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Living with Tourette Syndrome in an Educational Environment

Living with Tourette Syndrome in an Educational Environment. Paul-John A. To 2006 NSTA Conference SESD Science-Abled Breakfast Anaheim, CA. Outline. About Tourette Syndrome Where I came from Early starter The Diagnosis The K-12 Years Lessons learned The College Years Where I am going

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Living with Tourette Syndrome in an Educational Environment

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  1. Living with Tourette Syndrome in an Educational Environment Paul-John A. To 2006 NSTA Conference SESD Science-Abled Breakfast Anaheim, CA

  2. Outline • About Tourette Syndrome • Where I came from • Early starter • The Diagnosis • The K-12 Years • Lessons learned • The College Years • Where I am going • The ENTRY POINT! Program • Conclusion • Questions & answers Paul-John A. To

  3. About Tourette Syndrome • What is it? • Neurological disorder, brain chemical imbalance • Genetic, not contagious! • Manifestations consist of motor and verbal “tics” • Only 10% of TS patients have “swearing” tics [Tourette Syndrome Association] • There are medications to treat tics, but no known cure Paul-John A. To

  4. Early starter • Started reading at Age 4 • In 1st Grade, was reading at 3rd Grade level • Going to other classes for language arts, math • In 2nd Grade, scored at 99th percentile nationwide on CTBS (Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills) • In 3rd Grade, was doing 5th Grade math Paul-John A. To

  5. The Diagnosis • Started expressing symptoms in 2nd grade • Rapid eye-blinking, little noises • In 3rd grade, school counselor suggested Tourette Syndrome • Mom read an advertisement put out by the Tourette Syndrome Association, in a scientific journal • Officially diagnosed at City of Hope Paul-John A. To

  6. The K-12 Years • Achievements • Student of the Year • Azusa Academic Olympiad Team • Student Council President • San Gabriel Valley Spelling Bee Winner • KIDQUIZ contestant • GATE student • US Academic Decathlon • Editor of School Newspaper Paul-John A. To

  7. Lessons Learned (1) • Coping with the situation • Disseminating information to teachers, administrators, students • Handing out literature, video tapes • Giving presentations • Dealing with symptoms • Stress worsens tics • Relaxation is important • “Stand-up” breaks are important • K-12 teachers were 100% supportive Paul-John A. To

  8. Lessons Learned (2) • Helping students understand • Maintain a “helpful” attitude • Do not take slight comments personally, but recognize the need for explanation • Use analogies to bring the subject down to earth • Hiccups • Trying to hold your breath Paul-John A. To

  9. Lessons Learned (3) • Tourette Syndrome = science • Human heredity • Nervous system • Brain, mind, and behavior • Careers • Psychiatry • Genetics, biology • Neurology Paul-John A. To

  10. QUIZ Paul-John A. To

  11. College is • An exciting time for high school grads • A time of change • A time of stress • All of the above Answer: D. Paul-John A. To

  12. The College Years (1) • Most faculty were supportive • Understanding of the situation, even without ever having had a student with TS • Encouraged dialogue, feedback • Offered to talk to the class • Worked with the disability office Paul-John A. To

  13. The College Years (2) • Some faculty were not as supportive • Threatened to drop from roster • Banned from lectures twice (one core course) • In spite of these setbacks… • Passed both courses (highest grade in core course) • Got into graduate school • Graduated March, 2006 Paul-John A. To

  14. The College Years (3) • Disability Resource Center (DRC) was a valuable resource • Testing accommodations • Achievement, Retention, Commitment to Higher Education Success (ARCHES) • Help with self-advocacy (“survival training”) • Department of Rehabilitation • Financial, Job Placement Aid Paul-John A. To

  15. From school to career • ENTRY POINT! • Internship • First offer Paul-John A. To

  16. ENTRY POINT! • ENTRY POINT! Participation • Encouraged to apply, submit resume • Interview with real hiring manager at IBM • Three-month internship in Kansas • Extended to six months Paul-John A. To

  17. Internship • Opportunity to work in a team • Real work • Contribute own experience • Add value to the organization • Opportunity to grow • How it works in the “real world” • Networking • I can succeed, even if I have a disability Paul-John A. To

  18. First offer • At end of internship, offered permanent position with IBM • Finish Master’s thesis and graduate Paul-John A. To

  19. Conclusion • Having a disability did not change who I am • Someone who learned how to deal with classroom challenges constructively • Someone who could look to other people, groups for support • Someone who proved to be a capable worker • Someone who was able to share his experiences with you today! Paul-John A. To

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