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Tourette Syndrome Program

The Pennsylvania Department of Health provides support to the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance (PA-TSA), Inc., to locate, contact and support individuals diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS). PA-TSA, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to serving the needs of individuals and families dealing with TS by providing statewide community-based, cost-free and non-legal support in the areas of:

  • information and referral
  • education materials
  • individual education programs
  • support groups, and
  • training and workshops

PA-TSA can be contacted at 717-337-1134 or toll free at 1-800-990-3300 or by visiting them online at www.patsainc.org. Whether you are an individual with Tourette Syndrome, an educator, a health care professional or other service provider, or a family member or friend of someone with TS, PA-TSA has information and resources on the site that you will find helpful.

What is Tourette Syndrome?

  • Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurobiological disorder characterized by tics---involuntary, rapid, sudden movements or vocalizations that occur repeatedly.
  • The onset of these symptoms is always before age 18.
  • Tourette Syndrome is not degenerative; intelligence and life span are no different from that of the general population.
  • Individuals with this condition have symptoms that vary from very mild to very severe.
  • The majority of cases are characterized as mild.
  • Medication is available to assist in the control of the expression of tics.
  • Some Tourette Syndrome symptoms are viewed by the uninformed as bizarre, disruptive and frightening.
  • Children with Tourette Syndrome often experience ridicule and rejection by peers, teachers, neighbors and even casual observers because of these symptoms.
  • There is no cure for this condition. During the teenage years symptoms can become more complex. However, as teens mature many experience marked improvement in their early twenties.
  • Other conditions often accompany Tourette Syndrome:
    • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
    • Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
    • Anxiety and Learning Disabilities