PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance

Wow, the future is bright for this youngster!

Joe Petraro is taking online classes at LSU as a sports leadership major. He’s also an 11-year-old with Tourette’s. 11-year-old Joe Petraro of Long Island, New York, will take online classes at LSU this fall as a sports leader...

What's your best advice for all the students with Tourette heading back to school soon??

How can you tell it's back-to-school? When PATSA starts training Educators! Brandi Cooper started today off right with a presentation for Adelphoi Education in Latrobe! Thank you to Lori Grimes Harvey for setting it up!

Go Back-to-School in style with these Tourette Awareness options! Visit PATSA's Printify store at: https://patsa-teal-for-tuesday.printify.me/products

We often get glowing feedback from parents, mostly moms, but here is a quote from a dad that tells a great story:
"Our son was diagnosed with Tourettes at 7 years old, he is 15 now. While he sill experiences motor tics, he has learned to manage and cope with it, to the extent that the everyday person wouldn't recognize it. When first diagnosed, we were terrified as we didn't know what was happening or how to deal with it. Through CHOP, we were connected with PATSA, specifically Nicole Wesner at the time. Nicole came to our son's school(s), and educated the kids and staff to mitigate any consequences of his tics in school. We attended mutiple PATSA camp events where my son could see that he was not alone. I cannot say enough good things about PATSA, nor can I express its importance to families who are just learning of the diagnoses."

Next week we are hosting 3 separate trainings to help Educators and Nurses better understand and support students with Tourette syndrome. Act 48 credits are offered. Check out times and register by clicking here: https://patsainc.org/resources-and-support/support-for-schools/

Help a PA doctoral candidate complete her research! See the info and grab the link here:https://patsainc.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Oil-Flyer-August-1.pdf

I advocate for children with Tourette Syndrome, what's your super power??

The Pittsburgh Area Support Group Meetings have gone OUTDOORS for the summer months (June, July, and August)!

We will still meet 6:00-7:30pm, on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, but we will change the location each month to a Pittsburgh Area park!

The August 2024 Pittsburgh Area Support Group Meeting will take place OUTSIDE at the newly renovated Anderson Playground in Schenley Park on Wednesday, August 14th, 6:00-7:30pm. The playground now has dinosaur themed equipment, spider web style climbers, swings, hammocks, and more!

Feel free to bring camp chairs, picnic dinner, and drinks for your family. PATSA will bring yard games and canopies (if pavilion is already being used). We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to our Western PA Consultant, Brandi, at [email protected] or by calling 800-990-3300 ext. 4. She would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

This is the biggest truth of any.....No 2 individuals are affected with all the same tics in all the same ways and No 2 individuals have the same needs when it comes to help

There is no blanket case or neurological cover all that can be generally applied....no one size fits all or most here

This is why we advocate for each individual and each family to get tailored plans to fit their individualized needs and lifestyles

Here's your reminder to forward this to any teachers or school nurses you know!

I know, it's TOO EARLY to think about school, but, we are hosting several webinars for teachers and nurses! See the dates/times on our website here: https://patsainc.org/resources-and-support/support-for-schools/ Share this with your school district!!

This.

Meet The Presenter Telling TV’s Gatekeepers To Get With The Program On Tourette’s Adrian Smith, A TV presenter with Tourette's, has a message for commissioners and execs to take people with the syndrome seriously.

Did you know that PATSA is looking for a Community Engagement Coordinator? See the add and respond on Indeed:

Community Engagement Coordinator - Pennsylvania - Indeed.com PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance

The PA State Budget is signed! Tourette Syndrome will receive $159,000 once again! This is good news but we could do so much more with an increase!

This may be worth the watch!!

Understanding Tourette syndrome and how to eliminate the stigma In the second hour of "Connections with Evan Dawson" on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, we talk with author Kyle Semmel and a local doctor about Tourette syndrome. They share their personal experiences and their hopes for eliminating the stigma of Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders.

I know, it's TOO EARLY to think about school, but, we are hosting several webinars for teachers and nurses! See the dates/times on our website here: https://patsainc.org/resources-and-support/support-for-schools/ Share this with your school district!!

Seeking newsletter submissions from teens and young adults with Tourette Syndrome. Respond to this survey to submit your answers for possible publication! https://forms.office.com/r/qvB1yGEyS6

Congrats to New Jersey for getting their funding reinstated and increased! Our volunteers have worked on an increase here in PA and are awaiting the outcome!

Did you know the Pittsburgh Area has an in-person Tourette Support Group meeting every month... and that they take their meetings outdoors for the summer months (June, July, and August)?

This month (Wednesday, July 10, 2024) they will be at North Park for a BBQ and some fun. For more details and/or to sign up check out this link:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D45ABA822AAF5C07-50120648-patsa

Is your child turning 14 this year? Learn about the page of the IEP called "Transition" here.

The July 2024 edition of PA Transition Tidbits is now available. View it here: https://secure.smore.com/n/kvem7-pa-transition-tidbits?ref=email

Some thoughts on Advocacy and Empowerment!

‘It’s so much more than embarrassment’: Eastern Iowa Tourette Syndrome activists call for education, kindness A semi-retired doctor and his wife are helping patients navigate Tourette Syndrome, a condition characterized by tics.

Use these on your profile! It's so TRUE--Tourette syndrome awareness efforts never end!

Seeking nominations for the upcoming board member election! Do you know someone who would like to serve? Do you have an interest in getting involved? Nominations are being accepted here: https://forms.office.com/r/zkwZsdCSAz Read more about our other Board Members here: https://patsainc.org/home/patsa-board-of-directors/

PATSA Board of Directors - PATSA Meet the PATSA Board of Directors.

We had the BEST time!! Check out all of the pictures to see all the fun and plan to come next June! https://eu.zonerama.com/TSFamilyCamp2022/Album/11485447