Mother’s Dedication Helps Attorney with Tourette Syndrome Find Success

On Behalf of Kevin E. Sralla | May 21, 2025 | Press Releases

SAN ANTONIO, Texas — When Kevin “Buck” Sralla was 6 years old, the precocious boy with an infectious smile started to bark. At first, his mother, Mary Jane Sralla of Edna, Texas, thought her oldest child and only son was just acting silly. Gradually, Buck started to jump with each vocal sound and to jerk his head and arms. It wasn’t until Buck’s third-grade teacher made Buck stand up and encouraged the other children to laugh at him that Mary Jane decided to get to the bottom of her son’s unusual ailment.

Mary Jane Sralla, a soft-spoken devout Catholic with infinite patience, made her way to the school principal’s office and made sure that the school workers understood that Buck wasn’t yelling on purpose. In fact, Buck couldn’t control his ticks and she was determined to find out what was happening.

With the support of her devoted husband, Edward T. Sralla, Mary Jane Sralla took Buck to multiple psychologists under the theory that Buck’s ailment was behavioral in nature. After multiple referrals, one particular psychologist took one look at Buck and, “He’s got Tourette Syndrome” – a condition that was not well-known in the early 1970s.

In fact, Buck had a complex case of Tourette Syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by tics, which are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds. These tics can be simple (like eye blinking or throat clearing) or complex (like complex movements or vocalizations). While tics are the primary symptom, individuals with Tourette Syndrome may also experience other conditions like ADHD, OCD, learning disabilities, and anxiety.

Between the ages of 6-18, amid innumerous doctor appointments and despite a slew of different tranquilizing medications, Buck led a relatively normal Texas teenager’s life in no small part due to the dedication of his mother, Mary Jane. Buck went on to graduate from Edna High School, The University of Texas at Austin and Wayne State University Law School. It wasn’t until after graduating from law school in Detroit that Buck’s ticks were finally controlled by a then-new medication called Abilify.

If asked how Mary Jane managed with a younger daughter in tow and other children who she would babysit for free to help out their mothers, Mary Jane would brush off her influence.

“I did what any mother would do,” said Mary Jane. “It was Buck, he wouldn’t stay home. He played football, baseball, track…went to dances, had lots of friends. If it had been up to me, I would have kept him home.”

For more information, visit https://www.familylawsanantonio.com/.

About Sralla Family Law, PLLC

Strength Of A Giant, Heart Of A Neighbor – Your San Antonio Law Allies

Welcome to Sralla Family Law PLLC, where we blend the might of large firm services with the warmth and care you’d expect from a trusted neighbor. Since opening our doors in San Antonio in 2006, we have dedicated ourselves to standing by your side, navigating the complexities of the law together.

Our office feels like a second home, a place where you’re not just another case file – you’re family. We pride ourselves on delivering personalized attention, ensuring each client receives the support and respect they deserve.

The Heart Of Our Practice: Personalized Care

Our founding attorney, Kevin “Buck” Sralla, embodies the spirit of the firm. He cares deeply about the outcomes and the people he serves. Buck understands that behind every case is a story, a life impacted by the legal challenges at hand. That’s why he and his staff take the time to get to know you and fully grasp every facet of your situation. This connection enables us to advocate for you effectively, with the kind of passion and dedication that can only come from truly understanding your needs and goals.