 |
 |
 |
Welcome to the Tourette Syndrome Association Minnesota Chapter Inc. web site, your portal to information on Tourette Syndrome.
Our Mission Statement
To assist Minnesotan's with Tourette syndrome
in achieving their fullest potential through education, support and public
awareness programs.
Who we are
The Tourette Syndrome Association of Minnesota is a Non-Profit organization
formed within the state of Minnesota focused on helping the individuals
and families affected by Tourette Syndrome.
In 1976, the Tourette Syndrome Association of Minnesota (TSA-MN) was formed by parents of children with Tourette syndrome who sought out other TS families with whom to share their experiences, problems, and triumphs. They were responding to the reality that most of their children's teachers, counselors, doctors, and social service workers knew nothing about Tourette syndrome. For 27 years, TSA-MN has been providing a variety of services for children and adults with TS, supporting parents (especially in the school setting), and increasing the education and awareness of professionals and the general public.
TSA-MN sponsors support groups, publishes a quarterly newsletter, conducts in-service presentations for school and medical staff, disseminates literature, and responds to inquiries from parents and professionals. Annually we host a one-day conference to bring members, medical and educational professionals current information about TS.
As a small organization, we depend on volunteers to assist us in carrying
out our mission.
What is Tourette syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder characterized by multiple
involuntary body movements and vocalizations called tics. These tics are
rapid and sudden movements that occur repeatedly in the same way and occur
over a period of more than one year. Tics periodically change in the number,
frequency, type, and location and wax and wane in their severity.
Symptoms can include: eye blinking, squinting, mouth stretching, head
jerking, shoulder shrugging, arm or leg jerking, hopping or jumping, throat
clearing, sniffing. The symptoms of TS vary from person to person and
range from very mild to severe. Many people who have TS symptoms are not
diagnosed if the symptoms do not significantly interfere with their lives
or due to lack of awareness.
Many people with TS also have associated neurological disorders such as
ADHD and/or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Tourette Syndrome is usually inherited.
At this time there is no cure for TS. Researchers are working to find
the cause of TS in the hopes of finding a cure in the future. Positive
interventions can help individuals with TS reach their fullest potential.
Join Us
There are a number of benefits that go along with being a member of the
Tourette Syndrome Association of Minnesota. The most important of which
is having the opportunity to associate with other families and individuals
who are dealing with Tourette Syndrome and the many associated issues
that go along with it. Through this network of people, you will be much
better positioned to be successful with many of the same issues that they
have already gone through. In addition, your children will be able to
interact with other children facing the same issues but in a safe environment
in which their tics and other issues are openly accepted by everyone.
Together your whole family will develop a support network that will make
dealing with Tourettes much easier.
Other benefits include a host of educational programs, classes, seminars, events, and other offerings focused on bring the latest research, information and important issues related to Tourettes into perspective.
If you would like to join the Tourette Syndrome Association of Minnesota (TSA-MN), please use this form to submit your registration. Your will receive through the mail additional information about the TSA-MN organization as well as information about membership fees, up coming events and other useful information.
For further information about the TSA-MN organization, please send an
e-mail
or call us at 651-646-0099.