Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month - Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Month is an annual global initiative to recognize and raise awareness for Tourette syndrome.

Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month 2025 – May 2025

Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Month, from May 15 to June 15, is a period during which several activities are put together by health organizations for raising awareness about Tourette’s syndrome. Tourette syndrome or Tourette’s syndrome is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by multiple movement (motor) tics and at least one vocal tic. These are typically preceded by an unwanted urge or sensation in the affected muscles known as a premonitory urge. Tics occur involuntarily, as in hiccups for example; though an individual might not want to hiccup, the body does it anyway. People can stop themselves from doing a certain tic for a while, but it is quite difficult, and cannot be sustained.

History of Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month

Tourette syndrome, or Tourette’s syndrome, is a neurological disorder, usually hereditary, which could either begin in an individual’s childhood or adolescence. It is characterized by the presence of multiple motor tics and at least one vocal tic. The eponym for the condition was given by Jean-Martin Charcot on behalf of his intern, Georges Albert Édouard Brutus Gilles de la Tourette, a French physician and neurologist, who published an account of nine patients who had the disease in 1885.The possibility of movement disorders, Tourette syndrome inclusive, having been of organic origin came to the fore when an encephalitis epidemic from 1918 to 1926 resulted in a subsequent epidemic of tic disorders. In 1972, research advanced the position that Tourette’s is a neurological, rather than psychological, disorder and since the 1990s, a more neutral view of Tourette’s had taken shape, in which biological vulnerability and adverse environmental events are seen as interacting factors.Tourette’s is a heterogeneous condition accompanied by waxing and waning symptoms. High-profile media coverage focuses on treatments that do not have established safety or efficacy e.g., deep brain stimulation, and alternative therapies involving unstudied efficacy and side effects are pursued by many parents. Research since 1999 has advanced the genetics, neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and neuropathology aspects of the knowledge of Tourette’s syndrome. However, there are still questions about the best classification for it as well as its close relationship with other movements or psychiatric disorders. There are currently efforts being made towards researching the genetic origin and possibly better management of Tourette’s syndrome.

Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month timeline

1825
Jean-Martin Charcot is Born

The influential French physician Jean-Martin Charcot, whose work in neurology will influence Georges Gilles de la Tourette, is born.

1825
First Case of Tourette’s Discovered

The earliest known case of Tourette’s syndrome is observed, although it is yet to be known as Tourette’s syndrome.

1857
Georges Gilles de la Tourette is Born

The French physician after whom the condition was named, Georges Gilles de la Tourette, is born.

1885
“Study of a Nervous Affliction” is Published

Georges de la Tourette’s study of nine patients suffering from the syndrome, titled “Study of a Nervous Affliction,” is released.

Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month FAQs

What is Tourette’s Syndrome?

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting children, adolescents, and adults. It is characterized by sudden, involuntary movements and/or sounds which are called tics.

What is Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Month?

Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Month is a period during which several activities are put together by health organizations for raising awareness about Tourette’s syndrome.

When is Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Month?

Tourette’s Syndrome Awareness Month is observed from May 15 to June 15 each year.

How to Observe Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month

  1. Participate in “Move For Tourettes”

    “Move For Tourette’s” is an exercise organized annually in honor of Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month. You can join in and participate in this year’s lineup of activities.

  2. Raise money for Tourettes Action

    You can open a fundraiser online (or offline). Invite family friends and the general public to come to donate towards raising funds for Tourettes Action.

  3. Share on social media

    You can share photos, pictures, and other media documenting your participation in different exercises throughout Tourettes Awareness month on social media. Use the #TourettesSyndromeAwarenessMonth and #TourettesAwarenessMonth hashtags.

5 Interesting Facts About Tourette's Syndrome

  1. Tourette's Syndrome causes tics

    People with Tourettes syndrome usually experience multiple motor tics, which are neurological anomalies.

  2. It’s named after Georges de la Tourette

    First discovered in 1825, Tourette's syndrome did not have a specific name until one was given to it by Jean-Martin Charcot, who named it after his intern, Georges de la Tourette.

  3. One in 100 children have Tourette’s

    . Studies have shown that one in every 100 children is likely to have Tourette's syndrome or a similar form of tic disorder.

  4. Tourette’s patients all have unique tics

    It has been said that no two individuals with Tourette's syndrome have the same tic.

  5. Males are more likely to have Tourette’s

    Studies show that males are three to five times more likely to suffer Tourettes Syndrome than females.

Why Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month is Important

  1. It creates awareness for Tourettes Syndrome

    The Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month is an exercise in bringing more and more awareness to the condition to sensitize people towards its signs, symptoms, and possible treatments. We love creating awareness about important causes.

  2. It’s an opportunity to reach out and donate

    Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month is a very good opportunity for people to rally together and donate to a cause. Do some research and donate to an organization of your choice.

  3. It keeps the conversation ongoing

    Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month, and all the activities surrounding it, help to keep the conversation going. It encourages more medical research that could lead to better managing Tourettes Syndrome.

Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month dates

Year Date Day
2023 May 1 Monday
2024 May 1 Wednesday
2025 May 1 Thursday
2026 May 1 Friday
2027 May 1 Saturday
National Chocolate Parfait Day
Silver Star Service Banner Day
National Loyalty Day
May Day
National Mother Goose Day
National Day of Reason
School Principals' Day
World Password Day
National Infertility Survival Day
National Day of Prayer
New Home Owners Day
Global Love Day
Save The Rhino Day
International Doodle Dog Day
Executive Coaching Day
Beltane
Worthy Wage Day
Frequent Flyer Day
National Purebred Dog Day
Couple Appreciation Day
Marshall Islands Constitution Day
National Rotate Your Beer Day
National Black Barber Shop Appreciation Day
National Mantra Day
National Blessing Day
Philippines Labor Day
Phone in Sick Day
Learn to Ride a Bike Day
Keep Kids Alive Drive 25 Day
Therapeutic Massage Awareness Day
Labour and Agriculture Day
International Sunflower Guerilla Gardening Day
Lei Day
CSS Reboot Day
Calan Mai
Gianna Bryant's Birthday
Charli D'Amelio's Birthday
Katya Petrovna Zamolodchikova's Birthday
Paeka's Birthday
Hurricane Preparedness Week
National Physical Education and Sport Week
National Teen Self Esteem Month
Arthritis Awareness Month
Celiac Disease Awareness Month
Food Allergy Action Month
Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection & Prevention Month
National Barbecue Month
National Blood Pressure Month
National Egg Month
National Hamburger Month
National Lyme Disease Awareness Month
National Salad Month
Brain Cancer Awareness Month
Gifts From The Garden Month
International Civility Awareness Month
Date Your Mate Month
Creative Beginnings Month
National Strawberry Month
Get Caught Reading Month
National Inventors Month
National Mediterranean Diet Month
National Salsa Month
ALS Awareness Month
Better Speech and Hearing Month
Borderline Personality Disorder Awareness Month
Correct Posture Month
Global Employee Health and Fitness Month
Healthy Vision Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month
Lupus Awareness Month
National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
National Foster Care Month
National Pet Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
Responsible Animal Guardian Month
National Physiotherapy Month
Haitian Heritage Month
International Internal Audit Awareness Month
Bladder Cancer Awareness Month
American Wetlands Month
EDS Awareness Month
Huntington's Disease Awareness Month
Gardening for Wildlife Month
Maternal Mental Health Month
Women's Health Care Month
National Stroke Awareness Month
National Asparagus Month
National Vinegar Month
MCS Awareness Month
National Meditation Month
Local and Community History Month
Speech and Hearing Awareness Month
National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
National Youth Traffic Safety Month
Fibromyalgia Education and Awareness Month
Labor History Month
National Recommitment Month
National Walking Month
Latino Books Month
International Victorious Woman Month
Indian Heritage Month
Military Appreciation Month
Building Safety Month
National Heritage Month
Revise Your Work Schedule Month
Syringomyelia Awareness Month
National Allergy and Asthma Awareness Month
Fungal Infection Awareness Month
Neurofibromatosis Month
National Preservation Month
Bealtaine Festival
Make May Purple /Action On Stroke Month
International Business Image Improvement Month
Lettuce Month
Heal the Children Month
National Share a Story Month
Pet Sitter Safety Month
Homeschool Awareness Month
Zombie Awareness Month
Clean Air Month
National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
Personal History Awareness Month
Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month
Ultraviolet Awareness Month
International Drum Month
Deck Safety Month
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
Family Wellness Month
Tennis Month
May Measurement Month
Global Youth Traffic Safety Month
National Sight Saving Month
Electromagnetic Radiation Awareness Month
National Show Your Smile Month
National Smile Month
Small Business Month
Lung Health Awareness Month
Chip Your Pet Month
National Duckling Month
Teen CEO Month
Be Kind to Animals Month
Leaders of Tomorrow Month
National Digestive Diseases Awareness Month
Prepare Tomorrow's Parents Month
Older Americans Month
Awareness of Medical Orphans Month
National Tuberous Sclerosis Awareness Month
National San Architect Month
National Prom Graduation Safety Month
REACT Month
Necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month
National Service Dog Eye Examination Month
National Toxic Encephalopathy and Chemical Injury Awareness Month
Steelmark Month
National Community Action Month
Tourette's Syndrome Awareness Month
National Chocolate Custard Month
Strike Out Strokes Month
International Respect for Chickens Month
National Anxiety Month
American Cheese Month
National Photo Month
National Moving Month
Better Sleep Month
National Comfort Month
National Teen Pregnancy Prevention Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
National Bicycle Safety Month