Moms of Children with Tourette Syndrome
This support group offers a safe, confidential and encouraging environment for moms who have children, of any age, living with Tourette Syndrome. Join us every Tuesday night at 8:00pm EST or 8:00 pm PT to be part of the conversation and connect with other moms.
Adults with Tourette Syndrome
This is a great support group for any adult living with Tourette Syndrome. Join us every Tuesday night at 8:00 pm EST to be part of the conversation in this fun, encouraging, safe and empowering group where you’ll get to connect with other adults throughout Canada.
Youth Hangout (13-18)
Our Youth Hangout is a safe, encouraging, fun and educational group for youth between the ages of 13 and 18 living with Tourette Syndrome. In this group, youth can look forward to connecting with others in their age group throughout Canada, sharing some of their experiences, playing virtual games and learning new things about Tourette Syndrome, mental health, and self-care. If you are a parent of a youth, or a youth interested in joining our virtual group please reach out and join us every Wednesday night at 8:00pm EST.
General Tourette Support Group
Anyone and everyone across Canada is welcome (people with tourette, caregivers, parents, any age)
Every third Tuesday of the month (without fail for more than 25 years) at 7:30pm
Email Greig Perantinos at greigperantinos@gmail.com for the Zoom link
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Special NoteS From The Tourette Ocd Alberta Network
Join Our Fall Parent Support Group for Families of Children with Tourette Syndrome
We are excited to announce that the Tourette OCD Alberta Network will be offering a psychologist-moderated parent support group this fall, and we are extending an invitation to families from British Columbia and Saskatchewan to join our Alberta families.
About the Support Group:
During the past few years, we have invited parents to participate in our free online discussion groups. The group meets weekly over a five-week period to discuss and share experiences related to tic disorders and comorbid conditions. We are delighted to have Dr. Jennifer Ference-Belhomme, a clinical psychologist with the Alberta Children’s Hospital, moderate these discussions. Dr. Ference-Belhomme has a special interest in TS and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Key Features:
- Psychologist Moderated: Each session is moderated by Dr. Jennifer Ference-Belhomme, ensuring a professional and supportive environment.
- Limited Participants: To ensure a healthy discussion and diverse voices, participation is capped at 15 members.
- Weekly Meetings: Sessions take place weekly, starting at 7:30 PM and ending at 9:00 PM.
Schedule of Discussions:
| Week | Date |
| 1 | October 8 |
| 2 | October 15 |
| 3 | October 22 |
| 4 | October 29 |
| 5 | November 5 |
Session Format:
- First 15-30 Minutes: Dr. Ference-Belhomme will present on a key issue related to TS.
- Remaining Time: Open discussion for sharing family experiences, tips, and insights related to the topic.
How to Join:
If you would like to participate or have any questions, please email us at: touretteocdabnetwork@ucalgary.ca.
We look forward to welcoming you to our supportive community.
Sincerely,
Tamara Pringsheim, MD, FRCPC Neurology
President, Tourette OCD Alberta Network
Professor, University of Calgary
Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Psychiatry, Pediatrics, and Community Health Sciences
Program Lead, Tourette and Pediatric Movement Disorders
The Tourette OCD Alberta Network has several upcoming free Zoom webinars for health care providers which are accredited for continuing professional development by the Canadian Psychological Association.
Wednesday November 6 8:30-9:30am (MT), OCD in Adults by Dr. Beverly Adams
In this webinar, Dr Adams will discuss clinical features, diagnosis and pharmacological treatment of OCD, with a focus on adult patients.
https://events.ucalgary.ca/cumming/tourette-ocd-alberta-network/event/479281-webinar-ocd-in-adults
Wednesday November 20 8:30-9:30am (MT), The Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics, Part 1, by Dr. Gabrielle Wilcox
In this webinar, Dr. Wilcox will review the fundamentals of CBIT, including what it is and the rationale for using it, treatment structure, tic symptom tracking, selecting tics to target and the functional behavioural assessment and intervention.
Wednesday December 4 8:30-9:30am (MT), Tourette syndrome in Adults by Dr. Tamara Pringsheim
Dr. Tamara Pringsheim will discuss clinical features, diagnosis and treatment of Tourette syndrome, with a focus on adult patients.
Wednesday January 15 8:30-9:30am (MT), The Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics, Part 2 by Dr. Gabrielle Wilcox
In this webinar, Dr. Wilcox will discuss developing tic hierarchies, awareness training, competing response training, self monitoring, homework, relaxation and progress monitoring. This webinar will be accredited by the Canadian Psychological Association for continuing education.