tourette syndrome association
of new jersey, inc.
198 West High Street • Somerville,
New Jersey 08876
Phone 908-575-7350 • Fax 908-575-8699
Web Site: www.tsanj.org • e-mail: NJTSA@aol.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2005
TSANJ ANNOUNCES NEW SUPPORT GROUP MEETING DATE FOR
SOUTH JERSEY COMMUNITIES
SOMERVILLE, NJ - The Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey (TSANJ) has announced the date for the next in the series of Burlington/Camden County Family Support Group Workshop Sessions for individuals, family, and friends of children with special needs. Run in conjunction with West Jersey Hospital, the facilitated Support Group educates participants on a variety of TS-related issues and provide an opportunity to exchange information and problem-solve.
The June session for the Burlington/Camden Family Support Group is scheduled for Monday, June 6 from 7:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at West Jersey Hospital, Barry D. Brown Building. 100 Townsend Avenue, Berlin, New Jersey.
Speaker at the session will be Peg Kinsell of the Statewide Parent Advocacy Network, Inc., (SPAN) who will be speaking on "Basic Rights in Special Education." SPAN works to empower families and inform and involve professionals and other individuals interested in the healthy development and educational rights of children to allow them to become fully participating and contributing members of their community and society.
"A support group in South Jersey is greatly needed. Families and caregivers of people with TS often do not know where to turn for help in coping with this complex condition", said Faith Rice TSANJ President. She further stated, "an example of a common problem that arises in children with TS is the situation they face in the classroom. Teachers and administrators, often unaware of the nature of the disorder, may tend to regard students exhibiting symptoms as being purposely disruptive."
To broaden understanding of TS among educators, the local support group makes available informative printed materials and videos as well as speakers that are available to present at school meetings. The group provides opportunities for information exchange among families and professionals and provides access to a comprehensive data base of medical and social service referrals.
For further information, please call 908-575-7350 or find us on the web at www.tsanj.org
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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