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I’ve known about Tim Howard for several years. I’ve followed his career both in the United States and overseas. He’s always been a great role model and an excellent soccer player.

It was exciting for me to see he would be returning as the leader of the United States Soccer Team because he is one of the best goalies in the world. On Thursday, he proved that again. What’s really funny is that people around the world have known about his greatness for some time……but for us in the United States who are not big soccer fans, we have just figured it out.

Tim’s story is an excellent reminder about what makes America great. We love the underdog story. We love to find the best in people even when they are not on top. I love seeing that Tim has become a household name across America even though we lost the soccer game to Belgium. That’s kind of neat.

And on top of all of his success……oh, by the way, he has Tourette Syndrome!

Tim Howard grew up with Tourette’s in a similar way that I did. We both were diagnosed at a young age. We both had good support systems in place. We both made the best out of the situations we were put in. We both found success in something and showed others our true strengths and talents. We both have become role models for thousands of kids and adults who are living with Tourette Syndrome every day.

It is exciting to see so many kids with Tourette Syndrome stand up and be proud to have Tourette’s for just a moment. In some kind of weird way, it is cool to have Tourette’s right now, because Tim Howard, our great goalie has it too. And even though this moment for most people will only be short lived, the power that will come from this one moment will last a lifetime.

We will see kids with Tourette’s have more self-confidence, persevere through tough times, and feel at ease to talk about their Tourette’s to others because they now know that others are aware of Tim Howard and Tourette Syndrome. I know life just became easier for a lot of people with Tourette Syndrome because of Tim’s success.

For that, I salute Tim Howard for being the great person and role model that he has always been.

Cheers, Brad

Watch this short video that shares some highlights from the 2014 Atlanta Tourette Syndrome Conference.

Over 120 people attended from 17 different states and 3 different countries.
We thank all of our sponsors, speakers and those in attendance for making this weekend a huge success!

Click here to check out our wonderful sponsors for this event!

For more information about the conference, visit www.tourettesyndromeconference.com

Date: Friday, February 7th 6:00-9:00 PM and Saturday, February 8, 2014 8:00 AM  to 5:00 PM Location: Marriott Atlanta Perimeter Center Atlanta, Georgia Hotel & Travel:  We have negotiated a discount hotel room rate for the weekend. Click here for Travel & Hotel information.  Sessions: For information on individual sessions and speakers click here. **CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THE CONFERENCE** Discounts available for certain people.  We look forward to seeing you in Atlanta.

Friday Night Dinner with the Speakers!

Join us for: “An Evening to Learn About the Latest Findings on Tourette Syndrome:” “Dinner with the Speakers”, Friday, February 7, 2014 in Atlanta GA We welcome all Doctors and Professionals to attend this wonderful opportunity! Learn the latest treatments from highly acclaimed Yale University’s Dr. James Leckman. Take in the newest ideas of CBIT from Texas A&M’s Dr. Doug Woods. Dinner will include a surf and turf plate for all in attendance. Wine will be included for the night.   CMEs and CEUs through Emory University.   You are welcome to bring your spouse for the evening, too.   Dinner: Dinner with Leckman and Woods  Location: Marriott Atlanta Perimeter Center Atlanta, Georgia **CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR DINNER** Conference: This dinner is part of a larger conference “Breaking Down the Barriers” Date: Friday, February 7, 2014 6:00 PM AM  to 9:00 PM

Tourette Syndrome Conference

February 8, 2014

Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Perimeter Marriott Hotel

www.TouretteSyndromeConference.com

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

A conference for individuals with Tourette Syndrome, teachers, parents of kids who have Tourette Syndrome, psycologists, psychiatrists, therapists, social workers, counselors, physicians, neurologists, health care professionals, nurse practitioners and more!

Come learn the latest and greatest from our team of professionals that will be presenting:

** Be inspired by the story of Brad Cohen.

** Learn the latest treatments from highly acclaimed Yale University’s Dr. James Leckman. 

** Take in the newest ideas of CBIT (Cognative Behavior Therapy) from Texas A&M’s Dr. Doug Woods.

** Hear the educational strategies for the classroom from Sheryl Pruitt.

** Advance your knowledge on the behaviors you are dealing with as Leslie Packer shares.

** Learn more about your parental rights as we talk about IEP’s and 504 Plans.

** And of course the best part of all, you will have a chance to meet others who have TS or deal with TS.  Network and share with others who have been dealing with the same issues as you!

You can attend for as low as $99!

See the agenda, speakers, and location on the website.

*All those who register will receive a free copy of the Hallmark Hall of Fame DVD, Front of the Class.

For more information and to register now, visit the website:  www.tourettesyndromeconference.com

Sponsored by:

If you are in the Chicago, IL area, you are invited to join us at our next fundraiser for The Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation as we do An Evening of Cheers with Brad on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 7pm at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza downtown.

ORDER YOUR TICKETS NOW AT THIS WEBSITE: http://bradcohen.chirrpy.com

Come join us for a night of cheers and help support The Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation as we raise funds to help support children with Tourette Syndrome across the United States.

We have some exciting things plannned:

General Admission $65 per person

7 pm – 10:00 pm

Includes:

• Free Parking

• Cash bar

• Presentation by Brad at 8:00 pm

• Silent auction, raffles, and buffet dinner

• Donations at the event welcome

VIP Experience $150 per person

6 pm – 10:00 pm

Private cocktail hour and Meet and Greet with Brad

Includes:

• 6 pm cocktail hour with cash bar with Brad (2 drink tickets provided)

• Front of the Class movie signed by Brad

• Free Parking

• Presentation by Brad at 8:00 pm

• Silent auction, raffles, and buffet dinner

• Donations at the event welcome

Click on this link to view our Foundation Video: http://bradcohentourettefoundation.com.s96002.gridserver.com/?page_id=1587

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THE EVENT:

Auto Haus
Campusbooks
Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza
Chirrpy.com
Norm, Diane and Coco Cohen

We appreciate their support!

* Corporate sponsorship opportunities availible if interested

Interested in helping out by being on the committee or securing silent auction items/raffle items, email us at brad@bradcohentourettefoundation.com

THE POWER OF ONE

For National Make a Difference to Children Month, I ask you to remember my story, then go out there and pay it forward to help other children who could use your help.

Growing up, people didn’t believe in me and people didn’t want to give me a chance because I was different. I had Tourette Syndrome. What they didn’t know, was their actions gave me the fuel to overcome my disability and go on to become an award winning elementary school teacher and make a difference in the life of children across the United States.

Every time someone said, “Brad can’t do it,” I proved them wrong!

Here are eight ideas that helped me find success and they can help you make a difference in the life of a child near you.

1) The Power of One: Be that ONE person who makes a difference in the life of a child. When everyone else turns away and says “I can’t help that kid,” step up and prove them all wrong and support that child when nobody else will.
2) Keep that Positive Attitude: Show that child that even during the toughest times, keep your head up and look for the positive side of the situation.
3) Show You Care: Put your Ipads down and turn off your cell phones. Listen to what the child is saying and encourage them to be the best they can be.
4) Embrace their Passion: Help that child emerce themselves in whatever they love to do most. Enjoy the moment.
5) Help them Follow their Dreams: Learn what they love to do and help guide them towards success. Don’t allow anyone to take away a child’s dream. That dream may give them hope in life.
6) Focus on their Strengths, not their Weaknesses: Yes, some children have bigger weaknesses than others, but there is no need to remind children of this. Step up and look at the positive things the child is able to do.
7) Show Perseverance: Explain to children not to make excuses because one excuse will lead to the next. Model for them a “never-give-up” attitude. Show them they can do it.
8) Celebrate: When all else fails, celebrate like there’s no tomorrow. It doesn’t matter how big or small the celebration may be, just enjoy life and all the great things the child has to offer.

Cheers

Save the Date!

Front of the Class will air on The Hallmark Movie Channel on Sunday, May 26th at 9pm (EST)

Visit website for more information about when it will be on TV!
http://www.hallmarkmoviechannel.com/

You can download the Teacher’s Guide to use the movie in your classroom here: http://www.classperformance.com/movie-teachers-guide-for-movie/

You can buy the DVD to watch in the future here: http://www.classperformance.com/movie-front-of-the-class-dvd-signed/

Cheers
Brad

Front of the Class will be on The Hallmark Movie Channel this weekend two different times.

Friday, March 29th at 6pm (EST)
Saturday, March 30th at noon (EST)

Check local listings to confirm.

Be sure to look for my cameo appearance with my wife right after the orchestra concert when I’m getting up from my seat and heading to the stage. You’ll see us in the background as some of the teachers in the room.

That scene took about 8 hours to film. It was a long day, but the director said, that was the one scene he had to get right to make the movie really be successful.

You be the judge! Did they get it right?
Enjoy watching Front of the Class! It’s my favorite movie of all time and I hope it will become your favorite too.

Cheers,
Brad

Click Here to buy Front of the Class Now!

Be sure to check out this Hallmark Hall of Fame movie: A Smile as Big as the Moon. It is based on the book by Mike Kersjes and it is a true story. Tom Rickman wrote the screen play. He is the same guy who wrote the screen play for my movie, Front of the Class.

This movie should be a reminder to all of us to never give up, follow our dreams, and always dare to go where others can’t even imagine.

Check out ABC on Sunday, January 29th, 9pm EST.

Check out some news stories at these three links:

http://hallmark.com/online/hall-of-fame/behind-the-scenes.aspx
http://www.mlive.com/news/grand-rapids/index.ssf/2012/01/a_smile_as_big_as_the_moon_pre.html
http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2012/01/video.html

I hate taking standardized tests! And I’m ok saying that. Now that we know my weakness in life, what are we going to do about it?

Every student will come across a standardized test they have to take. They need to go into the test with the right attitude and the right strategies, otherwise they will be setting themselves up for failure.

Here are some test taking strategies that may help you, your child, or the students you work with:

1) POSITIVE ATTITUDE: If you don’t have the right attitude, failure will be right around the corner. It is imperative that you wake up the morning of the test with a positive attitude. It doesn’t have to be “you love taking tests,” but it does need to be “I can do well on this test.”

2) PRACTICE: Just like playing baseball or tennis, you must practice to be good. Same is true with tests, you must practice and learn some strategies about how to tackle the difficult questions. Now days, there are on-line practice tests you can do for free. Teachers, be sure to practice with your students. This doesn’t mean teach the test, it means teach your students how to take a test. After you practice, analyze how you did in order to learn your strengths and weaknesses.

2) GET TO SCHOOL OR THE TEST EARLY: If you are late, that is just one more thing you’ll have on your mind. Get there early, sharpen your pencils, get some water and be ready to go.

3) DRESS FOR SUCCESS: If you are not wearing something comfortable, then you might not be able to focus as well. Have a sweater or a jacket just in case it is cold. Always sit up straight with good posture ready to beat this test.

4) STAY RELAXED AND CONFIDENT: Keep that positive attitude and know you are well prepared. If you are nervous, take some deep breaths. Don’t speak to others about the test, as that might only give you more anxiety.

5) READ THOSE DIRECTIONS CAREFULLY: Dodge those careless mistakes upfront by reading the directions. Be sure to do the entire test and maybe do the easy parts first. This will build up your self confidence early. Don’t get stuck on that one hard question.

6) GO BACK AND CHECK YOUR WORK: If you still have time at the end, go back and check your work. Make sure you didn’t skip any questions and always proof read your writing.

7) THE 12 POWERFUL WORDS (BY LARRY BELL): I once heard a speaker who discussed the 12 Powerful Words seen on standardized tests. These higher order thinking skill words need to be discussed prior to the test being taken.

The words are: Analyze, Evaluate, Describe, Infer, Support, Explain, Summarize, Compare, Contrast, Predict, Trace, and Formulate

Knowing and understanding these words upfront might just put you over the top.

8) MISCELLANEOUS: Get a good night sleep, eat a good breakfast, drink lots of water, and last but not least, if you don’t understand something, ALWAYS ASK!

Best wishes to all of you that must take a standardized test over the next few months. Hopefully these strategies will help you find success. Don’t forget your #2 pencils.

Cheers, Brad