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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    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