Empowering Professionals

We’re committed to advancing awareness and acceptance of Tourette Syndrome and other tic-related disorders.

Education Outreach Program

Community Trainings

We offer community trainings for professionals about TS and connect families with support and services. We collaborate with care management organizations, family support organizations and success centers, mental health organizations, and county-based human service agencies.

Faculty In-Service

We host a Faculty In-Service Program for elementary and secondary school educators across New Jersey. Led by staff, educators, medical professionals, and a youth advocate, we offer practical classroom strategies and accommodations, regardless of whether a student with TS is currently in the classroom.

Law Enforcement

We provide trainings for local, county, and state police departments across New Jersey that focus on how TS symptoms may affect behavior during high-stress situations, teaching officers to apply de-escalation techniques for safer interactions. In some communities, we participate in Crisis Intervention Training for law enforcement and mental health professionals.

Youth Advocate Presentations

Our youth advocate presentations reach thousands of students in schools and community organizations throughout New Jersey. Students gain an in-depth understanding of TS and associated disorders, ask questions, and have misconceptions corrected.

Select students from Lloyd Road Elementary School students participated in a presentation by the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders focused on providing students with an understanding of Tourette Syndrome along with practical information to assist young children in developing an understanding about Tourettes as well as fostering empathy and understanding for those living with Tourettes. The presentation was engaging to our students and they left with a deep understanding and appreciation for individuals with Tourettes. I believe this program will assist our students and our school in fostering a more inclusive, kind and caring culture for students with disabilities.

John Bombardier, School Principal

We are incredibly appreciative and grateful to Sree and NJCTS for visiting our K–5 school community to share her powerful presentation on Tourette syndrome. Her message of acceptance, understanding, and empathy deeply resonated with our students and staff. By helping us better understand Tourette syndrome and the importance of inclusion, she has positively strengthened our school environment and reinforced the values of kindness and respect that we strive to uphold every day.

Gabrielle McCartney

OUR ROLE IN RESEARCH

TS Clinic

The TS Clinic offers a holistic approach to managing Tourette Syndrome, providing specialized services tailored to the unique needs of each patient. Our team of experts delivers personalized care plans, integrating medical, psychological, and educational support to optimize patient outcomes. Families benefit from a network of resources and support systems designed to empower them with knowledge and tools to navigate the challenges of TS. The clinic’s commitment to excellence ensures that individuals receive compassionate care, fostering resilience and improving quality of life. We encourage families in our community to reach out to us for a referral to this exceptional clinic.

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Doctoral Students Trained in the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology

Advancing Research in Tourette Syndrome

Cell and DNA Sharing Repository

In 2008, NJCTS partnered with Rutgers University’s RUCDR Infinite Biologics to establish the NJCTS Cell & DNA Sharing Repository — a landmark resource for sharing clinical and genetic data. Developed in collaboration with Yale University, the repository connected more than 25 collection sites worldwide, with clinical researchers gathering samples and questionnaires from families for processing and storage at Rutgers.

The results were significant: breakthrough findings published in 2017 and 2018 identified at-risk genes for TS, prompting the National Institute of Mental Health to recognize the repository as a federal asset and ultimately award TIC Genetics $10 million to advance the research further.

This collaborative effort is crucial for uncovering potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets, paving the way for personalized medicine approaches. By participating in this initiative, medical professionals can play a key role in advancing the scientific community’s knowledge and fostering innovative solutions that benefit those affected by Tourette Syndrome.

Educating Healthcare Profesionals

Grand Rounds

NJCTS offers a unique education program for physicians and medical residents in hospitals and medical centers. During these presentations a TS medical expert shares the podium with a NJCTS youth advocate and together they provide a full introduction to the experience of living with TS. The medical expert provides an overview of the signs and symptoms, characteristics, diagnosis and treatment options for TS. The youth advocate provides a first-hand experience of the challenges of living with these disorders. Together, the presentation allows those in attendance to gain an understanding of the complexity of treating people with TS and the co-occurring disorders. Presentations are typically made in the neurology, family medicine, pediatrics and psychiatry departments.

To schedule, call us at 908-575-7350 or email us at info@njcts.org.

EXPERT GUIDANCE

Scientific Advisory Council

The Scientific Advisory Council provides expert guidance on the current state of research, clinical care, and emerging treatments for Tourette Syndrome. The Council is composed of a diverse group of New Jersey–based professionals, many of whom are directly involved in the day-to-day diagnosis and treatment of individuals with Tourette Syndrome and related disorders.

Because of their clinical and research experience, Council members have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges faced by individuals with TS and their families. The Council helps identify unmet needs, gaps in services, and opportunities for new or expanded programs, and plays a key role in guiding and strengthening our organizational priorities and program development.

If you are interested in being considered for inclusion on the committee, please email Hilary Kruchowy.

Sol Barer, PhD

CEO of Celgene Corporation (retired)

Daniela Colognori, PsyD

Specialized Psychological Services

Marla Deibler, PsyD.

The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia

Amanda Ferriola, PsyD

Behavioral Science Institute, NJCTS TS Clinic at Rutgers

Meir Flancbaum, PsyD

Center For Cognitive Behavior Therapy

Stuart Green, DMH, LCSW

Stuart Green, DMH, LCSW, Overlook Medical Center

Gary Heiman, PhD

Rutgers University Department of Genetics

Jeremy Lichtman, PsyD

Central Therapy

Bernice R. Rydell, EdD

Vice President Emeritus at Millersville University

Jay Tischfield, PhD

Chair of Rutgers University’s Department of Genetics

Center at Langone Health

The Center at Langone Health is a premier facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care for individuals with Tourette Syndrome and associated disorders. Their team of experts offers a multidisciplinary approach, combining cutting-edge research with personalized treatment plans to address the unique needs of each patient. We provide a range of services including diagnostic evaluations, medication management, behavioral therapy, and support groups. In the last year, the Child Study Center has provided service to over 150 children and teens with TS and engaged in pilot clinical research, testing the impact of effective treatments developed for related disorders in persons with TS.

Parents can contact the Study Center directly through the website or at 201.465.8111 and let them know you were referred by NJCTS.