Sunday 28 September 2014

Tim Howard: Tourette Syndrome's Hero

 
Tim Howard has been one of the stars of the 2014 World Cup. Not just because his great performance but his record-breaking 24 saves against the Belgians on the knock-out stage.
What many people don't know is that Howard, Everton's goalkeeper and former Manchester United's, was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS) at the age of 11. He has been a longtime spokesperson and supporter for the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) and is very open about his condition.

     This disorder was named for a French scientist who successfully assessed the disorder in the late 1800s, Georges Gilles de la Tourette. It is an inherited, neurological disorder characterized by repeated and involuntary body movements (tics) and uncontrollable vocal sounds. Involuntary symptoms can include eye blinking, repeated throat clearing or sniffing, arm thrusting, kicking movements, shoulder shrugging or jumping.

    In a minority of cases, (10 to 15 percent) the vocalizations can include socially inappropriate words and phrases—called coprolalia. These outbursts are neither intentional nor purposeful. Typically TS symptoms emerge before the age of 18 years and the condition occurs in all ethnic groups. Although the symptoms of TS vary from person to person and range from very mild to severe, the majority of cases fall into the mild category. Associated conditions can include OCD, ADHD and learning problems
 
    Increased public understanding and tolerance of TS symptoms are of paramount importance to people with this disorder. Most people with TS lead productive lives and participate in all professions.

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