uncontrollable (2019)
The purpose of this series is to bring awareness to Tourette Syndrome (TS), a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary movements and unwanted sounds. According to a study done in 2011-2012, research has shown that approximately 1 in every 162 children have Tourette Syndrome, both diagnosed and undiagnosed. It is estimated that at least 148,000 children in the United States have been diagnosed with TS. Although most popular amongst children between the ages of 6 and 17, TS can carry beyond into adult years, sometimes even worsening as individuals get older and often interfering with daily functioning. Amongst those diagnosed with TS, studies have shown that 86% are also diagnosed with at least one additional mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder, including ADHD, depression, autism spectrum disorder, and other learning and speech/language disabilities.
Those who have TS undergo extensive substantial healthcare costs due to multiple healthcare visits, special educational services, medication, and counseling. TS not only affects people physically, but mentally and emotionally and can also negatively affect health, education, employment, family, and friendships. In hopes to bring awareness to TS and to bridge the gaps in knowledge and to find a better way to treat TS and co-occuring MEB (mental, emotional, behavioral) conditions, this project highlights Diana Delgado, a current UNT undergraduate student who is diagnosed with TS.
