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Unraveling a life of Tourette's syndrome : a narrative inquiry

Date

2009

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

ORCID

Type

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

Tourette's Syndrome is a rare, psychiatric condition that has the potential to negatively impact one's social, emotional, and academic domains (American Psychiatric Association, 2000). Those individuals most at risk from suffering from harmful effects are children and young adolescents, who are at a particularly vulnerable point in their lives as they progress through the stages of maturation and development in a variety of realms. Recent research has been conducted examining Tourette's Syndrome's neurological pathways, etiology, characteristics, and limitations of the disease (Freeman, Fast, Burd, Kerbeshian, Robertson & Sandor, 2000). However, limited research exists focusing on the lived, personal experiences of individuals living with this rare and unique syndrome. This study focused on the lives of three participants living with Tourette's Syndrome. Conducted from a narrative inquiry approach, each participant shared their private and unique stories living with Tourette's. Stories were shared through a semi-structured interview design, where each interview was audio recorded and fully transcribed. Each individual's transcript was then analyzed and compared to each participant in efforts to identify common patterns and themes which emerged or notable differences which set each apart. The resulting findings identify an understanding of lives lived with Tourette's Syndrome, and the ultimate strength and courage that is required to overcome obstacles that the syndrome and society have placed on each individual. The findings also provide valuable information for educators and counsellors to assist in their professional practices.

Description

Keywords

Tourette's Syndrome, narrative

Citation

Degree

Master of Education (M.Ed.)

Department

Educational Psychology and Special Education

Program

Educational Psychology and Special Education

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DOI

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