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.

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.

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 2, 2008

Somerville, NJ – New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders in partnership with Bergen Regional Medical Center is pleased to offer grand rounds sessions on October 21 at 10:30 a.m.

     NJCTS is the group behind the world’s first TS DNA Shaing Repository located at Rutgers University. The genetic materials collected through this endeavor are available to qualified researchers studying Tourette Syndrome. For more visit http://www.tourettesyndromeresearch.org.

NJCTS Grand Rounds Sessions feature national experts advising professionals on how to identify and treat the signs and symptoms of Tourette Syndrome. Family practitioners, pediatricians, neurologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers and other mental health and education professionals involved with the treatment and care of children and adolescents are welcome to attend. Sign up by calling  NJCTS at 908-575-7350 or e-mail info@njcts.org

Topics to be discussed:
   Evaluating behaviors and determining if Tourette Syndrome is present when children/adolescents exhibit behaviors associated with mental health and behavioral disorders such as anxiety, OCD, depression, ADD/ADHD, and school phobia, etc.
   Evaluating and examining the need for collaboration among psychiatry, neurology, psychology and social services for treatment of Tourette Syndrome.
   Identifying the latest treatment modalities and be able to select and develop the most appropriate treatment plans.
   Identifying the most frequently used medications (generic names only) for treating Tourette Syndrome and the associated mental and behavioral health disorders.
   
   When:    October 21, 2008 ~ 10:30 a.m.
   Where:  Bergen Regional Medical Center, Paramus NJ
                Building G Auditorium   
   Presenter: Dr. Robert King 
                    Professor of Child Psychiatry 
                    Yale University Medical School 
                    Medical Director of the Yale University Child Study Center -                                                                           Tourette Syndrome Obsessive    Compulsive Disorder Clinic
   Register:    NJCTS 908-575-7350 or e-mail info@njcts.org

NJCTS is a collaboration among TSANJ, Rutgers University and health professionals across New Jersey.

TS DNA SHARING REPOSITORY HOSTS STATE-OF-THE-ART TREATMENT TALK ABOUT TOURETTE SYNDROME

TS DNA Sharing Repository hosts a presentation on “State-of-the-art treatments for Tourette Syndrome and assocciated conditions” by Dr. Robert King as part of NJCTS ongoing genetic research project.

Sep 10, 2008 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELESE            
Contact: Nicole Greco- NJCTS- 908.575.7350          

Somerville, N.J.- New pathways to treating Tourette Syndrome and its associated neurological disorders will be discussed by Robert A. King, MD on September 19, from 5-6 p.m. at Rutgers University in Piscataway. Dr. King is part of New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome- a partnership between the Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey, Rutgers University and medical professionals throughout New Jersey.

  Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder, most commonly expressed in motor of vocal tics that affects as many as 28,000 children and families throughout New Jersey.  Aside from providing support to those with TS, NJCTS has established the world’s first TS DNA Sharing Repository, and the world’s first student-run stand-alone TS Clinic- both at Rutgers University.

  Dr. King is taking part in the genetic study of Tourette Syndrome and on September 19th he will present recent clinical advances in medication and other state-of-the-art  treatments for Tourette Syndrome and other associated disorders. Dr. King will answer questions and describe the ongoing genetic research study by NJCTS.

 Dr. King wills Medical Director of Tourette/OCD/Anxiety Disorder Clinic at the Yale University Child Study Center where he is also Professor of Child Psychiatry. He is the author of numerous scientific papers and wrote the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s Practice Parameter on Assessment and Treatment of Childhood OCD.

Visit www.tourettesyndromeresearch.org for more information.