Patrick Chocko, a recent graduate of East Islip Middle School, has taken a remarkable step into national advocacy as a National Youth Ambassador for Tourette syndrome, a neurological condition characterized by tics, which are sudden, rapid, repetitive movements or sounds. He recently presented to the U.S. Congress to bring awareness to Tourette’s.
Chocko, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in addition to Tourette’s, struggled with school until he was placed in self-contained classes in seventh grade. Last year, he began working with the Long Island chapter of the Tourette Association of America (TAA), where he received training under the guidance of Dr. Jane Zwilling. After gaining experience through local presentations, he was proudly selected into the TAA’s prestigious 2025 Youth Ambassador Program.
In March, Chocko traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the TAA’s annual Ambassador training, held on March 4. This event brought together 27 Junior Youth Ambassadors, 45 Youth Ambassadors and 19 Rising Leaders from across the country. The training prepared them to serve as advocates for individuals living with Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. The following day, Chocko participated in National Advocacy Day on Capitol Hill, where he and fellow ambassadors met with lawmakers to discuss policy initiatives and raise awareness about the needs of the Tourette’s community. Most recently, he presented locally to the NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine in Mineola.
“It was a unique experience to work with other ambassadors,” Chocko said. “Presenting to members of the senate was nervewracking, but really fun and memorable. I feel like the tics are just a small part of the disorder. They are the tip of the iceberg, and the all of the other coexisting disorders make this challenging to live with.”
Chocko, who will attend East Islip High School this fall, had an impressive year both in and out of the classroom. A well-rounded student during eighth grade, he was an active member of the football team, varsity bowling team and the school's Podcast Club, and served as a guidance helper.
