The author of this essay was a winner of a 2022 NJCTS Scholarship Award. This was the essay that was included with their application. “Is there something on my face?” After noticing a pair of girls staring at us in… Continue Reading
We welcome you to join the NJCTS Youth Council The purpose of the NJCTS Youth Advocate Council is to empower youth (ages 13-18) living with TS, tic disorders and the associated conditions, or some form of lived experience with TS,… Continue Reading
NJCTS is looking for youth ages 13-17 to participate in the Youth Advocate Presenter Program. As a presenter, our youth have the unique opportunity to share their powerful voices with a variety of audiences including younger students, teachers, new doctors,… Continue Reading
It’s not a joke. It’s not a punchline. It’s not an excuse. Those are the refrains from four Youth Advocates who live with Tourette Syndrome, a neurobiological disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements or vocalizations known as tics. The disorder is… Continue Reading
Daniel was a winner of a 2021 NJCTS Scholarship Award. This was the essay he included with his application. I was in elementary school when I was first diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at age ten. I still remember the first… Continue Reading
Julianna was a winner of a 2021 NJCTS Scholarship Award. This was the essay she included with her application. Looking back, I can recall the countless sleepless nights where I would stay up, staring at the ceiling, just waiting for… Continue Reading
Gavin was a winner of a 2021 NJCTS Scholarship Award. This was the essay he included with his application. I’ve faced many obstacles for something I had no control in doing. I expected my peers to not understand, but I… Continue Reading
Ethan was a winner of a 2021 NJCTS Scholarship Award. This was the essay he included with his application. Most people perceive me as an average seventeen-year-old. They would describe me as a friendly, hand-working, and goal-oriented boy from my… Continue Reading
Ryan was a winner of a 2021 NJCTS Scholarship Award. This was the essay he included with his application. I gazed upon the vast audience as I began to recite my speech. My mind was racing, knowing that I had… Continue Reading
Erin was a winner of a 2021 NJCTS Scholarship Award. This was the essay she included with her application. “Breathe, Erin… you’re in control.” These words echo in my mind all the time. It has always been my mother’s way… Continue Reading