205.638.7527
For more information, email [email protected]
www.potentialmagazine.com
Winter 2015 |
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