AUTUMN MEYER

A few weeks ago I was a panelist and exhibitor at @touretteassociation ‘s national conference, TIC-CON26. Over 500 attendees came to Nashville to discuss Tourette Syndrome and co-occurring disorders. As an artist who paints about how my mental state affects the way I perceive movement, this was extremely intriguing and exciting for me. Due to the fact that I have Tourette Syndrome, OCD, and ADHD, it’s become increasingly clear over the years that I experience movement in a unique way both physically and mentally. Growing up, this had me feeling alone in a specific way that was hard to explain. However, at TIC-CON, I felt understood. So many stories were shared, and so many were similar to a point that I felt tremendous relief existing the way that I do. Even those in the room who didn’t experience Tourette Syndrome themselves listened in such an open minded way that was magnetic. The thing that people don’t always see with Tourette Syndrome is the attempt to suppress it, medicated or not. This suppression leads to worsened tics and sometimes tic attacks at home. It leads to physical and mental stress, brain fog, and rage. That weekend I felt no need to suppress. The atmosphere that @touretteassociation created was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever been a part of. Thank you for allowing me to show my art and inviting me to speak. I’m so grateful to have met so many amazing people.🩵
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#tourettes #tourettesyndrome #touretteawareness