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ASSEMBLYMAN DOHERTY SHOWS SUPPORT FOR TOURETTE SYNDROME FAMILIES

Somerville, NJ- New Jersey Assemblyman Michael Doherty (R-23) joined families at the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome’s annual family retreat weekend. The event, held June 5-7 at Y.M.C.A. Camp Bernie in Port Murray, is a time of self-empowerment for children and parents of kids with TS.

“Assemblyman Doherty’s support is important to us,” according to NJCTS Executive Director Faith W. Rice, “Creating positive awareness will help us shatter the stigma attached to Tourette Syndrome.”

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by involuntary motor or vocal movements known as tics. It affects as many as one in 200 children; at least 28,000 in New Jersey alone. In many cases TS is accompanied by other conditions like obsessive-compulsive and attention deficit disorders, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression and rage. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, children with Tourette Syndrome can face unnecessary hardship in the classroom and in social situations. When properly treated, children with TS can achieve their best academic and social capabilities.

The family retreat weekend is designed for children with TS to find a place where they can interact with other TS kids and learn self-advocacy, peer leadership and other empowerment skills. Parents have the opportunity to network, share coping strategies and take part in workshops led by experts in managing TS.

The families served by the Center are grateful for Assemblyman Doherty’s support and his visit to this special event. NJCTS acts as a resource for healthcare professionals, educators and families throughout New Jersey.