The national TSA Conference is an extraordinary event, bringing families, physicians, scientists, educators, therapists, adults and children with TS together for a long weekend unlike any other. The Conference offers a unique opportunity to exchange information, make connections, offer support and socialize with people who truly understand the impact that Tourette Syndrome has on the lives of individuals and their families. With activities for children, speakers with special appeal for teens, informative sessions for the parents of newly diagnosed children, practical information for adults and entertainment in the evenings — the weekend offered something for everyone.

The 16th bi-ennial national TSA Conference began on Wednesday, April 14 with the TSA Chapter Leadership Training, where 30 representatives from TSA Chapters were presented on topics including how to increase volunteer programs and development plans; fundraising; achieving media interest and awareness; website development and marketing. Simultaneously, a new group of TSA Youth Ambassadors were being trained by Jane Zwilling and Jennifer Lindberg. The 35 teams (consisting of one teen and one parent) were trained in public speaking, media and overall program logistics to help them in their YA mission in their home states.

Wednesday evening Chapter leaders and Youth Ambassadors attended a Trip to the Hill dinner to review plans and public policy issues in preparation for meetings to be held with elected officials the following day.

Conference attendees Kara Grotepas, Jamie-Grace Harper, Jocelyn Figueroa, Alan Curtis Tripp, Don Norton, Bill and Dave Pittman and Julie Katz	TSA Award Recipients: Alisa Yaffa (2010 Viktoria Holm Kramer Volunteer Recognition Award); Zach Pezzillo (2010 Zak Hollis Youth Achievement Award) and Cindy Schuette who nominated and accepted for Judi Alessandri (2009 Distinguished Educator Award)	The Wendy Anne Ochsman Award was presented to Ralph Ochsman, whose son Bruce and grandson Steven accepted on his behalf
The 2009 Viktoria Holm Kramer Volunteer Recognition Award was presented to Susie Edelson by Vikki's son, Jaxon	A special TSA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Judit Ungar to Don Donin, for his dedication, commitment and service to the TS community	The prestigious TSA 2010 Public Policy Award was presented by Congressman Chet Edwards and TSA Board Member Marcie Kirkpatrick Lipsitz to the Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy, who also accepted the first Edward Moore Kennedy Lifetime Achievement and Public Service Award given posthumously to the late Senator Ted Kennedy

Thursday’s big events began with the 2010 Youth Ambassador Congressional Luncheon Briefing, held in the House Rayburn Office Building with the sponsorship of Congressman Chet Edwards. The theme was “Understanding Tourette Syndrome and Appreciating Children with Difference.” Two Youth Ambassadors — Emily Fleishman and Ethan Kempner — spoke eloquently about their own lives and the lives of other young people with TS. Congressmen Chet Edwards and Steven Cohen were moved by these articulate teenagers as they made their case for the importance of continuing the CDC Partnership Program, better understanding of TS among educators and for increased TS awareness in general. Other speakers included Dr. Gloria Krahn, Director of the Division of Human and Developmental Disabilities of the CDC, David Pittman and TSA Board Member Bruce Ochsman.

Highlights of the Briefing included the presentation of the prestigious TSA 2010 Public Policy Award to The Honorable Patrick J. Kennedy, for his steadfast support of mental health parity and the first Edward Moore Kennedy Lifetime Achievement and Public Service Award given posthumously to the late Senator Ted Kennedy for his lifetime of commitment to public health and equality for all people with TS.

After the successful briefing, Youth Ambassadors, Chapter Leaders and Conference Delegates visited the offices of their local representatives. Over 160 visits were made that day. These face-to-face meetings are a critical part of TSA’s campaign to increase awareness among legislators.

While some attendees were on the Hill, Dr. John Walkup presented an all-day seminar for newly diagnosed families, where over 40 people were given a comprehensive overview about the disorder. The day wrapped up with the traditional Chris Melbye Meet and Greet where kids and adults enjoyed a DJ and Karaoke while a separate meet and greet took place at a quieter location for networking.

Two days of General Sessions kicked off on Friday with a Breakfast Keynote from TSA Board Member and jazz musician, Michael Wolff. Four tracks ran throughout the days, presented by panelists with knowledge and experience in topics in a particular field. The Medical and Behavioral tracks featured topics such as TS research updates; epidemiology, genetics, impulse control and anger issues, CBIT and diet and exercise. Education Resources was geared for parents of school age children and dealt with such issues as understanding IEPs and 504 plans, functional behavioral assessment and positive behavioral plans, bullying prevention and awareness, bullying executive function skills and presenting in-services to schools.

The Adult/Young Adult Track featured topics of interest such as adult co-morbidity, professional paths, entering the workforce, TSA Speakers’ Bureau and impulse control and anger management. Finally, the Teen Track was an opportunity for young attendees to discuss topics related to self-esteem, life after high school, navigating the teen years, TS and the media, impulse control, creative expression and a separate breakout teen talk sessions for boys and girls.

TSA Youth Ambassadors at Capitol Hill	National TSA Board of Director members Marcie Kirkpatrick Lipsitz, Rovena Schirling, Sandra Hollis, Michael Wolff, Bruce Ochsman and President Judit Ungar
TSA Banquet Entertainers Alan Curtis Tripp, Dave Pittman, Jamie-Grace Harper, Saul Lubaroff, Colin Shoff and Matt Giordano.	2009 Zak Hollis Youth Achievement Award recipient Holly Hitchcock

Friday’s lunch attendees were treated to a Keynote by Peter Hollenbeck, Ph.D, co-chair of the TSA Scientific Advisory Board. In addition, a full day seminar was being held on Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) was presented exclusively for clinical professionals.

While parents were in sessions, 32 children ages 7-14 attended an off-site camp run by Tourette Camp USA founder and director Scott Loeff along with counselors. Kids visited the Ford Nature Center and took a tour of Washington DC including the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol and the White House.

Other special events included an autograph session with American Idol Dave Pittman, “Tyrannosaurus Tic” author Steve McCall and three of the stars of “I Have Tourette’s But Tourette’s Doesn’t Have Me,” Colin, Riley and Dave. Friday evening optional activities included a bus tour of Washington D.C. sponsored by the D.C. Chapter with tour guide Anthony Pitch; a drum circle for all ages led by Matt Giordano and two yoga sessions.

After another long and fruitful day of sessions on Saturday, the evening began with a TSA Chairman’s Reception and was followed by the TSA Awards Banquet. Awards were presented in recognition of those who have made significant contributions to the lives of those affected by TS. Since the conference occurs every two years, awards were presented for both 2009 and 2010.

Recipients were: for the Wendy Anne Ochsman Award (for distinguished achievement and advancement of TS medical Treatment and Science) Ralph Ochsman, whose son Bruce and grandson Steven accepted on his behalf; the Viktoria Holm Kramer Volunteer Recognition Award (for outstanding contributions in chapter and support group development, fundraising, public/professional awareness, advocacy and/or volunteer recruitment) was presented to Susie Edelson and Alisa Yaffa; the recipients of the Zak Hollis Youth Achievement Award (for outstanding achievement in scholarship, employment, volunteerism, athletics or special areas of interest were Zach Pezzillo and Holly Hitchcock; the Distinguished Educator Award (for significantly improving district wide classroom education and socialization experiences for children and young adults with TS) went to Judi Alessandri and Coppell High School; and a special TSA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Don Donin, for his dedication, commitment and service toward the TS community.

After the dinner was served and awards were presented and accepted, the entertainment was provided by exceptionally talented individuals. Michael Wolff served as Master of Ceremonies and played alongside many of the performers, including saxophonist Saul Lubaroff and singer Dave Pittman. In addition, singer and guitarist Jamie-Grace Harper was accompanied on piano by Monika Fairley. Later pianist Alan Curtis Tripp provided a lighthearted medley of some classics, and the evening wrapped up with singer and guitarist Colin Shoff, with Matt Giordano on drums, who performed original songs for the crowd to rock out to.

The Conference came to a close with a Sunday morning breakfast meet and greet.

Very special thanks and appreciation to all of our presenters and panelists: Rebecca Bitsko, Marc Brummer, Dr. Cathy Budman, Nikki Burdine, Tracy Colletti-Flynn, Sarah Crowther, Don Donin, Marc Elliot, Gary Frank, Kathy Giordano, Matt Giordano, Kara Grotepas, Jamie-Grace Harper, Julie Hertzog, Dr. Michael Himle, Peter Hollenbeck, Ph.D., Sandra Hollis, Bruce Holtgren, Suzanne Klar, Jaxon Kramer, Cindy Kurtz, Ellen Meyers, Don Norton, Dr. David Pauls, Dave Pittman, Dan Rostan, Dr. Lawrence Scahill, Dr. Jeremiah Scharf, Rovena Schirling, Frank Tortorici, Alan Tripp, Dr. John Walkup, Dr. Doug Woods and Michael Wolff.

We look forward to our next conference April 16 through 22, 2012, which will be held at a new location, the Hyatt Regency Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.