PORT WASHINGTON, NY — Lucas Lardoux, who just finished 11th grade at Schreiber High School, is stepping up to raise awareness and foster understanding of Tourette Syndrome within his community and across the state.
Diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome himself, Lardoux has undertaken specialized training through the Tourette Association of America to become a Youth Ambassador, with a mission to educate and inspire.
“When people ask me why I wanted to become a Youth Ambassador, the short answer is I wanted to pave an easier path for kids struggling with the symptoms of this diagnosis,” he said.
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Lardoux’s initiative stems from his personal journey with Tourette Syndrome and a deep-seated desire to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the condition. His presentations also ended up teaching tolerance and understanding for all kids struggling with something.
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“Having TS at a young age was extremely difficult, especially in the early years when I was still too young to understand what was really happening,” Lardoux told Patch. “As I got older and kids were learning how to navigate their mental and emotional maps, the lack of control presented new challenges. Of course, there were times when I felt isolated and alone and felt that no one could understand what it was like. Control of your body was something that I believed everyone had the right to have. I often felt unlucky that I was born with something that seemed to cripple my voluntary actions, but as I grew older I began to understand that undergoing so many difficulties was not always a negative constant. It put me through a lot of challenges, sure, but they taught me resilience and helped me develop a strong sense of fortitude.”
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Supported by the Tourette Association of America, the training he has received has allowed him to effectively deliver both educational and general community presentations. The sessions span all levels of education and can also be helpful to community programs, camps, and in many professional work settings. These sessions aim to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and encourage empathy among peers.
In addition to the presentations, Lardoux has lobbied for educational and health related legislation on Capitol Hill with state and local representatives. Speaking from experience, he was able to share a personal perspective on why change is needed.
His goal locally in Port Washington for the 2023-24 school year was to engage with every fifth-grade student in the district, sharing insights and facilitating exercises to try and make others understand what it might feel like to have Tourette Syndrome.
“The reason why I love to work with elementary schoolers, specifically 5th graders, is because they are at a ripe age where they genuinely wish to learn. I find that they are not overly consumed by stress, work, or the moral dilemmas that those older than them experience and they are keen to pay attention,” Lardoux said. “To them, school and learning is something that really matters. They don’t fall asleep or skip out on classes and work. They are inquisitive and have an interest in picking up new things whether they realize it or not. It’s great because they really take in the information I provide to them and they understand the seriousness of the condition. They also leave knowing how to better respect those around them.
“Additionally, they are the most interactive age group to work with and are old enough to really focus. I find it easy to engage them in a way that keeps them attentive. In my opinion 5th grade is the golden grade for children because they are all pure and spirited individuals.”
“We are immensely proud of Lucas’ dedication to raising awareness about Tourette Syndrome,” said Dr. Michael Hynes, Superintendent of the Port Washington school district. “His passion and commitment exemplify the impact that individuals can have within their communities, and we are honored to support him in this important endeavor.”
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