FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2003
Childrens Specialized Hospital
Presents Tourette Syndrome Conference
BRIDGEWATER, NJ - “Up to four percent of
school age children may have motor and vocal tics
and in the majority of cases, mild symptoms of Tourette
Syndrome.” So says Dr. Cathy Budman, who will
be discussing Tourette Syndrome at an upcoming special
conference at Children’s Specialized Hospital
at 150 New Providence Road in Mountainside, NJ. The
all-day session (7:30 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.) will be
held Friday, October 17, 2003.
“Tic symptoms are still poorly recognized
and understood by many physicians,” she points
out. “Our mission is to increase awareness
among the medical community and among families so
that these symptoms are appropriately identified
and not misunderstood.”
“Unlike most medical conditions, Tourette
Syndrome does tend to improve with time,” continues
Dr. Budman. “While tics can be annoying and
unsettling during childhood, most children with TS
will experience a dramatic reduction, even remission
from tic symptoms by early adulthood.”
Dr. Budman is the director of Movement Disorders
Program at North Shore-Long Island Jewish University
Hospital. She is a nationally recognized expert in
Tourette Syndrome and a member of the Tourette Syndrome
National Medical Advisory Board.
The symposium “Tourette Syndrome—Pediatric
Perspectives” has been specifically designed
for medical professionals, including doctors, as
well as members of the education community and others.
“Parents of children with TS ought to be
at this conference as well,” adds Faith Rice,
president of the Tourette Syndrome Association of
New Jersey. The association is cooperating with Children’s
Specialized Hospital in organizing this symposium.
“Even in 2003, the correct diagnosis of TS
is made by the patient or his/her family after months—even
years—of seeking medical attention,” comments
Dr. Budman.
In addition to Dr. Budman’s two separate
morning presentations, other specialists will cover
various additional aspects of TS in children. Concerns
raised in schools by students exhibiting TS symptoms
will receive special attention.
Education specialist Susan Conners will cover Tourette
Syndrome in the classroom, psychologist Bonnie Cimring
will discuss TS in the home environment, and Dr.
Paul Hieble will talk about pharmacology relating
to TS, including research and future directions.
The day will end with a panel discussion.
Physicians and teachers receive continuing education
credits for attending. Children’s Specialized
Hospital is approved for credits by the Medical Society
of New Jersey, the American Speech-Language-Hearing
Association, the New Jersey Board of Education, and
the Association of Schools & Agencies for the
Handicapped.
To register for the conference, call Jill Pillow,
Childrens Specialized Hospital at 908 301-5478.
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BACKGROUNDER:
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited neurological
disorder that is manifested in involuntary physical
and vocal tics. Symptoms generally appear before
an individual is 18 years old. TS affects people
of all ethnic groups with males affected 3 to 4 times
more frequently than females.
It is estimated that 200,000 Americans have full
blown TS and that as many as 1 in 200 show a partial
expression of the disorder. There is no cure for
TS.
The mission of TSANJ is to support the needs of
families with TS, to advocate for individuals with
TS, and to educate the public and professionals on
TS. TSANJ has a membership of 2,500 families and
medical professionals. The organization relies completely
on its membership, corporations, government, and
foundations to fund its mission.
Currently TSANJ operates 10 support groups at regional
medical centers across New Jersey; conducts awareness
training for teachers, school nurses, students and
community leaders; manages a TS help line for disseminating
information about TS to parents, teachers, doctors,
and others; sponsors a state-wide Family Contact
Program; and works with Rutgers University at the
nation’s only student clinician TS clinic,
developing support programs and treatments for families
dealing with TS.
PRESS CONTACT: Rich Reitman 908-526-1390 or 908-400-6061
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