Details
The Tourette Association of America Hudson Valley New York Chapter is a volunteer led, nonprofit organization supporting the needs of individuals and families affected by Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders. We are committed to raising public awareness and fostering social acceptance; advancing scientific understanding, treatment options and care; educating professionals to better serve the needs of children, adults and families challenged by Tourette and Tic Disorders; advocating for public policies and services that promote positive school, work and social environments; Providing help, hope and a supportive community across the nation; and empowering our community to deal with the complexities of this spectrum of disorders.
Serving Westchester, Rockland, Orange, and Putnam counties
Services
The Hudson Valley Chapter offers these services:
Chapter Helpline
Call and speak with a volunteer who can answer questions and offer guidance to help with those dealing with TS and other TS-related issues.
Chapter Meetings
Participate in several opportunities each year, featuring such topics as medical updates, advocacy, school-related issues, behavioral concerns, and other important areas.
Support Groups
Informal meetings provide the opportunity to connect with other families, share ideas and strategies, and give and receive support. Support Group meetings are held at various locations around our chapter area.
Chapter Newsletter
Our chapter sends out a newsletter to keep you updated with current information, including articles about TS and events happening in your area.
School Presentations
Trained volunteers provide sessions upon request to educate teachers on the symptoms of TS and associated disorders, and discuss possible accommodations, modifications, and teaching strategies.
Peer Presentations by Youth Ambassadors
TAA Youth Ambassadors are teens with TS, who have been trained to to advocate for themselves and for others and to provide their peers and younger children with accurate information about TS. They can go into classrooms, schools and clubs to teach understanding, sensitivity and tolerance of TS and its symptoms while displacing the myths and stereotypes that are often attributed to and associated with this misunderstood and misdiagnosed disorder.
Buddy Program for Youth
The Buddy program is a peer-mentoring program for young kids with Tourette Syndrome. Our “Big Buddies” are pre-teens and teens with TS, who are trained to serve as role models to younger children and empower them to imagine a positive future for themselves. They are paired with young kids with TS and can provide their “Young Buddies” with support, mentoring, companionship, and one-to-one friendship.
Referrals to Local Physicians and Service Providers
We can refer you to neurologists, psychiatrists, therapists, and allied professionals such as tutors, social skills therapists, special education attorneys, and more. Other chapter members have recommended these providers.
WESTCHESTER SUPPORT GROUP
Leader Jill Conway
Phone (914) 714-1969
E-Mail [email protected] or [email protected]
Location New York Presbyterian Hospital – White Plains
PUTNAM COUNTY SUPPORT GROUP
Leader Kerry Fleischman
Phone 845 228 0125
E-Mail [email protected]
Location tarbucks in Putnam Plaza, Carmel, NY 10512
DUCHESS & ULSTER COUNTIES SUPPORT GROUP
Leader Dawn Van Kleeck
Phone 845-695-9651
E-Mail [email protected] or [email protected]
Location Contact the email address above
Note: The Mid-Hudson Support Group serving Dutchess and Ulster Counties, is now part of the Greater New York Chapter. The NY-Hudson Valley Chapter provides information on this support group as a courtesy to TAA members living in those counties.
New York State Consortium
Weill Cornell Medical College
New York, NY
Director: John Walkup, M.D.
Co-Director: Shannon Bennett, Ph.D.
(212) 746 1891
Northwell Health
Manhasset, NY
Director: Cathy Budman, M.D.
Co-Director: Jane Zwilling, Psy.D.
(516) 562-3223
University of Rochester Medical Center
Rochester, NY
Director: Jonathan Mink, M.D., Ph.D.
Co-Director: Heather Adams, Ph.D.
(585) 275-2808
Ichan School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, NY
Director: Barbara Coffey, M.D.
Co-Director: Wayne Goodman, M.D.
(212) 659-1677
The TAA Youth Ambassador Program brings together, trains and supports teens to advocate for and talk about Tourette and Tic Disorders in their community, with their elected officials and before their peers at school, sports leagues, scout troops, camps and after-school programs. Learn More
The TAA conducts in-service presentations around the state with various schools on an as needed basis. It can make a tremendous difference in your child’s academic experience to have the school staff educated about the many facets of TS. Learn More
