I Have Tourette’s But Tourette's Doesn’t Have Me

HBO, 2005
PRIMETIME EMMY®  AWARD, OUTSTANDING CHILDREN’S PROGRAM - WINNER

SYNOPSIS

In every school in America, it’s likely that at least one child has Tourette Syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by repetitive, involuntary vocal and motor tics that persist over time. Many parents and educators don’t recognize the symptoms and often the disorder goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Produced in association with the Tourette Association, I Have Tourettes But Tourettes Doesn't Have Me presents a candid, wide-ranging look at the lives of children growing up with this baffling condition. This film demystifies and humanizes what it’s like to have TS by giving voice to children ages eight to thirteen who have the disorder.

The children speak frankly about living with Tourette’s. While freely describing the wide range of physical tics and obsessive-compulsive behaviors that characterize the disorder, they also poignantly reveal the most debilitating effect: its emotional impact. Too often these children are subjected to the painful ridicule and scorn of their peers, or even adults. The film also reveals the ways these young people cope and the road to acceptance and understanding. They want nothing more than to be like everyone else.

SELECTED CLIPS

AWARDS

Primetime Emmy®  Award, Outstanding Children’s Program - Winner

Parents’ Choice Award - WINNER

Voice Award from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - WINNER

Media Access Award - WINNER

Clarion Award for TV Children’s Educational Program, Age 11 and Up, from The Association for Women in Communications - WINNER

DGA AWARD, OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS - NOMINATED

PRIMETIME EMMY AWARD, OUTSTANDING CINEMATOGRAPHY FOR NONFICTION PROGRAMMING - NOMINATED

REVIEWS

Entertainment Weekly
“Educational and inspirational, I Have Tourette’s offers lessons in tolerance that reach beyond any one disorder or age group.”

The Daily News
“The concept is simple, the potency almost staggering.”

Sun Sentinel
“I Have Tourette's But Tourette's Doesn't Have Me is a poignant exploration of the vicious effect the affliction has on youngsters, who, in their own words, would give anything to be just like everyone else.”

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