WHEREAS, raising awareness about Tourette syndrome, a type of tic disorder, is integral to promoting education and advocacy for this often-misunderstood condition among our fellow Virginians; and

WHEREAS, Tourette syndrome is defined as a neurodevelopmental motor disorder that causes sudden, involuntary movements and sounds, known as tics, and can affect individuals of all ages; and

WHEREAS, Tourette syndrome is the most well-known tic disorder  due to its depictions in movies and television shows; however, true understanding of this condition remains limited;  and

WHEREAS, greater awareness and understanding of this disorder are crucial to fostering acceptance and assistance to those living with it; and

WHEREAS, tics may range from mild and inconsequential to moderate or even severely disabling, commonly occurring during periods of anxiety, excitement, or fatigue, and are associated with distress or discomfort; and

WHEREAS, Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders are not rare, with approximately 1 in 160 children aged 5 to 17 in the United States diagnosed with Tourette syndrome, and 1 in 50 children affected by either Tourette syndrome or another tic disorder; and

WHEREAS, awareness and advocacy around Tourette syndrome help educate Virginians to improve the lives of those affected by providing schools with necessary support, preventing bullying through understanding and compassion, and normalizing that being different is OK;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Glenn Youngkin, do hereby recognize August 10, 2025, as TOURETTE SYNDROME AWARENESS DAY in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.