About Us
We are a successful parenting team, each of us having professional accrediations that we apply to the raising of our children who are profoundly affected by neurological disorders. 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), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Learning Disabilities. We have our struggles and failures, but we continue to move forward. We have learned to celebrate our strengths and to support each others’ weaknesses and foster constant personal growth. We share our experiences and knowledge and offer support to those who are seeking assistance in living with, loving, or teaching those persons who experience neurological differences. We have lots to share.
Services
We provide support in the form of half-day and full-day presentations as well as personal on-line and teleconference support (Skype/FaceTime). We provide information, explanations, strategies and discussion tailored to 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
- friends and family members will benefit from learning and gaining an understanding of why we Touretters are driven to do what we do
The Neurologically Gifted Team
Ken Shyminsky is a Vice Principal in a publicly funded school board in Ontario, Canada. Specializing in challenging behaviours, he has drawn upon his personal experiences as a student and teacher who has Tourette Syndrome to help children with Tourette and related disorders. In addition to having Tourette Syndrome himself, Ken’s Tourette experiences include work as a Teaching Assistant, Special Education teacher, school administrator, and parent. In addition, Ken is a mentor to those living with TS and counselor for their families.
Currently the Vice President of Tourette Canada and member of the National Education and Advocacy Committee, Ken 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+. He has been recognized by Tourette Canada (formerly the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada) for his contributions at a national level by naming him the National Senior Role Model. Ken has also served as a consultant for families as well as organizations to support children who live with Tourette Syndrome and other neuro-chemical disorders, as well as learning disabilities.
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 our neurologically affected children. 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.