Tourette Syndrome Association, Washington State Chapter brochure


		TOURETTE SYNDROME ASSOCIATION WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER
		BACKGROUND The Washington State Chapter of the Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA) was founded in 1986. We are a volunteer, non-profit organization affIliated with the national Tourette Syndrome Association. MISSION The Washington State Chapter of TSA is dedicated to: Providing understanding, support and information to individuals and families in our state who deal with TS in their lives. Educating healthcare professionals, educators, agencies and legislators on all aspects of TS.	SERVICES Advocacy Conferences Regional support groups Newsletter Physician & therapist referral Information/resource line Video & literature lending library Social events Supporting pertinent legislation CONTACT INFORMATION Washington State Chapter TSA 11316 20th Avenue NE Seattle,WA 98125
		OTHER RESOURCES
INFORMATIONAL GUIDE PROVIDED BY: Washington State Chapter Tourette Syndrome Association (206) 781-9035 tsawashington@hotmail.com www.tourette.net/wa		Tourette Syndrome Association 4240 Bell Boulevard Bayside, New York 11361-2861 (718) 224-2999 www.tsa-usa.org/ Obsessive Compulsive Foundation PO Box 70 Milford, CT 06460 (203) 878-5669 www.ocfoundation.org	Northwest Chapter of CH.A.D.D. 330 SW 43rd, K-151 Renton,WA 98055 (206) 622-2127 Learning Disabilities Association of Washington 7819 159th Place NE Redmond, WA 98052 1-800-LD-6-ADHD www.ldawa.org

WHAT IS TOURETTE SYNDROME?	WHAT ARE THE ASSOCIATED ASPECTS OF TOURETTE SYNDROME?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a genetic, neurological disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. It is estimated that 1 in 2,OOO people are affected by TS. Although there is no cure, it is not degenerative, and it is not fatal. Diagnostic criteria include: Both multiple motor and one or more vocal tics present at some time, although not necessarily simultaneously. The occurrence of tics many times a day, nearly every day or intermittently through the span of more than one year. The periodic change in the number, frequency, type, and location of the tics, and in the waxing and waning of their severity. [The frequency of tics can vary widely and they sometimes can be suppressed briefly.] Onset before the age of 21. Tics Tics are non-purposeful sounds and movements that are sudden and occur repeatedly. The two categories of tics and some common examples are: Simple Motor: Eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging, facial grimaces Vocal: Throat clearing, barking sounds, snifffling, tongue clicking, spitting Complex Motor: Jumping, falling to the ground, twirling about, whipping objects Vocal: Coprolalia (saying socially unacceptable words or phrases) Echolalia (repeating others) Palilalia (repeating oneself)	Although it is not part of the diagnostic criteria for TS, many people with TS have "associated" neuro-behavioral disorders, developmental delays, learning disabilities, sensory-motor integration problems, and/or rage attacks in addition to tics. Sensory-Motor Integration Problems People who have neurological disorders often have problems with motor planning and/or visual perceptual skills. A person may have difficulty with balance, fine motor skills (such as writing), gross motor skills (running, climbing, sports), copying written work, organizing belongings or work, and getting along with peers. The person's senses may go into "overload" in certain environments resulting in inappropriate behavior. Adapting the environment to meet the sensory-motor needs of each person is essential for helping him/her maintain self control. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Individuals who have TS may also have Obsessive Compulsive symptoms. Obsessions are persistent thoughts that won't go away. Compulsions are the need to act upon those thoughts. A few examples of OC behaviors are touching or rubbing objects or people, licking things repeatedly, ripping things, counting objects and doing things in certain multiples, evening up things, having to arrange things in a certain manner, walking patterns and getting stuck or perseverating on certain activities and tasks.	Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Over 50% of people who have TS may also have ADHD, and many are diagnosed with ADHD before the onset of tics. Indications of ADHD may include: difficulty concentrating, failing to finish what was started, being easily distracted, impulsivity, shifting constantly from one activity to another, fidgeting and moving constantly, needing a great deal of supervision. Developmental Delays Many children with TS have delays in social skill development. Other developmental delays may be present but may not be as obvious. These delays may affect a child's ability to read, write, participate in organized sports, or learn other subjects in school. For a child with TS, being pushed beyond developmental readiness can cause frustration, anger, and/or oppositional behavior. Developmental readines, should be considered when planning successful programs for children with TS. Specific Learning Disabilities Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a chronic condition of presumed neurological origin which affects learning, relative to potential. An SLD is demonstrated by a discrepancy between general intellectual ability and academic achievement in one or more of several areas including oral expression, reading, math, and written expression. An SLD may also adversely affect a person's self-esteem and life adjustment skills. If a child is experiencing underachievement in school, he/she should be evaluated for an SLD.	Repeated Anger Generated Episodes A small percentage of people with TS experience what are known as rage attacks. These episodes of intense anger are sudden and unpredictably triggered. The amount of anger is grossly out of proportion to the provocation. These outbursts are not typical of the person's usual personality, and he/she feels unable to control the emotion. People who have TS along with the associated disorders of ADHD and/or OCD are most likely to experience these attacks. People who have rage attacks are not normally aggressive and often express extreme remorse after an episode. There is still much to be learned about the cause and treatment of this phenomenon. WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS FOR TOURETTE SYNDROME? Tourette Syndrome is a life long condition. The waxing and waning nature of its symptoms make each case unique. In many people, there is a lessening of symptoms after adolescence. Some of those that appear troublesome in childhood can be beneficial as an adult, such as a high energy level or perseverance. Each person with TS is a unique individual with special gifts and talents. Because there is no cure for TS, public awareness and understanding of this complex disorder are crucial for assuring that people with TS lead happy, productive lives.

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