Founded in 1972 in Bayside New York, the national Tourette Syndrome Association is the only national voluntary non-profit membership organization in this field.  Our mission is to identify the cause of, find the cure for and control the effects of Tourette Syndrome.  We offer resources and referrals to help people and their families cope with the problems that occur with TS.  We raise public awareness and counter media stereotypes about TS.  Our membership includes individuals, families, relatives, and medical and allied professionals working in the field.

Program development, education and medical programs, government outreach, adherence to TSA's mission, maximizing efforts, minimizing expenses, event management, awareness, media, publications, chapter relations, research grants, scientific and medical conferences, are ongoing efforts of TSA's full-time professional staff. Volunteers of extraordinary dedication and professional merit serve on TSA's Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Board(MAB), and Scientific Advisory Board (SAB).
Link:  Awareness/view TSA print ads, Organization and Finances.

TSA has grown into a major national health-related organization with more than 30 U. S. Chapters and 125 support groups. The Chapters hold educational conferences, family meetings, picnics and outings, fund raising events and support groups in their states/areas. Look for a chapter in your area. They'll help you find a support group and other local resouces.  Links:   U. S. Chapter Locator  Chapter Events calendar  
Chapter Resource Center(for Chapter Volunteers)

In addition to seminars and conferences, TSA conducts many activities for families through its chapters, and many events to raise awareness of TS by the general public, as well as to raise funds to further our mission. Golf, Dinner Dances & "Team TSA" Athletic events (marathons, bicycle races and much more) offer opportunities to get involved and have fun for a worthy cause. Links: Join/Donate/Participate TeamTSA

We have a comprehensive list of International Contacts who have volunteered their time to provide information
about resources in their countries. Links:  International Contacts

TSA  funds research that will ultimately find the cause of and cure for TS and, at the same time, lead to improved medications and treatments.  The goal for our research program is to support investigators from all areas of science who can contribute to the understanding of the genetics, pathogenesis, pathophysiology and the treatment of TS. Many of our publications and videos are directed at furthering the understanding and treatment of TS by the medical community.  TSA's Medical Advisory Board has developed Practice Parameters for physicians in treating Tourette Syndrome.  In partnership with the CDC, TSA is conducting a series of Medical seminars around the U.S., and has launched CME/CNE programs on this website. Links:  Medical & Treatment Research  Medical and Allied Professional Education

Our Quarterly Newsletter, our Children's Newsletter "That Darn Tic", and our on-line Young Adult Newsletter contain the latest updates of medical, scientific information and news of interest to all in the TS community.
TSA develops and disseminates videos, publications, including a CD Educators' Curriculum for families, individuals, and medical and allied professionals. Link: Newsletters Publications & Videos main page

TSA provides essential TS information to educators and families to optimize teaching and learning, and tries to end stigma and promote acceptance regarding TS in school settings. Through an ongoing partnership with the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control (CDC), TSA conducts seminars for Educators and Allied professionals to train them to understand, address and manage symptoms of Tourette Syndrome in the education environment. TSA's Education Advocacy program give families and advocates the tools they need when pursuing the best program options and services for children. Links: Education  Education Advocacy For Professional Educators

TSA's Biennial National Conference for our members and their families provides seminars, information and interaction with Medical and Allied professionals, Chapter and National TSA leadership; Scientific Symposia bringing together acknowledged experts in the field to share their expertise; presentations to Educators in many communities across the U.S. to aid in their understanding and strategies to benefit students with TS; presentations to Medical professionals to correctly diagnose and properly treat the patient with TS.  Link: Join/Donate/Participate

Public Policy activities of TSA are designed to educate lawmakers and the public about the impact of legislation, regulatory actions, and government policy on the health and well being of people with Tourette Syndrome. A crucial part of the effort is the network of TSA chapter members who receive updates from the TSA's Public Policy Office and communicate directly with their elected officials. TSA monitors issues and voices views on special education, health insurance, funding of health research, and prevention of genetic discrimination. TSA's annual Trip to the Hill features TSA members raising awareness in Washington D.C. Link: Public Policy.

National TSA has 2 full-time Information and Referral Coordinators with professional backgrounds in social work, psychology, education or related disciplines who answer email and telephone inquiries. We get requests for referrals to physicians or therapists (TSA maintains lists by state for Physicians and Allied Professionals as well as legal resources and various camps and schools). There are questions about Education-related issues (e.g. from teachers for pointers in the classroom, or from parents about teachers' handling of symptoms in the classroom). Parents may be seeking options to better educate school personnel. Other requests for assistance are those seeking information about symptoms of TS and co-occurring disorders, treatment options, Social Security and Disability, ADA, and TS resources. Telephone 718-224-2999 or email us. Link: Email TSA

Join TSA, come to a dinner dance or golf outing, donate time or expertise to a local chapter, donate to national TSA, join our Grandparents Club, run a marathon or ride in a bike race, buy a raffle ticket on a Mercedes. There are many ways to help. Link: Join/Donate/Participate