908-575-7350

A Day of Connection and Empowerment: The NJCTS 2025 Family Summit

On Saturday, January 25, the NJCTS Youth Council hosted its annual Family Summit, bringing together families, professionals, and individuals with Tourette syndrome, ages 10 to 17, for a day of learning, support, and empowerment. 

Families gathered to connect with one another, share experiences, and find comfort in knowing they were not alone. For many, this was a safe space to discuss the challenges and triumphs that come with navigating life with Tourette syndrome.

Attendees participated in a variety of workshops and panel discussions designed to address different aspects of living with Tourette syndrome. The event wasn’t all about learning—it also provided ample opportunities for attendees to bond and forge lasting connections. Networking sessions allowed families to meet others who were going through similar experiences, forming new friendships and support networks. 

For the younger attendees, the Summit was a place where children and teens could come together to engage in fun, interactive activities and gave them the chance to meet others their age who understood what it meant to live with TS. It was a chance for kids to relax, have fun, and feel a sense of belonging in a space where their tics weren’t a source of judgment.

One of the most powerful moments of the day came during the closing session, when a panel of young adults with Tourette syndrome shared their personal stories. Their journeys were filled with challenges, but also resilience and hope. Each of them spoke about the role that community and self-advocacy had played in their lives, inspiring the audience to continue pushing for greater inclusion and understanding.

The day was a reminder that, while the journey with TS can be difficult, there is power in connection, in shared knowledge, and in supporting one another.