New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome is working on solutions by offering the world’s first TS Sharing Repository

Oct 15, 2008 – A recent study shows the incidence of Tourette Syndrome is on the rise. The study published in the Archives of Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine found “not only marked increases in autism as expected, but also in hyperactivity and Tourette Syndrome.”

    “This study highlights not only the alarming widespread rise of Tourette and neuropsychiatric disorders in children as a whole, but the growing need for support and services for the children and families affected by these disorders,” said New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome Executive Director Faith Rice.  

    The study, conducted by Denmark’s University of Aarhus, tracked over 650,000 children over a ten year period. Researchers found marked increases in diagnoses of Tourette’s as well as autism and hyperkinetic disorder. The report did not identify what had caused the increases.

    While autism has gleaned a great deal of media attention of late, with studies showing a clear rise in its incidence, Tourette Syndrome is silently gaining ground as well. In fact, Tourette is much more widespread than people realize—affecting as many as 28,000 kids in New Jersey alone.  Tourette Syndrome (TS) is an inherited, neurological disorder characterized by repeated involuntary movements and uncontrollable vocal (phonic) sounds called tics.

   An estimated 1 in 200 New Jersey schoolchildren show at least partial signs of Tourette Syndrome, which can range from severe verbal and physical contortions to milder tics that are barely recognizable. It is sometimes best known for sudden outbursts of profanity, but that characteristic afflicts only about 5 percent of those identified as having the disorder, advocates say. Commonly, people with Tourette syndrome also have co-occurring disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, learning disabilities, attention deficit disorder and depression.

     NJCTS is working in close collaboration with Rutgers University to offer the world’s first TS DNA Sharing Repository. The repository is headed by noted geneticist Dr. Jay Tischfield. This is the nation’s first sharing repository of human tissue for the exploration of genetic links to TS. For more information on the NJCTS Sharing Repository visit tourettesyndromeresearch.org.

Tourette syndrome experts in genetics and pediatric neurology to discuss research and treatment on November 22

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 October 9, 2008 — Somerville, N.J.–New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, the group behind the world’s first TS DNA sharing repository, will feature an event on November 22 in Voorhees, N.J. Experts in genetics and pediatric neurology will present discussions on the diagnosis and treatment of TS.

Pediatric Neurologist Dr. Larry Brown of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will discuss state-of-the-art treatments for TS and associated disorders including attention deficit, attention deficit hyperactivity and obsessive compulsive disorders; depression and rage.

Dr. Jay Tischfield, Director of the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome TS Sharing Repository at Rutgers will present information on TS genetics research. Research has revealed that Tourette Syndrome (TS) has a strong inherited component, and in recent years, the disorder has been linked to specific genes but these may account for only rare forms of TS. The repository gathers information and samples from those who have TS and/or relatives of those with TS to make this research possible. For more information on the TS Sharing Repository visit http://www.tourettesyndromeresearch.org

The November 22 event will take place at Virtua West Jersey Hospital in Voorhees, NJ. Registration is required by calling 908-575-7350.

The organization behind the world’s first TS DNA sharing repository presents a teacher workshop in Morris County, N.J.

Somerville, N.J.–New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, working in partnership with County College of Morris, will present “Understanding Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders: A Workshop for Educators”.

The workshop will be facilitated by Julie Swenson, M.Ed., CSW a professional educator with over 15 years of experience as a school administrator.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008
6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
County College of Morris
$38.00 – register through the college
Workshop code:  88764

The workshop is designed to introduce educators to Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders with an emphasis on school-related issues. The criteria for diagnosis/clinical assessment will be explained to help teachers begin to understand the behavior of some children. The workshops will enable educators to recognize students’ difficulties, strengths, and potential. Interventions and modifications for behavior will also be addressed. Professional development hours will be offered for participation in the workshop.

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 NJCTS is to support the needs of families with TS, to advocate for individuals with TS, and to educate the public and professionals on TS.
Currently NJCTS operates ten 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; and works with Rutgers University at the nation’s only student clinician TS clinic, developing support programs and treatments for families dealing with TS.   

For more information about NJCTS, visit www.tourettesyndromeresearch.org.