
For our last episode of the year, we had the pleasure of speaking with Julian Fletcher, the programme coordinator of the Tourette OCD Alberta Network in Canada.

This insightful conversation delves into how associations can provide indispensable support for families and healthcare professionals dealing with Tourette Syndrome and OCD.
Throughout the episode, Julian shares the multifaceted approach his organisation takes to promote understanding, support, and community involvement across Canada.
His role at the Tourette OCD Alberta Network is comprehensive, involving everything from organising educational webinars to offering direct psychoeducation for newly diagnosed families. The network addresses the needs of diverse audiences, including parents, families, healthcare professionals, and educators, by providing webinars that cover topics like understanding Tourette Syndrome and OCD, behavioural interventions, and youth depression.
Julian emphasises the importance of making these webinars engaging and tailored to the specific concerns of each audience group.
A significant part of the network's mission is educational outreach in schools and communities, where Julian employs his background in teaching to create interactive presentations. These sessions are designed to foster empathy and understanding among students and staff, often culminating in impactful empathy activities that resonate deeply with participants.
He shares how these presentations not only improve awareness but also bring about positive changes in school environments and beyond, leading to greater acceptance and support for children with Tourette Syndrome.
Through collaboration with Tourette Canada, the network extends its reach nationwide, offering care navigation and resources to families seeking support. Julian discusses how the partnership enhances the network's ability to connect parents with healthcare providers, while also facilitating peer support events that strengthen community bonds. Despite the challenges of reaching widespread audiences, the network continues to host successful events that bring families together, providing them with valuable opportunities to share experiences and gain insights from experts.
Contact Julian Fletcher.
Thank you Julian for your time and this insightful discussion!
The Frontiers editorial office will be able to provide more information/answer any questions.
Discover the spectacular destination where we shall meet again next summer!



Invited speakers
- Le relazioni si terranno in lingua inglese con traduzione simultanea in italiano
- Accreditamento ECM per medici, psicologi, infermieri
"A brilliant and empathetic comedy narrating the daily life of a boy with Tourette."
(See detailed programme below)
- Prof Andreas Hartmann, France
Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Hôpital de la Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, FR - Dr Christelle Nilles, France
Neurologist, Department of Neurology, Rothschild Foundation Hospital, Paris, FR
- Michele Dunlap, Germany
President & Acting Treasurer - Marla Shea, UK/USA
Secretary
- Christina Papakaliatis, Founder
-Healthcare professionals: a round table for discussion with the speakers will be held in the afternoon.
Online registration is mandatory to secure your participation.
- This event is strictly available to adults and minors aged 16-17 years old. Underaged attendees will not be permitted access.
- The seminar is offered for educational purposes; clinical consultations with any of the invited healthcare professionals will not be provided onsite.
- Only registered participants may attend the event. We will regrettably not be able to admit other non-registered visitors accompanying you.
- Tourette Greece
- TTAG
- ESSTS
- Assessment (including differential diagnosis)
- Natural course and prognosis
- Epidemiology
- Causes & mechanisms
- Q&A
- ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
- ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
- Mood (anxiety & depression)
- Sleep
- Q&A
- Available treatments
- Clinical cases
- Comprehensive Q&A with the audience
- Tuesday, 27 May 2025: 18:00-20:00 BST. Led by: Virginie Czernecki & Katrin Woitecki
- Tuesday, 30 September 2025: 18:00-20:00 BST. Led by Tara Murphy & Jolande van de Griendt
- Tuesday, 25 November 2025: 18:00-20:00 GMT. Led by: Cara Verdellen & Katrin Woitecki
Registration rate per online consultation (2 hours): €35.
(See detailed programme below)
- Dr Christos Androutsos
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Head Consultant at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, SGHA - Dr Anastasia Dougali
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, SGHA
- Dr Marinos Kyriakopoulos
Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist
Assistant Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Athanasia Makri
Psychologist
MSc in Clinical Psychology
Online registration is mandatory to secure your participation.
- This event is strictly available to adults and minors aged 16-17 years old. Underaged attendees will not be permitted access.
- The seminar is offered for educational purposes; clinical consultations with any of the invited healthcare professionals will not be provided on site.
- Only registered participants may attend the event. We will regrettably not be able to admit other non-registered visitors accompanying you.
- Behavioural approaches being adapted for acceptance – developmental factors
- Working with school, work & family
- Using Schema Therapy techniques to deal with negative childhood experiences that need addressing
- Parents Living Well with Tics; engaging the system to enhance acceptance and well being
Case discussion led by Noa Ben-Aroya, Dana Feldman and John Piacentini
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