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TSA has launched a new public service television ad campaign featuring actor and comedian, Richard Lewis. The four public service announcement (PSA) ads shed light on the misconceptions about TS and highlight the importance of public understanding about the disorder. In one of the spots, Richard exclaims, " What a laugh! Another joke about Tourette Syndrome. But this is Richard Lewis, and as a comedian, and I can tell you it is not so funny to the many thousands of children and adults who have it. Most of them with mild symptoms and no foul language." Viewers are urged to learn more about TS by calling 1-888-4-TOURET or visiting TSA's website.
Unfortunately, when many people think of Tourette Syndrome, it is still commonly associated with individuals experiencing uncontrollable episodes of cursing or shouting – perfect fodder for comedy. TS is a serious neurological condition often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Over 200,000 Americans live with TS but tragically, many are still misdiagnosed or massively underdiagnosed. This creates a dire need for more public information. Accurate and early diagnoses are the key to these children’s and adult’s mental and physical health.
The PSAs will begin airing across the country this month and will coincide with TSA's 35th Anniversary and with Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month (May 15th to June 15th) to help educate the public about TS, its symptoms and the people who have it.
If you are a PSA Director or know someone at your local television station who is willing to air this PSA, please contact Tracy Colletti-Flynn, TSA Manager of Public Relations and Communications, at tracy.flynn@tsa-usa.org.
Click here to view the four Richard Lewis TSA PSA's in streaming video.
©2007 Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. 42-40 Bell Boulevard / Bayside NY 11361 / 718-224-2999