To Whom it May Concern –
(insert name here), is a
patient in my medical practice. He/she has recently been
diagnosed with an extremely rare form of Situational Tourette’s Syndrome (STS).
This rare form of STS is a
neurological disorder characterized by involuntarily shouting and obscene
vocalizations during stressful situations. In some
severe cases, patients have also exhibited involuntary hand gestures, clenching of teeth, pacing, name calling, eye
rolling, heavy sighing, ripping of paper, and an excessive use of sarcasm.
While the research into this
disorder is still in its infancy, we are seeing some commonalities among our patients. The early data is indicating that the
disorder is occurring exclusively among parents of children with autism. Further research is indicating that the most
severe STS ‘outbursts’ are occurring during IEP meetings.
As you are aware, the
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits
the discrimination of individuals on the basis of their disability. As professionals, I’m certain that I don’t
have to remind you that ANY of the above mentioned ‘outbursts’ must be
ignored. Any attempt to retaliate
against my patient, or my patient’s child, based on their outbursts WILL result in legal action.
Regards,
Autism Hippie, MD
(Feel free to present this at your next IEP meeting - being an autism mom qualifies me as a doctor.)
