Beyond the Tics: Faith, Dignity, and a Voice for Tourette’s Awareness

Beyond the Tics: Faith, Dignity, and a Voice for Tourette’s Awareness

May 20, 2026

About this episode

The episode discusses the experiences of a young man with Tourette's Syndrome and the importance of acceptance and understanding in the community.

What does it mean to be fully seen — not just for our struggles, but also for our gifts? In this conversation with Apostolos Christos Lianos, a remarkable young man living with Tourette’s Syndrome, we meet someone whose daily life includes challenges many of us may not fully understand, but whose witness reveals something deeply human: the desire to be known, accepted, and embraced. Together, we’ll explore some common misconceptions about Tourette's Syndrome, and how family, friends, and fellow parishioners can build access for people with disabilities like Tourette's whose tics and vocalizations often lead to misunderstandings, stigma, and isolation, especially in church settings where quiet and controlled behavior is the expected norm.

People in this episode

Hosts: Kerry Pappas, Melanie DiStefano

Guest: Apostolos Christos Lianos

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