New research shows bullying a main factor behind self-harm thoughts for people with Tourette syndrome
WARNING: This story contains content about bullying and suicidal ideation.
When Nita Ryan's son Anzac was just 10 years old, she heard him say the words every parent dreads — and a nation-first study has found the experience is alarmingly common.
"Anzac came to his teacher and us and told us at one point that he did not want to be here anymore," Ms Ryan said.
"He just wanted his tics to stop."
Anzac, 11, lives with Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition which causes involuntary movements and vocalisations, known as tics.
A new report by the Kids Research Institute Australia and the University of New South Wales found one in two children with a tic-related disorder have thought about ending their life.
The rates of attempted suicide in children and adults with the condition are five times the national average.
The Impact for Tourette's research project found bullying, discrimination and a lack of understanding were some of the main contributing factors to emotional distress.
Anzac lives with at least 20 different tics and recently had to move schools after "severe" bullying led him to an overwhelming sense of helplessness.
"[It was] horrific. A 10-year-old should never have to feel that. A 10-year-old shouldn't know what that is," his mum Ms Ryan said.
"We had a few incidents where he was actually followed to our car to get picked up and he was pushed and hit."
The move was the best decision the family made, but now in grade six, Anzac is worried about the future.
"I don't feel teased at my school right now … I feel like when I go to high school I might be left out or in a lot of trouble," Anzac said.
"Staying with my family makes me feel safe and nothing can happen to me.
"[At school] it's hard to feel safe and it's hard to learn sometimes.
"It's like a curse and it's a severe condition that isn't fixable."
About 1 per cent of children live with Tourette syndrome in Australia and along with the social stigma, the healthcare sector is also lagging.
The report evaluated systemic issues across the healthcare, education, employment and mental health sectors and found challenges across the board.
It made seven recommendations to the industries to improve the treatment and management of Tourette syndrome.
Senior research fellow and report co-author, Dr Melissa Licari , said one of the key recommendations was to establish a national clinical guideline for diagnosis and treatment.
"After they're diagnosed, there's no services available in terms of providing the therapies and treatments that they need and also the support that they might need in the community as well," Dr Licari said.
"There also needs to be training and resources available for healthcare professions, for educators and also employees."
Despite being severe and common, Tourette syndrome has not garnered the same attention as other disorders.
Ms Ryan said Anzac also has an autism spectrum disorder and said the difference in response to the diagnosis was astounding.
"When he was diagnosed with autism, we were given all of this information … here is all of the specialists that can help you, here's all of the therapies that can help you," she said.
The research also found only one in 20 people have access to NDIS funding and on his third attempt of medication, Anzac's medical bills have added up.
"Everything we do, we have to do privately and pay," Ms Ryan said.
"It's extremely hard, especially if he's crying in pain. You can't do anything. There's nothing anyone can do."
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ABC News
5 days ago
- ABC News
New research shows bullying a main factor behind self-harm thoughts for people with Tourette syndrome
WARNING: This story contains content about bullying and suicidal ideation. When Nita Ryan's son Anzac was just 10 years old, she heard him say the words every parent dreads — and a nation-first study has found the experience is alarmingly common. "Anzac came to his teacher and us and told us at one point that he did not want to be here anymore," Ms Ryan said. "He just wanted his tics to stop." Anzac, 11, lives with Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition which causes involuntary movements and vocalisations, known as tics. A new report by the Kids Research Institute Australia and the University of New South Wales found one in two children with a tic-related disorder have thought about ending their life. The rates of attempted suicide in children and adults with the condition are five times the national average. The Impact for Tourette's research project found bullying, discrimination and a lack of understanding were some of the main contributing factors to emotional distress. Anzac lives with at least 20 different tics and recently had to move schools after "severe" bullying led him to an overwhelming sense of helplessness. "[It was] horrific. A 10-year-old should never have to feel that. A 10-year-old shouldn't know what that is," his mum Ms Ryan said. "We had a few incidents where he was actually followed to our car to get picked up and he was pushed and hit." The move was the best decision the family made, but now in grade six, Anzac is worried about the future. "I don't feel teased at my school right now … I feel like when I go to high school I might be left out or in a lot of trouble," Anzac said. "Staying with my family makes me feel safe and nothing can happen to me. "[At school] it's hard to feel safe and it's hard to learn sometimes. "It's like a curse and it's a severe condition that isn't fixable." About 1 per cent of children live with Tourette syndrome in Australia and along with the social stigma, the healthcare sector is also lagging. The report evaluated systemic issues across the healthcare, education, employment and mental health sectors and found challenges across the board. It made seven recommendations to the industries to improve the treatment and management of Tourette syndrome. Senior research fellow and report co-author, Dr Melissa Licari , said one of the key recommendations was to establish a national clinical guideline for diagnosis and treatment. "After they're diagnosed, there's no services available in terms of providing the therapies and treatments that they need and also the support that they might need in the community as well," Dr Licari said. "There also needs to be training and resources available for healthcare professions, for educators and also employees." Despite being severe and common, Tourette syndrome has not garnered the same attention as other disorders. Ms Ryan said Anzac also has an autism spectrum disorder and said the difference in response to the diagnosis was astounding. "When he was diagnosed with autism, we were given all of this information … here is all of the specialists that can help you, here's all of the therapies that can help you," she said. The research also found only one in 20 people have access to NDIS funding and on his third attempt of medication, Anzac's medical bills have added up. "Everything we do, we have to do privately and pay," Ms Ryan said. "It's extremely hard, especially if he's crying in pain. You can't do anything. There's nothing anyone can do."
Courier-Mail
7 days ago
- Courier-Mail
Family of teenager who died playing ‘run it straight' make heartbreaking revelation, Ryan Satterthwaite
Don't miss out on the headlines from Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News. The family of Ryan Satterthwaite, who tragically died from injuries sustained in a backyard 'run it straight' game, has revealed the teenager and his friends got the idea to play the game after seeing it online. For years the 'run it straight' trend has sporadically gone viral on social media platforms. But in recent months it has transformed from a viral social media trend to a fully-fledged sport, with 'Run it Straight Official' and 'RUNIT Championship League' turning it into a business and holding competitions in Australia and New Zealand. Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer. The sport involves four rounds of players charging at each other along a 10m grass runway, with each competitor taking turns carrying a rugby ball. The objective is to either successfully tackle the opponent or run them over in a hard-hitting collision. The contest ends when a player is knocked out or concussed. If both players remain standing at the end of four rounds, a judging panel decides the winner, with the key criteria judged being damage to your opponent. But the 'sport' has been controversial due to the violent nature of some of the tackles, as leading neuroscientists warn 'people will die'. And that grave warning has now rang true, with Kiwi teenager Ryan Satterthwaite dying from what was described as an 'innocuous' tackle playing a backyard game of 'run it straight' on the weekend. Ryan Satterthwaite tragically died after participating in the 'run it straight' trend. Image: Supplied According to Ryan's uncle, Peter Satterthwaite, his nephew and his friends decided to try it at a 21st birthday celebration on Sunday after seeing the big hits on social media. 'They decided to give it a go because of what they saw on social media and on the news last week about it,' Satterthwaite told Stuff. Footage of the tackle that resulted in the injuries that would later take the life of Ryan, was given to police. The video of the tackle in question reportedly didn't even hit his head, instead it was the jolting motion of the hit that proved fatal. Satterthwaite says in the aftermath of the game, his nephew was coherent and talking with his friends but soon deteriorated at a rapid rate. An ambulance was called to the home in Palmerston North but he went downhill at such a rate, his friends decided they couldn't wait for it to arrive, rushing him to Palmerston North Hospital. By the time they arrived Ryan had lost consciousness due to the swelling on his brain. He would never wake up. Ryan Satterthwaite pictured. Image: Supplied Dr Alan Pearce warns 'it will happen again' Leading sports neuroscientist Dr Alan Pearce told that it was sadly 'only a matter of time' until someone died playing the sport. 'This was a matter of time really as sad as that is to say,' Dr Pearce told on Tuesday. 'The concern is that this can happen at any level. Even in the sanctioned 'run it' events someone will probably die in that at some point as well. 'It can't be done safely and when there's kids and teens that see it they like to copy what they see online, and this is something that absolutely not should be copied. The Run It challenge has taken off in recent months. Image: Run It Championship 'It is the biggest please do not try this at home disclaimer if I've ever seen one'. That message was echoed by Satterthwaite, who told Stuff: 'We can put it all out on social media that this is a silly thing to do. Don't do it but no-one's going to listen to us unless we get celebrities on board.' After the teen's death made waves RUNIT Championship League organisers released a statement saying they did 'not encourage any copying of the sport as it should only be done under the strict conditions'. 'This is tragic news and our hearts go out to the family and friends of Ryan. Any contact sport like boxing, martial arts or combat-style activities should only be held in highly-controlled environments, which include professional medical supervision and support.' But that response only infuriated Peter Satterthwaite who said that they are 'dumb' if they think that would stop another fatality from happening. 'That's just their bullsh** line to justify what they're trying to do,' he continued. 'What did they think was going to happen? They'd be dumb if they thought nobody was going to get hurt. They said on the news they have a medical professional on standby. But a medical professional wouldn't have helped Ryan one little bit.' Dr Alan Pearce has warned more people will die if run it straight continues. Picture: Dean Martin New Zealand rugby stars urge caution amid tragic death On Wednesday night, New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) issued a statement, saying: 'NZRL is not associated with nor encourages participation in any events or collision sports like Runit.' 'It's concerning to see people in these events putting themselves at risk of serious injury, and we strongly encourage our rugby league community to only participate in games or events organised or sanctioned by NZRL, our zones and districts, or our associates,' the statement continued. 'In doing so, we can control and mitigate the health and safety of all involved.' While New Zealand rugby stars urged people to not participate in the violent sport. Former All Black halfback Steve Devine told Radio NZ the game was a 'recipe for disaster' and believes it should be banned. While All Blacks star Ardie Savea admitted he had participated in something similar during his youth and said it was therefore hard to condemn it without being a hypocrite. 'It's a tough one,' Ardie Savea said at Moana Pasifika training on Thursday. 'I don't know the precautions they take in terms of the head side of things and you can see the other side and understand why they're doing it and whatnot. 'It's hard because it's kind of made me the rugby player I am – I used to do run it straights in the backyard with Bus (brother Julian Savea) – so you kind of see both sides. 'It's really hard to say, but I'd just encourage people to be safe.' Various 'run it straight' competitions are going viral. Image: Instagram New Zealand government moves to crack down on controversial spot The future of 'run it straight' now hangs in the balance in New Zealand, with the Government seeking advice on what they can do about the controversial sport. Sport NZ group chief executive Raelene Castle told the New Zealand Herald it was concerned about the emergence of the sport, 'which clearly comes with significant health and safety risks'. 'Both Sport NZ and High-Performance Sport NZ (HPSNZ) are committed to fostering safe and inclusive activities and events for all New Zealanders. 'We are working to facilitate a cross-agency discussion with those who have an interest in this area on what a Government approach to the operation of combat sport, including the emergence of activities and events like run it straight, in New Zealand could look like.' Castle strongly advised people against participating in run it or any activities that encourage high-speed collisions. New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxonl labelled the teenager's death 'an absolute tragedy'. (Photo by) While New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon labelled Satterthwaite's death an 'absolute tragedy' on Friday morning and said competing in the viral trend was 'a dumb thing to do'. 'When it's happening at a 21st birthday party unofficially, that is not something the Government can solve through legislation or through regulation,' Luxon said. 'All I can say to young adults who are participating is you've got some personal responsibility in this. You're hearing the advice from the police, from the medical fraternity, from the Government, from principals saying don't do it. 'To the adults that are involved in the more formal organisation of it and are influencing it and leading this out on social media, I think you need to stop and I can't be any clearer. 'The evidence is that it's a dumb thing to do and you should stop.' Originally published as Family of teenager who died playing 'run it straight' make heartbreaking revelation
West Australian
28-05-2025
- West Australian
Nationals MLA for Albany Scott Leary delivers moving inaugural speech in State Parliament
Albany's new MLA Scott Leary delivered a moving inaugural address in State Parliament last week, drawing laughter and even a collective 'aw' from the sitting members. Mr Leary's 17-minute speech on May 20 began with an apology after his phone went off during the preceding speech: 'As a volunteer firefighter in the Kalgan Volunteer Fire Brigade you can have whatever setting you like on the phone, but the BART system will override it.' In the wide-ranging address, Mr Leary described his humble journey into politics, from leaving school after Year 10 to rising through the corporate ranks at Westpac and Albany City Motors. 'As a proposed used car salesman — although I was a director and a financial controller — I am grateful that the chamber has lawyers and real estate agents to keep me off the bottom of the ladder,' he said to chuckles from the sitting members. He also laid out his priorities as Albany's first Nationals MLA in 70 years: regional health care, roads and transport links, backing local business, opportunities for young people, protecting the environment and increasing housing stock. He detailed the 'extraordinary natural beauty and immense historical significance' of the electorate, touching on the ancient and continuing custodianship of the land by the Menang Noongar people, the city's forthcoming bicentenary, and its 'proud' role as the home of the Anzac. 'Albany has always been central to Western Australia's story,' he said. 'It is a story of discovery, of courage, of community. 'Together, with pride in our past and hope in our future, we will write its next and greatest chapters.' He also noted the region's economic weight, though unfortunately appeared to get his facts wrong, saying that 'Our region makes up approximately 20 per cent of the number of Western Australians who live outside the greater metro area, but we contribute up to 60 per cent of the State's GDP.' The Great Southern makes up 9 per cent of the State's regional population and contributes 1.3 per cent to its gross regional product, according to data published by the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation in its 2024 WA Economic Profile. But it wasn't all business for the former financial director, who took the time to thank the family members, friends, colleagues and mentors who had helped him along the way, choking up as he spoke of his 'amazing' sons. 'Of all the things I have done in my life, the greatest achievement I am most proud of is the sons and the men they have become,' Mr Leary said, drawing a collective 'aw' from the audience. He went on to thank the people of Albany, Mt Barker and the Great Southern for placing their trust in him, which he said he carries 'with deep humility and a fierce determination to serve'. 'Today is one of the proudest days of my life,' he said. Nationals leader Shane Love and Opposition Leader Basil Zempilas were among the throng surrounding Mr Leary with Mr Zempilas caught on the mic telling the newly elected member 'beautiful speech, well done'.
