What type of services are available for families?
In Pennsylvania, we have established 3 support groups spread throughout the state that allow families to exchange ideas and feelings about their common problems. Often family therapy is helpful. Parents of a child with TS have to walk a fine line between understanding and overprotection. They are constantly faced with deciding whether or not certain actions are the expression of TS or just poor behavior. Parents then must determine the appropriate response. For socially unacceptable behavior, a child should be encouraged to control what he/she can whenever possible, and try to substitute what is more socially acceptable. Parents are urged to give their children with TS the opportunity for as much independence as possible, while gently but firmly limiting attempts by some children to use their symptoms to control those around them. Pennsylvania residents may contact the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. (PA-TSA) and register to receive advocacy and informative services. T
