When: Sunday, February 19, 2012 - 11:45AM - 4:00PM

Where: Subway Restaraunts/AMC Framingham 15

Please RSVP to Michael Shaps by February 18, 2012M

Come join us for another fun event: Sunday, February 19, 2012 (11:45AM-4:00ish). This month the group will be meeting in Framingham, MA at the AMC Framingham 15- 22 Flutie Pass, Framingham, MA 01701. You can meet us at 11:45AM for lunch at Subway, 121 Worcester Rd., Framingham or the Movie Theater at 12:45PM for a 1:15PM movie. Since we might have kids from 8-16, The movie “Big Miracle” about the three whales looks fun for all- Rated PG. Since there is the winter break the next day, if people want to grab a snack or walk in the mall afterward, we can plan something that day.

If you plan on attending either or both parts, please RSVP by February 18th to the Support Group Leader: Michael Shaps by phone: 617-444-9410 or email: michaelshaps@comcast.net so we know how many people to expect.

This is an opportunity for youth (8-16) with TS to get to know other kids with TS in a fun environment. Their parents/caregivers can also share experiences and meet others who are concerned about Tourette Syndrome (TS), as well as have fun.

When: Monday, February 27, 2012, 7:30-9:00PM

Where: Steve & Barbara Johnson's Home in Ashland, MA

This group is open to parents and adults with OCD/Tourette Syndrome. This group usually meets the last Monday of the month. For more information and how to contact Steve and Barbara Johnson (sbddt5@verizon.net), or by phone 508-309-3072.

When: Cancelled until further notice

Where: Taunton, MA

If you would like to be notified if this group starts back up, please contact Chrissy Joyal or Ally McIntyre (508)406-8463.

When: Enrollment is limited and the third and final class is scheduled to begin in late February 2012
MBSR Study Information Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction for Tourette Syndrome and Chronic Tic Disorder, PI: Sabine Wilhelm, Ph.D., Massachusetts General Hospital

The purpose of this research study is to develop and test a new treatment for individuals age 16 and older with TS or CTD. The treatment that we are studying is called Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR). MBSR is a well-established intervention designed to promote nonjudgmental moment-to-moment awareness of one's bodily sensations, thoughts, and emotions. Many clinics and health centers nationwide now use it to treat various medical and psychological conditions. In this study, we are testing a version of MBSR that we have tailored specifically for the treatment of tics (MBSR-tics) to determine whether it will reduce tic frequency. Eligible participants will attend 8 weekly 2-hour MBSR-tics classes as well as one 4-hour weekend class during the 5th or 6th week of the study. Each class will have between 4 and 16 participants and 2 instructors. The classes will provide instruction and practice in mindful meditation. Mindful meditation is the practice of focusing one’s attention on a perception (e.g., sound, taste), bodily sensation, thought, or emotion. The practices are designed to help you develop a nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment. As we mentioned above, the classes have been specifically tailored to individuals with tics. Accordingly, each class will provide information about tics and how mindfulness and mindful meditation can be applied to the management of tics in your daily life.

If you are interested in participating or would like to get further information, please call or email us at: 1-877-501-TICS or email: tics@partners.org Enrollment is limited and the third and final class is scheduled to begin in late February 2012, so please don’t hesitate to call.

When: Going on now for 2011 - MGH Research Study
For more information or to sign up for the Genetics of Tourette Syndrome online research, please go to Genetics of Tourette Syndrome Website

It is a closed group so if you would like to join please request membership and please include a comment of your experience or connection with TS.

We are pleased to announce some new changes that have taken effect over the past several months. Read our January 2010 Announcement. (Download the FREE Acrobat Reader to view this document.)

We are also looking for people interested in helping plan an Educational Conference here in MA, if you would like to be contacted to help with this please let us know. Please also let us know if you would like to become a volunteer with our board, help plan an event, start a support group in your area, or want to be listed as an email support volunteer on our site. If you are doing a fundraiser to benefit our MA Chapter, please let us know. We would be happy to put that information on our website.

If you haven’t already done so, we strongly urge you to become a member of the National Tourette Syndrome Association. You will be supporting the services of both the national organization and the Massachusetts chapter, since a portion of your dues comes back to our chapter. You can find membership information on the National Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc. website or by calling the national office at (718) 224-2999.