The new section features an array of informative, Spanish-language articles and videos designed to provide answers to the kinds of questions most frequently asked by individuals and families who have received a new diagnosis.
The conference will feature a one-day seminar for families with newly diagnosed TS individuals, presented by TSA Medical Advisory Board Chair, John Walkup, MD; plus various other training and development sessions for chapter leaders, staff, and volunteers; teens ages 14-18; and more.
Pre-conference activities, scheduled for April 13-15, will include TSA’s Youth Ambassador Leadership Training program (by application only) and the annual “Trip to the Hill,” for TS families to meet with federal elected officials and/or their staff.
Web registration will be avaible in the near future, along with more detailed session information. Stay tuned.
Prior to his presentation, the chapter will review its financials with interested parties.
Details available here.
Tourette Syndrome: Sorting Out Complex Symptoms
In this segment, Dr. Walkup talks about working in the clinic to sort out complex presentations in children with Tourette Syndrome (TS). He discusses co-morbid conditions such as ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, and other problems, which often complicate the cases of children with TS.
These brief, informative videos offer clear discussion and share proven strategies to help families better understand TS, assist clinicians in their treatment formulations, and promote overall improvement in the lives of children, adults, and families affected by TS.
The videos are presented free of charge. Physicians and treating clinicians (such as psychologists, social workers and counselors) will find both videos essential viewing. Families are encouraged not only to watch these programs, but to share their availability with health care providers.
Details are available on the “Meetings & Events” page of this Web site.
This 53-minute presentation focuses its information on families and caregivers of TS students who are attending a new school, new grade, or have a new teacher.
The original teleconference was presented by TSA Education Specialist Kathy Giordano to an audience of concerned parents and caregivers. Kathy regularly talks with groups of teachers, special educators, clinicians, school-based staff, allied professionals and families across the country about Tourette Syndrome and related disorders; positive and proactive educational and behavioral techniques; and “Functional Behavioral Assessments.” She is the mother of three adult children, her youngest diagnosed at the age of 5 with severe Tourette Syndrome with ADD, OCD and ODD.
Kathy has a background teaching English in grades 7-12 and has worked to assist school districts as a behavior consultant since 1998. She and her son have appeared on the PBS Series “Nova,” in a segment about Tourette Syndrome.
In this episode, Dr. Oliver Sacks, world-renowned neurologist and author, explores how the power of music can make the brain come alive, how music affects the brain, and how it can impact some neurological disorders.
New York State percussionist Matt Giordano, and his mother, Kathy, appear in the show. Matt, who has Tourette Syndrome, talks about the impact of music on his life. This documentary was filmed in 2008 and originally aired on the BBC in the United Kingdom last year.
“Both Matt Giordano and his mom, Kathy, have presented to us in the past,” said Lynn Dunlap, co-president of the TSA’s Greater Missouri chapter. “Matt brought his ‘drum circle’ a couple years ago to a special meeting for our kids, and they loved it. Kathy, who is a private educational advocate, mostly for TS kids, came in town in the fall of 2007, as an educational presenter at the Missouri National Education Conference. Later that evening, she presented to our chapter.”
Dr. Oliver Sacks’ long list of books include The Man Who Mistook his Wife for a Hat, Oaxaca Journal, An Anthropologist on Mars, and Awakenings, the film version of which starred Robin Williams as Dr. Sacks.
Dr. Sacks’ most recent book is Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain, featuring Matt Giordano, Tobias Picker, and other individuals with Tourette Syndrome.
Additional information is offered below the fold.
If you or someone you know wants to offer input on one or more of these topics, please send correspondence to Elridge Proctor at both her email address (elridge.proctor@tsa-usa.org) and primary fax number (202-408-3260).
Participants will have an opportunity to meet Golf Pro Craig Story, who has TS. Craig will conduct a golf clinic, after which participants can enjoy a round of miniature golf and hit a bucket of golf balls. A small lunch (hot dog, chips, soft drink) is included.
Check here for details. Please make reservations by or before May 20.
Greater Missouri TSA 