BRIDGEWATER, NJ – The Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey (TSANJ) has scheduled a series of Professional Development programs to increase awareness among educators of the issues associated with Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders. TSANJ has planned three programs in March and April for public and private school teachers. The programs will address Tourette Syndrome, ADHD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, anxiety, depression, auditory processing, and other learning disabilities.
TSANJ, Inc. is registered with the New Jersey Department of Education as a Professional Development Provider and as such, participants who complete the programs are awarded Continuing Education Units (CEU’s).
This workshop is designed to teach educators about Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders such as ADHD and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Anxiety, depression, auditory processing and other learning disabilities will also be addressed. School related issues will be emphasized. The criteria for diagnosis/clinical assessment of Tourette Syndrome will be explained, along with current medical interventions. The course will enable educators to recognize students’ difficulties as well as their strengths and potential.
Individuals providing professional development for the Tourette Syndrome Association of New Jersey, Inc. have been trained to follow a curriculum designed and written by the National Tourette Syndrome Association. Presenters are typically teachers, nurses or have a medical background. Most presenters also have first-hand knowledge of Tourette Syndrome through personal experience or through a family member being diagnosed with the disorder.
SCHEDULE OF WORKSHOPS:
Bergen Community College – Saturday, March 25, 2006 from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm.
Presenter: Ann Deutsch, BSN, School Nurse
To Register: Erin Galardi at 201-447-7488
Location: 400 Paramus Road, Paramus, New Jersey
Sussex County Community College – Thursday, April 20, 2006 from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm
Presenter: Julie Swenson, M.Ed., Counselor
To Register: Jaci Teune at 973-300-2143
Location: 1 College Hill Road, Newton, New Jersey
Middlesex County College – Thursday, April 27, 2006 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon
Presenter: Janine Howley, MA, Special Education Teacher
To Register: Darlene Yoseloff at 732-548-6000 ext. 3144
Location: 2600 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, New Jersey
For additional information about the programs, contact our HelpLine at 732 972 4459.
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 about 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 9 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.
TSANJ is collaborating with UMDNJ Medical Schools and Rutgers University to create a New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS). The NJ Center will offer a much-needed diagnosis and treatment resource for the thousands of New Jersey families with TS. In addition to serving the medical and psychological needs of TS families, the Center will become a resource for TS patients and families willing to participate in controlled research studies into the causes and effective treatments of TS and associated disorders.