HMS Student Educates Lawmakers about Tourette Syndrome

In early March, Hoover Middle School student Maeve Hashey had an incredible opportunity to travel to Washington, D.C. as part of the Tourette Association of America’s (TAA) Ambassador Program. Maeve was one of just 116 young people chosen nationwide to attend this training.

“I was so excited to learn that I was picked,” Maeve said. “I have never done something before like this so I was really excited to have this opportunity.”

“The TAA Ambassador Program is designed to strengthen the resilience of young people living with Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders, while providing them with the tools needed to take action and advocate for change at the personal, local, and national level,” said TAA Board Chair Jasmine Tarkoff. “By sharing their stories and experiences, these ambassadors not only educate others about Tourette Syndrome, but also inspire hope, and foster a sense of community.”

Maeve was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS) in September 2024 after a year and a half of motor and verbal tics. You can read her story here. It’s estimated that 1-in-50 school-aged children in the U.S. are affected by TS or another Persistent Tic Disorder. These conditions cause involuntary movements and sounds known as tics, and since TS is highly stigmatized and misunderstood, can cause individuals with TS to be bullied, feel alone, and even be misdiagnosed.

It’s why the TAA Ambassador Program is giving young adults like Maeve the chance to educate and bring awareness to TS. During her recent trip to Washington, D.C., which also marked her first time visiting the District, Maeve visited local attractions, took part in public speaking workshops, built leadership and advocacy skills, and connected with other young advocates.

“It was really fun meeting all these other kids who have the same challenges as me and know what I’m going through,” Maeve said. “I also figured out new things I hadn’t known before like something called Coprolalia which is a specific tic that impacts some of the kids that I met. They all shared their stories and it really impacted me in learning all the struggles they’re going through.”

The trip culminated in the TAA’s annual “Trip to the Hill” where Maeve met with congressional representatives like Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Representatives Joseph Morelle and Tim Kennedy to share her story and raise awareness about the difficulties she and others face while living with TS. She also had the opportunity to advocate for continued funding for the Tourette Association and for the passage of several bills currently in Congress which would benefit those living with neurological disorders.

Last year, Maeve educated some of her classmates about her condition and is hoping to take advocate and share her story with even more classmates, educators, and members of the community.

“I just really want to raise awareness. Most people don’t understand what TS is and how it impacts someone,” she said. “Maybe by me talking to them, they’ll understand more about TS and will spread that to other people.”