Lecture Notes on Tourette's Syndrome and Teaching

Introduction

• Speaker: Bradley Cohen
• Childhood experiences with nicknames: "Dr Bobo," "honey," "spaz," "freak"
• Lack of friends and constant challenges in school

Challenges Faced in School

• Described feelings of being hyper and misunderstood
• Shrink's perspective: "just a phase" and need for self-control
• Coping with bullying and teasing
• Agreement with Tourette's as a constant companion, affecting school experience

Transition to Adulthood

• Moves to Atlanta, aspires to be a teacher
• Faces challenges related to Tourette's during job interviews
• Discusses the Americans with Disabilities Act and the importance of education about Tourette's

Family Dynamics

• Complicated relationship with parents post-divorce
• Father's tough love and pressure for self-control
• Importance of medication and self-regulation

Acceptance of Tourette's

• Discovering Tourette's has a name and a community
• Attending a support group and realizing the commonality of symptoms
• The realization of the importance of acceptance and education regarding disabilities

Career Aspirations

• The drive to become a teacher despite challenges
• Focus on developing a teaching philosophy that embraces differences
• Importance of transparency about Tourette's in the classroom

Experiences in the Classroom

• First day of teaching and introduction of Tourette's to students
• Creating a supportive environment for learning
• Overcoming challenges with parents concerned about his ability to teach
• Building connections with students through understanding

Achievements and Recognition

• Awarded First-Year Teacher of the Year in Georgia
• Acknowledges the support from family, friends, and students
• Highlights the lessons learned from living with Tourette's
  • Perseverance: Never letting anything stop him from achieving dreams
  • Empathy: Understanding and supporting others with similar challenges

Conclusion

• Emphasizes that challenges can become strengths
• Calls for acceptance and understanding in educational settings
• Encouragement to educate others about disabilities and the potential of individuals with them

Key Takeaways

• Importance of education and awareness about disabilities in schools
• Personal journey of overcoming challenges through resilience and support
• The positive impact of embracing differences in teaching and community.