Name
Walking Beside Them: Siblings and the TS Journey 
Date & Time
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Lena Linsenmeier Joan Walling Linsenmeier, Ph.D.
Description

Dealing with Tourette Syndrome (TS) is challenging. It’s very hard for those who actually have it, but it’s difficult for their siblings, too. Siblings of those with TS can have many responses at different moments: they may feel resentful, wish they could help but don’t know how, or just feel uncomfortable with the whole situation. In this interactive workshop we will share our feelings and discuss ways to be allies to our siblings and the broader TS and Tic Disorder community. We will share advice on how to become comfortable with talking to your sibling about TS and how to politely educate others when they have the wrong idea about your sibling or want to know more. Finally, we will discuss strategies for healthy coping with the emotional weight of seeing your sibling and other family members struggle. 

Session Type
Workshop
Description
Joan Walling Linsenmeier is the mother of a 12-year-old Junior Youth Ambassador and co-leader of her local TAA support group. She earned her Ph.D. in Sociology from Princeton University and taught at Azusa Pacific University and the Lutheran Theological Seminary of Philadelphia before shifting priorities to focus on her three neurodivergent children. Her academic research focused on the role of community organizations in charitable care.