OUTER BANKS, N.C. — A 9-year-old girl with Tourette syndrome is working to bring awareness to the condition, and let others with tic disorders know they are not alone. 

Ellie Hedgepeth, a third grade student at Cape Hatteras Elementary School, went to the nation’s capital this week as one of several youth ambassadors for the Tourette Association of America. 

Tourette syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by tic disorders.

The TAA Youth Ambassador Program trains young people to advocate for and talk about Tourette and tic disorders in their community and with their peers at school. 

“Well, it’s nice to have people who understand and experience what you are going through," Hedgepeth said. She’s not alone, however.

According to the Tourette Association of America, about 300,000 children have the condition in the US. 

Ellie was diagnosed in 2021, and it's been an adjustment for the 9-year-old to learn and even explain her tics.

"Two years ago, it was weird to get used to honestly. I didn’t notice anything. I would just cough a lot, which ended up being a tic, and I would also make a mad face," Ellie said.

Her teacher, Jessea Waterfield, says Ellie is a natural leader in class and is always ready to help others.

"She’s great about speaking about her Tourette syndrome, she’s not shy about it. And I think she’ll help bring awareness to it for her and the other people who will be there and all around the world,” Waterfield said. 

Ellie arrived in Washington, D.C. Monday and will be using the trainings in public speaking and advocacy to share with her peers.

For more information about The Tourette Association of America, visit tourette.org.