Finding Your Voice: A Journey of Personal Acceptance from Italy to Advocacy

Hey everyone, Michael here! In today’s episode of The UpTIC, I’m joined by Lorenzo Tiozzo, a passionate advocate who’s navigated Tourette Syndrome across two continents. Lorenzo grew up just outside Venice, Italy, and recently graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Telecommunication, specializing in Film and TV Production. He’s also part of the Rising Leaders Program with the Tourette Association of America—and he’s on a mission to inspire others through storytelling, media, and his personal experience with TS.

We talk about everything from cultural differences in awareness and support between Italy and the U.S., to his bold decision to move abroad, the challenges of acceptance, and how music and film became his therapy. This is a heartfelt and deeply personal conversation about identity, growth, and the power of advocacy. If you’ve ever felt like the only one in the room—or the world—facing a challenge, you’re going to connect with this episode.

Episode Highlights:

 [0:52] Introducing Lorenzo and his background growing up near Venice and studying in the U.S.
 [2:21] What it felt like returning to Italy after years in Florida.
 [3:26] Lorenzo’s childhood dream of studying in America and his passion for film.
 [4:59] First impressions of the U.S. and adjusting to cultural differences.
 [5:27] Discovering and being diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome in Italy.
 [8:22] How boarding school helped him gain independence and self-acceptance.
 [10:28] Choosing a major in telecommunications and film and pursuing creative dreams.
 [11:39] His advocacy journey and the powerful experience of joining the Rising Leaders Program.
 [14:10] Speaking on Capitol Hill and the impact of meeting others with TS.
 [19:20] Challenges in building awareness and breaking stereotypes about Tourette’s.
 [22:31] Lorenzo’s advice for kids facing bullying or isolation due to their tics.
 [24:16] Social media’s role in increasing visibility for TS in Italy.
 [28:09] How co-occurring conditions like ADHD and OCD impact daily life.
 [33:59] The healing power of sports and music in managing symptoms.
 [36:46] Final thoughts and advice: talk to someone, find your support system, and don’t be afraid to share what you're going through.

Links & Resources:

Lorenzo Tiozzo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorenzo-tiozzo-caenazzo-3b654228b/ 

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

Transcript

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 0:00

Talking like and like, sharing your feelings, like, what you're going through. Don't be scared. Don't be like, shy. I mean, I mean, I always like, want to meet new people. Like, I never shy. They can be like, goofing or bad thing, but I feel like you find a new person or like, especially when you're like, going through someone, find a find a good friend, find like, a good, like, family member. Like, it can, it can be your father, your cousin, your sister, your mom, your grandpa, I don't know, like, yeah, find someone and talk with them and share everything you you're going through. Because, like, it's the best thing. I mean, like, when I, when I do this stuff after, like, not my younger age, but like, after with a psychologist, like, something, someone I felt immediately pretty I felt like very good, very good.

Michael Leopold: 0:52

Welcome to the uptick brought to you by The New Jersey Center for Tourette syndrome and associated disorders, empowering children and adults through education, advocacy and research, by sharing the stories and experiences relevant to the TS community. Hello and welcome back to the uptick. Today, I'm speaking with Lorenzo tiazzo, who grew up outside Venice, Italy and recently graduated from the University of Florida studying telecommunications with a specialization in film and TV production. He's also in the rising leaders program with the Tourette Association of America, and is eager to continue his journey in Tourette advocacy. Lorenzo, how are you doing today? I'm

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 1:42

doing good. Hi, Hi, Michael. How you doing good? Good, good. How is how's the weather in Italy today? Yeah, the weather is perfect. Like, there is sunny day. And I'm living close to Venice. My hometown is called kioja, and I and I love it here, but, like, sincerely, I prefer USA for like, living and like studying and working, I think is better. I

Michael Leopold: 2:04

was gonna say, you know, so you've gone back and forth. You, you grew up in Italy, you came to the United States for undergrad. Now you're back in Italy, considering moving back, maybe to New York for grad school, or looking at jobs in the United States. What's it? What is it like being back in Italy after spending, you know, the last four years in the States.

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 2:21

I mean, like, I It's like, kind of weird. Like, I mean, like, I saw my old friends, or my high school friends, and like, I mean, like, it's good to see them, like, my family is losing them, like, every time, like, but like, I'm like, independent person, so I prefer, like, going, like, to stay in the United States and but like, being back in the in Italy always great. Like, you mean, like, the food is better here. I think

Michael Leopold: 2:48

I gotta say, the best pizza I ever had in my life was actually at the train station in Naples. I don't know why it was. You guys would probably laugh and be like, This is not good pizza. But, like, I I'm an American, so I didn't know what good pizza was, and I was just like, oh my gosh, this is delicious. And I got it like a train station of all places. Famous

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 3:06

neighbors for pizza, very famous, like,

Unknown: 3:10

I

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 3:11

mean, it

Michael Leopold: 3:13

was very good. It takes guts to go to the United States, to leave and go to the other side of the world for for university is huge. Was that something that you you knew you always wanted to do? Or how did that come

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 3:26

about? I mean, like, like, since I was a child, like a kid I was, I was, like, always dreaming to go start in the United States, because I'm, like, very patient in front since I was like, seven years old, like eight for cinema, like I was watching, like, all the masterpiece, like, kind of swimming speed, where, like, Marc Scorsese, since I was, like, seven, eight years old, and I think, like, like seeing the United States as, like the like Hollywood, like New York City for like cinema, also cleaner, like, it's a good industry, like they make all the blockbuster or the best movies, like, in in the world. So, like, I always want to dream. I always dreamed, like, to go studying the United States, like, and I did my first two years in Rome, and I transferred to University of Florida. It was my dream came true. Like, you know what I mean? So, like, I was a little scared in the beginning, moving to another country is always, like, hard and like, nine hours to fly, like kind of 10 hours to fly. So like, six times six years, different time zones. So like, it's kind of, it's kind of, we are, we are feeling the beginning, but then I meet new people. Like, is the best thing to do. Like, you enjoy, you enjoy every time there.

Michael Leopold: 4:32

What was something that surprised you about the United States when you came here,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 4:37

first steps? I mean the United States, in Gainesville actually, like in my hometown, in my university hometown, it was like I saw that everything is bigger, but not just the streets, the car also, also the portion of the food when you go to the restaurant, oh yes, personally, is way bigger. Like, you know what? I mean we

Michael Leopold: 4:59

like to eat at. And yes, yes. I think I've heard that before about America. We know that no glad to hear of it and excited to hear more about your experience and kind of what your journey has been like. Want to kind of start at the beginning here, and I'm so curious to hear what it was like growing up as a kid in Italy with Tourette's and sort of what the how you were diagnosed, how all that came about. I'm curious to hear how that scene is different in Italy compared to the United States. Do you want to walk me through, through that, that early part, some of those early

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 5:27

years starting with threats, is kind of like, sometimes I high and lows, like, like, life years, and I my things start when I was, like, around five years old, and then, like, we they started creating increasing like in the elementary school, then, like in the first years of middle school, I found out that they were like, my father, my father, my father, my mom, my family, and also, especially my sister, were always close to me. So they said, like, they were looking they were they were looking at me. And they said, like, there is something weird, like going on, like, I mean, like, he never did his stuff before. So, like, for like, five years, five, six years, I start continuing doing ticks, like plasm, like normal, like, moments like I could not control. And we found a specialized center in Milan there was, like one of the the like, like 15 years ago was one, one on the only one that was like, working with people with Tourette's so like, and then one of the only standard young knows, like, people with rats, they're not Tourette's for people, you know, the people and so, like, we went there when I was, like, 11 years old, and we Found out Tourette Syndrome, like, but like, the journey was very weird, because it was very hard, like, for me, also for the acceptance, because, like, in Italy, it's like, kind of like we are, like, still in the primitive, like, the era, like primitive age, and like, we know, if you see like someone and doing ticks like you, you always judging, like, you know what me, and Then I started going through a lot, like, going through some kind of depression during the high school, and I kind of skipped my first because the thing increased, like, you know, the things increased a lot. So skip, but I kind of didn't want to school a lot in the first two years of high school. And but then I said, like, yeah, it's normal for me, like, because I always, like, hide the stuff I never say to anyone that I have to rats. Like, I never say, like, I tried to control my dicks a lot. So when I came back home, I was exhausted. So, like, I could not I slept all day. I could not do anything. And so, like, the third years of high school, I I changed high school and I went to very kind of American college because, like, also people for like, start they from college study abroad in my high school. So it was cool. Like, it was very cool, very cool boarding on school. And I say to them, like, Yo for senior system, yo guys, I have Tourette Syndrome. So like, for me, it's not a problem. I hope it's not a problem for you guys, like, and we started, like, hanging out having friends, like, they're still have have today. So, like, very my best friends, like, a nice from, from the high school. So, like, kind of, like a process of acceptance in Italy is, like, a lot is a lot of process of acceptance. And sincerely, I went through a lot right now I'm figuring out that is not a problem. And I love, like, living with rest. So, like, it's not, it's not proven for me, Wow,

Michael Leopold: 8:23

love hearing that, and always interesting. Care about people who had just a different experience because it's a different culture there, and Tourette's doesn't have the same level of awareness recognition as it does here. I'm thrilled to hear you got into the boarding school where you found things were changing. You were able to develop that personal acceptance more and build those friendships around you, and you didn't have to feel like, you know, hiding it all the time, or, you know, then being exhausted at the end of the day because you were hiding ticks,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 8:47

yeah. And then also, like, being a boarding High School is, like, gave me the opportunity, like to grow up. And then also, like to, like, be like, confident with the American system, American college system. So I live in American college was, like, very easy for me. Like, the first, first month was kind of hard. But then, like, I immediately, like, loving, you know what I mean, if not, I mean, like, not, not much international students love, like, the experience in America, like college, the college experience, so like, but I absolutely love it, because, like, I mean, like, UF was, like an FCC, so like big college, like, big frats, big like, stadium. So it's kind of cool. Yeah,

Michael Leopold: 9:25

it's me, were you involved in Greek life when you were at involving

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 9:30

Greek life? Because, like, I was not, like, all my friends were in Greek life, so we're on the front, but I could not join because, like, I was kind of, oh, like, you know what? I mean, they want, they want you to join when you're freshmen or so, I joined the junior year. So then, like, I mean, I didn't want to join too. Like, I mean, like, they invited me to parties, stuff like that, to target. So I was not, like, I didn't want to join. Like, you

Michael Leopold: 9:52

know, I know the feeling, at least you were at a school where, like, Greek life was open and inclusive enough, and that, like, you could still go to events and parties and meet the people. I was similar thing. Was not, I was not in a frat, yeah?

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 10:02

I mean, the frat guys invite us who they want, like to the parties.

Michael Leopold: 10:09

Yeah, then you're good, yeah, if you're friends with Evan, no, that's it's great. I and then your, your choice of major, too, you were studying communications, and, you know, specializing in film and TV or telecommunications as your major something you always knew that that was kind of something you wanted to study or from from a young age. Is that right? Yeah,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 10:29

I started my first two years. So College in John Cabot is an American college in Rome where a bunch of people from like, bunch of university in America come study abroad for one semester one year. So like, I was enjoying that. But like, I said, like, this is not my environment. So like, one of, like, a big college, like, literally, the American spirit, they've seen the movies, so they're watching the movies. You want the American experience, you know, and you are giving the experience. But I think, like my feeling to like being like in the film industry, like being like the media, media and film industry, my I wanted to be always, like, in the film industry. Because, like, since I was a child, I always dreamed to, like, studying American college and being like, working and working, like, one day in the media industry. Like, can be like advertising on like film, but like media industry has always, like, called my attention. You know what? I mean, great.

Michael Leopold: 11:18

Yeah. I mean, it's a great country for it. We do a lot of film and TV here. And you know, definitely you set out on a good path there. But curious to hear about some of the advocacy work you've done, and if you've done, you know, especially with it sounds like in the past year or so, you became a rising leader with Taa. Have you done any advocacy work in Italy, or has most of that been kind of your time here in the States,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 11:39

in Italy, I didn't do too much because, like, I want to do stuff, but I was never been involved like, and I didn't like feeling, like, in high school to be involved like I was, I want to, I wanted to focus on to my problems. But then I figured out that once I went, once, I mean, I went to, like, the United States studies, I wanted, like, to like, help also other people like sharing my story, sharing my like to have like, other people to feel like, like, make to make easier their way through Twitter ads, you know what I mean. And actually, I did a documentary for like, one of my classes about my story. Oh, cool. I will send you later. And then, like, it's like a customer, like my father always took like, videos of me while I was doing tick like, since, since I was a kid. And, yeah, I mean, I like, interview, I interview myself, interview one of my friend and like, make, I made a documentary. Like, so I cannot mini dog. Like, five minutes, five minutes and 30 seconds. It was cool. Like, he was very, like, very, I was very proud of myself. Because, um, my father, my father and my family was, was too because, like, literally, was like, I could feel like, to do like, I mean, like, I promise to my dad one day I will make I will make it, I will make it. Sorry, and I did. That's amazing

Michael Leopold: 12:58

to hear. And also, if you don't, if you don't, if you don't mind, feel free to send over the documentary. I can include it with the speaker notes and with, you know, for the episode, if other listeners want to hear it and watch it and learn from it, I think that'd be great, as long as you're comfortable with that no quite a journey here that you've had, and, you know, multiple countries, and it sounds like you're the journey you've had with Tourette's and the personal acceptance and becoming an advocate for it is more of a recent development with joining the raising Leaders program for any of our listeners, we've got a number of different programs here to get involved in threat advocacy in the United States, and there's usually like so njcts has a youth advocate program TAA, it's very similar program. We call it Youth Ambassadors. And then after that, TA has a program called rising leaders and Lorenzo, what are the ages for that? It's like 18 to 25 or something, yeah?

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 13:48

I thought, yeah. I joined this year, and it was like a crazy, amazing experience. So I love it. And we went to Washington, DC for a training for three days. Then we speak. We spoke with the senators, kind of, yeah, on Capitol Hill. Yeah, did trip to the Hill. And what's amazing, like, I mean, like, for me, being like, international students and living there was crazy. I mean, like, I love, I

Michael Leopold: 14:10

imagine I first did, like, one of those trip to the hills. I think back in 2008 I was, I was going through the Youth Ambassador training way back then, and that was the highlight of the experience was just like seeing my congress people, and that's what made it feel so real. And there was also, like an, like a bill that was going through Congress at that time that benefited people with genetic disabilities, called the Gina act, and we were advocating for that, and it passed afterwards. So it was really exciting. So I know that feeling definitely kind of like it's a highlight in the journey, like when you can go and do something on a bigger scale, like that, and really feel like you are dead, you're making that difference and meeting people,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 14:49

I found out, like this one, like this film, like this training online, and it pop up to me, like on Instagram, I think, like on the newsletter, my main newsletter, and. Say, like, why not? I'm 24 like, I still one year to do it. Try making like, in the in the age, I say, like, let's try it now. Like, I mean, like, it's a girl can be a great experience. So I can meet your view with Tourette's. That's, that's the point you meet everyone with everyone there as Tourette's, and you can talk about your problems. You can feel like, very accepted, like, immediately, like, so that you walk inside the where the conference, the conference, and like he's crazy, like he's crazy, I feel like literally accepted. And that's so true. Yeah, that's the best feeling you can I felt like a couple of years insane. I

Michael Leopold: 15:36

have always felt like that, that feeling that you just described, like, that's the goal for all of our world. Like, I would love to have a world where you could always just tick free labor. You could feel that acceptance, where it's like, I'm not going to look around me to see, okay, who's looking, because I need to tick, and I don't want to take in front of other people. You don't thought doesn't even cross my mind, you know. And it's like everyone gets it, or they, you know, they, they may not know your ticks specifically, but they, they, you know, they see it, they hear it, and they're not going to judge, actually,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 16:06

let me correct. Like, not, not, no one cares. Everybody cares of you. So, like, that's it, that's yeah, that's good, that's right, you're

Michael Leopold: 16:13

right. And when you build friendships there too, like, there's decent people that, like you do you still stay in touch with some of them. Yeah,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 16:20

I'm still in touch with some of them, yeah. Like, so, like, also with the brown direct director stuff. Like, people like this. Like them for advice, like, because, like, I would like to move to the United States to work and so, like, um Finland, also for doctors, stuff like that. So, like, yeah, it's different,

Michael Leopold: 16:36

definitely, you know, good to stay in touch. And these can be lifelong friends. I mean, I've made friendships with people when in the truck community that, yeah, they've become some of my closest friends and supporters. And I love that. Excited to hear about how things go for you, and if you're able to make that move back to the United States, either whether that means for grad school or for a job, hopefully something there works out. And I know the visa processes is very can be very tiring and difficult and just just a challenge to get through. But I wish you all of the best with that. You're thinking kind of one of those two things right now, either maybe grad school or the job.

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 17:10

Yeah, I'm in between. Like, I'm still looking for, like, first a job, because, like, I wanted my father, my father and my family pay a lot of, like, the international students is, like, the level of the price, than being, like in state, like, it's kind of out of state tuition. So yeah, in that is more like, without the insurance stuff like that. So I think, like, your grad school, but like, I'm, before I want, I want to look for a job. I found a job. So, yeah, yeah, yeah, I'm looking for a job. And then probably, if I, when I, when I found the job, I will do a master program. Master program makes sense,

Michael Leopold: 17:42

makes sense, trying to find that employment first. And you know, you may or may not even need the graduate degree if you've got a job, you know, has the ability to,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 17:49

yeah, also can be independent. You know what I mean, with my money, with my stuff? Yeah,

Michael Leopold: 17:55

you definitely have this sense of independence. I and I think it's a testament to like you moved across the world for the for the last two years of undergrad and and now, you know, moving back and it's, it's, where do you think that came from? That sense of independence? Was that something your parents instilled in you? Did you always have it? No,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 18:11

yeah. My parents always, like, want to try to be like, here independent. The choice, like, asking for advice. Of course, ask always for advice. Yeah, yeah. Also, my choice, like, also from a bachelor, was, like, my choice. And they like, say, yeah, you can do it. Like, I mean, like, I help you. But then I want, like, to see, like, the the results, you know what? I mean. So, like, the job can be the result. So, like, yeah, my father always, like, travel a lot for work, so I kind of, he has, like, a bio research company. So, like, he works, like, with the United States too. So that was always my dream, too. Like, that took from my father. So like, Yeah, wow. That's

Michael Leopold: 18:46

incredible. Did they get to visit you while you were in Florida? Yeah,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 18:49

yeah. They, they brought me, they brought me the first time, to Gainesville, Florida, and then they came back, like, for graduation. So like, after,

Unknown: 18:57

wow, that's, that's amazing. I went

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 19:00

back, like, for Christmas, for like, the holidays. I mean, like, yeah, this month and summer,

Michael Leopold: 19:07

when you think about, like, the Tourette's advocacy and the work that needs to get done to build a more inclusive world, educate more people on Tourette's, what do you think are some of the biggest goals, there are the biggest challenges and just spreading that awareness?

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 19:20

I mean, I think like, there is still bunch of judgments, like, bunch of like stereotypes that like people, people doesn't want to, like, understand like other people know people with rats and they don't want to understand like, they kind of live a normal life. I think normality that doesn't exist. Like normal, there is no normal life, because everyone has it, has their problems. Like, I mean, I think like, shining awareness, like fighting for the stuff, like, see, like advocacy, especially, like helping other people they are in need, is the best way to like, having a better world. Like, I mean, like, and I mean having the others is always like a thing that. This makes you proud, but also makes proud the people that is in need. Yeah, people still judge other people, so that's the problem. I felt I was gonna say bully side. Like, Wednesday people, I did judge me a lot in high school, and I was in the middle school, and I felt like, very, very like, said, I want to give up. Like, I want to, like, just stay home. Like, don't do anything. Like, I felt too depression. Like that was the only the worst problem. But then, like, thanks to, like, they have a good friends, family, my sister, my parents, I was able to, like, make through the way, like, I mean, like, I was able, like, to be who I am, like, today, yeah, and I felt now I feel good. Like, sometimes I still like, high and lows, but like, I still feel good. Like, I mean, like, I'm alive for now I'll graduate so like, I do friends, that's I'm still like, very like, I can I can say, like, my attention, like my ADHD, because I have to rest your CD and ADHD. My ADHD is very bad, like I feel, I mean, like I can focus on some stuff, and then I can say, no, no, I don't want to do again.

Michael Leopold: 21:07

I know, I know. And the priorities of it, and some it changes as you go through life, like I so I've tried an OCD, or, excuse me, tried an ADHD. And, yeah, as an adult, honestly, the ADHD is probably the more kind of just like interfering or whatever, the more and more the I guess problem, if you want to call it a problem, I don't know. It shows up in my life in more ways that I need to be mindful of and just like, know how it impacts me. And a lot of ways I like it. I think it kind of makes my brain an idea generator. I'm good at coming up with new ideas. And it gives me sort of a fast paced, sort of, I don't know like it. There's sort of something motivating about my ADHD. You know, when you when you can embrace it like that, as like a superpower, but still not without its challenges. And I think a lot of our listeners can relate to just your experience being through like those middle school, early high school years where there wasn't as much acceptance, where maybe facing bullying. You mentioned feeling depressed, and I'm glad you had a support system of like your family around you to help get get you through that and that. You know, unfortunately, it's something it's common. A lot of people have, the people tread, have those years, have that time where there is, there's a lot of bullying, and it's hard just to fit in to feel that social acceptance. Wonder if there's any advice you can share, just more you can speak to, to that kind of person who may be listening. You know, what would you tell them if they're going through that kind of time? So

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 22:31

Facebook bullying, like, I was, like, very, like, low like, I was, like, literally, like, I want to give up everything. But then, like, I think like, a good advice, like, speak with someone like, there is, like, bunch of opportunities. Also with rat Association of America, the New Jersey Center for threats, you can speak like we psychologists, like building no is like, they can help you like they know, they know what you're going through. Like doctors, like stuff like that. Especially another advice that I would like to give, like you're a close friend, you have your father, you have your mother, you have your sister or brother, speak with them. They can. They live with you, and they know what you're going through. So like they literally happen. Don't be like, ashamed, don't be like, scared, to like, toe with them, because they are, they are your family. They will support you every time. So you know, I love

Michael Leopold: 23:22

that, yeah, I mean, both those are great. I think knowing that Tourette is like, it's a real, documented condition, the medical community knows about it. We've documented it for many years. And there's other people going through this. This is a known experience, and it is valid and and very real. And then the second, like you said, leaning into those relationships, your friends, your friends, your family, wherever you get that support group from. Could be a best friend, could be, you know, parent, a cousin, whoever that is, that you can really go be yourself with someone who just hears you out when you talk, and you can just be be open and free when you're having one of those, those rough days that's that's so important, and then

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 23:58

especially the researches that they were like in the last couple of years. So like threats is becoming like, more like, well known. You know what I mean. So, yeah,

Michael Leopold: 24:07

do you find it's getting more well known in Italy? I don't know how much visibility you have of this with being okay, I'm curious. Just like with Tiktok and with like social media, yeah,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 24:16

in the last 15 years, like it became like, way better. Like, they open, like, more centers for threats, like, more like researches, like in university, the the medicine in the United States come here they are like, new, new therapy, new like, kind of like medicines. And I think also, like, especially in the with advertising, like social media, is becoming like, better, like, because, like, I think, like, I don't know, like, in the last, in the last couple of years, like, I met, like, bunch of people. There's like, Tourette, so it's like ticks. You know what I mean, like ADHD is like, like increasing. Like increasing. Because, like, the world economy more more like, fast pace, like, like, ADHD, like, stuff like that are increasing a lot. I.

Michael Leopold: 25:00

We're seeing a lot more people get diagnosed, getting that attention, awareness, you know, out there, and whatever it is that's going on, you know, causing this stuff, where we're at least on top of it, I think, better than we used to be, and catching those cases often earlier on, and able to bring that support to people at a you know, sooner is always the goal. And so that people, you know, so that we can, we can do our best, so people don't have to suffer as much or go through those years of bullying and stuff. You know, it still happens, and it's, there's still work to be done, but, but,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 25:30

yeah, yeah, that's a problem. Bullying will happen. Like, every, every,

Unknown: 25:34

you know, you can never completely eradicate it. I don't think

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 25:37

so. Like, and then, like, you have to move on. Like, yeah, just yet figure out, like, the very, the very good friends, you know how to follow, like, the the crowd, and then like, mean, like yourself and like, be like, we you good friends. So that's it's hard

Michael Leopold: 25:53

to do in the moment, because you're just trying to get through the day, and you're you get bullied, and it's like you may feel like you don't have friends, or don't even have that circle. And then now, like, fast forward, years later, you've got a university degree, you're going back and forth between the United States and Italy. You've got friends in both places, like it's a night and day difference. And I think that's hard to see when you're sitting there and, you know, in middle school, taking up a storm and feeling like it's just, you know, the worst part of your life, it's hard to kind of see the bigger picture that like this is a temporary thing. I mean, whether or not your tics go away like whatever, but you where you're at right now is going to change as you go through. You meet new people, have new experiences. Your symptoms evolve. Get different support groups. And so I tell keep people to keep pushing through, because our situations do change and evolve as we go through life, and it can be hard to see that for what it is like when you're just trying to get through the day and like, you know, have three meals a day, or shower, like, do the basic things we got to do, and your ticks are bad and CO occurring conditions. It's a lot, but that stuff is, it's not, not necessarily gonna always be that way for the rest of your life. That's not the new normal. That is just that is a time you're in right now. And I tell people, you know, keep pushing forward and you know, things will change.

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 27:10

Yeah, I totally agree, because I saw like, I think, like, people doesn't have to ask as some other problems. So, like, it's not, it's a temporary feeling, like, and then, like, you figure out how to move on. Like, that's not good, but that's the good, the good thing of life. Like they, they, like, you have a challenge and like a movie, like you have to figure it out, like, how to move on, like, that's, that's, that's good, that that's, that's a good life. But then I feel like it's like a little like a movie, like a movie without, well, like a challenge is not, yeah, plot, you know what? I mean. Like, it's a great

Michael Leopold: 27:41

way to look at it. Yeah, you know, you got to have plot. You have your pension. There has to be conflict in a good story. There's got to be something driving

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 27:48

climax, like something like, like you fight for

Michael Leopold: 27:52

it's beautiful way to hear to kind of think about that. I remember you saying you've got the ticks the Tourette, and then OCD and ADHD. Have you found as you've gotten into adulthood here you're 24 now, is that, do you still have all three of those? Have any of them gone away or kind of gone into remission?

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 28:10

ADHD is very is the, I think, right now, ADHD, like, create, I graduated, but like, like, studying like, ADHD was, like, the worst part, because, like, then it makes it come, like, with the tics, and it's kind of like, all related, like, I obsessive sticks, like, and I wash my hands couple of times. Like, that's, that's like, an obsessive tics. And I do like this stuff with the with the neck, touch my neck, touch my eyes. So, like, I scratch my here, you see, you can see, like, like, a little, like, stitches, like, and then, like, crash, like, Yeah, I'll leave me there. But like, right now it's not problem. But like, if it's, like, when I'm very nervous, like, not painful, like, very, like, stressful,

Michael Leopold: 28:50

yeah, no, I bet. And I'm, you know, also, there are painful ticks too. I've had one recently now to my tongue is in my mouth. Was last night. I actually was afraid I'd not be able to talk right, because my tongue was swelling yesterday, because I kept sliding on some sharp edges of some of

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 29:07

my teeth in my mouth. I bite my phone. Sometimes bite my tongue. Yeah, I

Michael Leopold: 29:10

probably bit my tongue 200 times yesterday, and I I've gotten better. When that tick flares up, it kind of relaxing and trying to do some competing responses and things to but honestly, yesterday, I just, I didn't have it in me, and I was just doing the tick again and again. And at night, I'm like, I had trouble sleeping last night because my tongue was just like, throbbing. I was in so much pain. But, you know, I was

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 29:35

kind of trouble sleeping, because I always move in, like,

Michael Leopold: 29:38

oh yeah. Or you wake yourself up sometimes with the ticks, like, I find that I'm like, Oh, I got a tick. And now it's like, well, let's just use like, three muscles. Now I feel kind of awake, but yeah, some of these threat organizations, NJ, CTS, the tread Association of America. How did that come about? Okay,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 29:55

so, like, being Italy, like when I was in Italy, also. Like, I was trying, like, my father, like, was always like, very like, was involved with the, like, the Italian serious Association. But also was like, trying to see, like, some new therapy through the American Association, like other Association America and around the world. And he, he was looking at some, some, like, the first association in America, I got, like, involved was, like, the New Jersey Center of trust syndrome too, like, with the idea, like, the team, our program, the leadership program, yeah, online, because it was during COVID for the online,

Michael Leopold: 30:35

the online cohort that year, yeah, yeah. It was like, I didn't know you did that. So you, you did the Tim Howard Leadership Academy virtually. I want to

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 30:42

come back to Rutgers University and, like to do it. But like, I couldn't because, like, it was, that was during COVID so they could, like, everything online. That's why everything I'm doing this,

Michael Leopold: 30:51

I'm a coach there, and I'm going to coach again this, this fall, and couple years since I was last there. You such a great opportunity. And yes, you know, of course, even better when it's in person. And yeah,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 31:01

university too. So it's cool. You get to live

Michael Leopold: 31:05

on the campus for a few days, and just then you eat there at the dining hall, and you're just kind of, I mean, they keep us there's like, no students around. It's really just like our group of the academy students, but it's really great, and just such an awesome opportunity to meet people. And I mean, people are, are crying tears of joy at the end, just like because it's such an impactful experience for them, getting to meet people be in that accepting environment. And I think there's a there's a good philosophy there. I think what we instill in people, there's a lot of like resilience and grit and just like loving yourself and like being accepting of who you are. And I love the message of it. It's so powerful. And I see that when kids, you know, from day one to, like, day four, whatever, when it ends, it is a night and day difference. And just in a number of these, these students just how they think about themselves and their experience and putting it into perspective, and oh, and you walk away with some new friends you've got with Tourette, and it's really incredible. So

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 32:00

yeah, I was very happy, like, to be part of, like, the group, like, what was the line? So, like, I didn't, I didn't speak a good English in the in the moment. So, like, I learned English during college, like, the next few years, after, after 2021, 2020, like, so, like, yeah, and it was, it was a great opportunity. Like I've done with some people. I never in touch or now we some people on the New Jersey Center for dressing drum. I'm only touched with the threat Association of America and this thing touch because like to like to like my problems that they had, like stuff like that. But like, I'm really happy. Like to like when I told me you that your partner on the University Center for the rest syndrome, and happy like, I'm very, I'm very glad,

Michael Leopold: 32:46

good, yeah, good, common ground. And you'll meet people for this that you know over the years that yeah, that you wouldn't expect just, just the it can go in all sorts of different directions and help you in a lot of ways. And just, I mean, yeah, I met you because through a referral, somebody was mentioning you were just in your job search and kind of just finish your degree. You have Tourette's So considering New York City. And so they asked if I want to jump on a call. And so we did, and that's how this that's how I got to meet you. And then thought, oh, how do you want to be on our podcast and talk about, share your story with a broader audience? So you never know where these things are going to go. And yeah, life's life's full of, full of excited, I know. And it's good though, that, yeah, that you come back and are staying involved in this space. I'm excited, really excited, to see what you continue to do in the upcoming years. And even if there's work to be done in Italy or if you come back to the United States and are involved in advocacy here, definitely no shortage of ways to get involved. It's good. It's a good, a good place to be. And, yeah, I hope the visa process goes well and smoothly and that that all works out. But I Were there certain situations where you, like you, found that your ticks got better or went away. Like playing soccer, for example, when you're playing sport, does it just you don't take as

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 33:59

much, you know what? Like doing, like, swimming, oh, swimming. Like swimming,

Unknown: 34:03

like, in a swimming pool, yeah,

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 34:05

sports in general. Also, I play guitar. Since I was a child, I killed, like she was 10 years old, but like, classical music, and then I moved to, like acoustic, like pop songs. I still I sing a little like i It's like a therapy for me. Like, sports and music are therapy, like, when I'm very nervous, I relax myself, like, playing a guitar, but like, do some sports. I mean, like, yeah, I you

Michael Leopold: 34:29

know. And I have also found music can help with my tics. I used to play drums. I was a percussionist, and like, I didn't. I just like, didn't tick when I was drumming. I don't know. I just like, didn't. It was as if I didn't have Tourette's, like, you would not know if you're watching me. That takes, like, actually just disappeared. Hey, Lawrence, it's been awesome chatting with you here, and nice just, like, just kind of shooting the breeze here and having some good casual chat. I always like to ask, and we've, we've covered some of this already on this episode, but I always like to ask, if you've, you've got any advice for. Especially young people with Tourette, maybe newly diagnosed or or those people we talked about kind of going through that, those rough middle school years, or the years where your tics are flaring, you may be facing bullying, things like that. What advice would you give to a young person with Tourette?

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 35:14

Like, a good advice of the things I always think like I should have done, like, when I was like, younger, feeling like, never like, I mean, I was going to a person of acceptance. I never like, talk a lot with anyone close to me, like I said before. Like, talking like and like, sharing your feelings, like what you're going through is always a good thing, because you feel like immediately, like, free after you like, share a story on an episode that happen, like, in school, or, like, a size school. And I think, like, yeah, finding, like, good like, also the Association of America, the American Association, like, has much of like, resources, like, helpful resources, like, they can give you some advice. Like, don't be scared. Don't be like, shy. Don't be like, just like, talk with someone and like, try to like, I'm very like, I'm very like that, like, I mean, I mean, I always like, want to meet new people. Like, like, I'm very like, I never be, I never shy. They can be like, goofing or bathing, but I feel like you find a new person or like, especially when you're like, going through someone, find a find a good friend, find like, a good, like family member, like, you can it can be your father, your cousin, your sister, your mom, your grandpa. Don't know, like, yeah, find someone and talk with them and share everything you you're going through. Because, like, it's the best thing. I mean, like when I, when I do this stuff after, like, not in my younger age, but like, after, with a psychologist or something, someone I felt immediately pretty I felt like, very good, very good. You know what? I mean? It's

Michael Leopold: 36:47

a great but, you know, that's actually amazing piece of advice that I don't know if I've heard as much, which is just like, find your person that you can kind of connect with, whether that's like a parent, a cousin, a friend, like grandpa, whatever that is in your life, that person and sharing with them, sharing what you're going through. Because, like, I think we have this, this unrealistic expectation that you have to have, like, a great, rich social circle and multiple friends and lots of people in your life. And, like, honestly, if you've got one solid friend like that, goes a long way. And you know, don't, don't, don't drive yourself crazy trying to find this, like, perfect, amazing, rich friend group, like, if you've got one or two people in your life, and you can talk to them and you feel you can be vulnerable with them. You can be yourself. You can talk to them about what's going on, ask questions, even if they're not someone who has Tourette's, if they're just someone who cares about you and, like, cares about your experience, that that goes such a long way, and you know, can help with getting through some of those tougher years. We always

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 37:42

want something more in life. Like, if you have something like that is very like, that means something for you. Like, yeah, you're very close, like, a friend, a good friend. He always wants you want to be popular, like, but no, like, he's like, what I learned from life that I know a bunch of people, but like the people that the the good friend, the very good close friend, he really counts in trends, like people that account like in one hand, like literally few people that I can really trust and in my life, and I feel like, yeah, just be yourself. Like, here's the enjoy at least one person that you like that means something for you and like you can like, literally share everything, and you will feel like it needs to, like, better love

Michael Leopold: 38:25

that such great advice, and just like, powerful words there. Lorenzo, it's been awesome having you on the uptick. Thank you again for coming on and sharing your your story. And I wish you all the best in in grad school, work and beyond.

Lorenzo Tiozzo: 38:39

Thank you so much. Appreciated. So much. Invite invitations to like thank you so much absolutely

Michael Leopold: 38:45

and to all of our listeners. Thank you so much for joining us, and we'll see you next time. Thank you for listening to the uptick, brought to you by The New Jersey Center for Tourette syndrome and associated disorders, empowering you to stretch the boundaries to live your best life you.