We want to give utmost importance to these three (3):

✅ Highlight TS as a "Neurological Disorder" - This is one of the most important points in our advocacy. Madalas kasing napagkakamalan na "Psychological" or "Mannerisms" ang TS.

❌ Do not highlight co-morbidities – For most audiences, the concept of TS and tics is already complex, especially for Filipinos. Please focus only on tics, and avoid going into co-morbidities like ADHD, Anxiety, or OCD, which are beyond the scope of our advocacy messaging.

❌  Do not highlight Coprolalia – Only less than 5% of people with TS have this complex vocal tic. Focusing on it gives the wrong impression that all persons with TS have it. That already happened in the USA... we want to avoid it here in the Philippines while it's early. PTSA will be very displeased if you choose to feature a Filipino with TS who exhibits symptoms of Coprolalia. Please, don't.

Other important guidelines:

✅ Use respectful language – Always say “Person/Filipino with Tourette Syndrome” or “TS advocate/ PTSA member.”

✅ Focus on the person, not just the condition – We want to inspire other Filipinos with TS. Highlight achievements, talents, and advocacies. We have members from all walks of life.

✅ Explain tics correctly – Clarify that tics are involuntary and not done on purpose.

✅ Feature BOTH motor and vocal tics – The presence of both is a diagnostic criteria for TS. Kung hindi both present, hindi s'ya TS. It doesn't matter which one is more prominent.

✅ Use appropriate terms - Ex. Tics, not “Mannerisms” or “habits"; Neurological, not “nervous” or “psychological”

❌ Do not misrepresent – Do not suggest or imply that everyone with TS has the same symptoms.

✅ Seek consent – Ask beforehand if it’s okay to show tics on camera or to discuss personal matters.

✅ Promote awareness – Use the interview as a chance to educate, reduce stigma, and support advocacy.

Notes on interviewing a doctor as a "Resource Person"

• The best doctors to interview are Neurologists. While other specialists are also technically qualified (e.g., Psychologists or Psychiatrists), our experience shows that many tend to focus more on the co-morbidities rather than on the tics themselves. For purposes of media coverage and public education, we strongly recommend Neurologists as the primary resource persons. 

• Be strongly advised that, unfortunately, not all Neurologists have had extensive experience with Tourette Syndrome. In fact, in some past interviews with Filipino Neurologists, we have observed that a few tend to give only a textbook description of TS, rather than addressing the real-life issues faced by persons with TS.

• We encourage you to interview a Neurologist from hospitals that have a dedicated center or department for Movement Disorders. As of 2025:

  • • • Makati Medical Center (Makati, Metro Manila) - Movement Disorders Clinic under its Neurosciences Subspecialty Clinics

      • The Medical City (Ortigas, Pasig, Metro Manila) - Movement Disorders Clinic

      • St. Luke’s Medical Center (Quezon City & Global City, Metro Manila) - Movement Disorders Service

      • Cardinal Santos Medical Center (San Juan, Metro Manila) - Brain and Spine Institute, Philippine Movement Disorder Surgery Center

      • East Avenue Medical Center (Quezon City) - Movement Disorder Clinic as part of its Department of Neurosciences

      • University of the Philippines Manila – College of Medicine - Runs a Movement Disorder Clinic once a month through its Neurosciences outpatient services.

      • Chong Hua Hospital (Cebu City) - Cebu Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Service