Our Story
We are a successful family profoundly affected by neurological disorder. Within our family of five we share and manage successfully with Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Social Anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD), and Learning Disabilities. We have our struggles and failures, and move forward. We have learned to celebrate our strengths and to support each others’ weaknesses and foster constant personal growth. We want to share our experiences and knowledge and offer support to anyone seeking assistance in living with, loving, or teaching those persons who experience neurological differences. We have lots to share.
Our Approach
We provide support in the form of information, explanations, strategies and discussion tailored for the needs of our audience: parents will gain insight from two TS+ experienced parents, teachers/educators will learn from a seasoned lead educator, individuals who have TS+ will be able to reflect on the experiences and musings of 2 adults who deal with the daily challenges these disorders bring, and friends and family members will benefit from learning and gaining an understanding of why we Touretters are driven to do what we do
Who is Neurologically Gifted??
Ken Shyminsky is a Vice Principal with the Halton District School Board. Specializing in challenging behaviours, he has drawn upon his personal experiences as an teacher and student with Tourette Syndrome to help children with TS and related disorders. In addition to having Tourette Syndrome himself, Ken’s Tourette experiences include work as a Teaching Assistant, Special Education and classroom teacher, school administrator and parent, as well as a mentor for those living with TS and counselor for their families.
As a former Vice President of the Greater Toronto Chapter of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada and member of the National Education and Advocacy Committee, he was a co-author and co-editor of Tourette Syndrome: A Handbook for Educators, and the creator of monthly Recreational networking sessions for children and teens who suffer from TS+. In 1998, the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada recognized Ken Shyminsky for his contributions by naming him the National Senior Role Model. Ken is also a member of the Board of Directors for Camp Winston, a world-renowned summer camp for children who live with Tourette Syndrome and other neuro-chemical disorders, as well as autism and learning disabilities. He is also a member of the Board of Directors for the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada, chairing the Education and Advocacy Committees.
Julie Spratt is a Registered Nurse specializing in cardio-vascular intensive care. Her experience and knowledge in the medical field and pharmacology has been invaluable in navigating the roller-coaster treatment plans for her neurologically affected child. Julie draws upon her medical background and parenting experience to support families who are struggling to meet the special needs of their children. In addition to her professional background, Julie is also able to draw on her personal experiences as a person who herself has Tourette as well as general anxiety disorder and PTSD.