Tics and Tourette Syndrome Volunteers of Turkey: A Support Mechanism for Families, A Common Platform for Sharing Experiences

The Tics and Tourette Syndrome Volunteers of Turkey became the third Changemaker of the eight season of the Sabancı Foundation Turkey’s Changemakers Program.

Tourette Syndrome is a common neuropsychiatric disorder that is largely unknown by society. The syndrome is characterized by multiple motor tics such as eye blinking, shouting, and places constraints on individuals’ academic, social and professional lives. Despite ongoing research, the number of people with Tourette Syndrome in Turkey and in the world remains unclear. 

One group of young people, however, has formed a platform in order to raise awareness on Tourette Syndrome: the Tics and Tourette Syndrome Volunteers of Turkey. The platform, mainly formed by medicine faculty students, works on raising awareness in society regarding the syndrome, forming a common platform where people with Tourette Syndrome can share their experiences. In addition, the platform constitutes a support mechanism for the families of people with Tourette Syndrome, while informing society through seminars and conferences. In addition, the platform makes use of media channels to reach a larger mass in order to inform them about the effects of the syndrome.

So far, the Tics and Tourette Syndrome Volunteers of Turkey have touched the lives of 30 people with the syndrome, as well as the lives of their families. The platform works to raise awareness about the syndrome and create support mechanisms for families. 

Tics and Tourette Syndrome Volunteers of Turkey has created a huge difference in the lives of those with Tourette Syndrome and their families.