Associated Advocacy Center - Visions for the Future, Inc.
Advocates that provide knowledgeable representation at team meetings, mediations, and court; for special education, discipline, expulsion hearings and juvenile court proceedings.
Their goal is to educate and empower parents. This will combat the disparaging education and treatment that children face. Their programs foster parent and student independence
and community resource connections.
Beal Street Academy
Beal Street Academy is a small private school serving students in grades 6 through 12. Their goal is to provide a fresh start for children who have struggled to
achieve their full potential. They welcome students who have fallen behind due to illness, disability, or problems with a one-size-fits-all instruction model.
In many cases they can help a student make up lost ground and quickly return to his or her referring school, newly equipped with self confidence and the skills to succeed.
Classroom Presentations and Sample Letters
*The following documents are copywritten by author Dawn Erickson. Reproduction is permitted for use as a template letter resource for parents. Use in written publications without permission is prohibited.
FAMILY TIES of Massachusetts
A Project of the Federation for Children with Special Needs
Statewide Parent-to-Parent Network Providing Information and Support to Families and Professionals Helping Children with Special Needs
The Federation for Children with Special Needs
The Federation for Children with Special Needs is a center for parents and parent organizations to work together on behalf of children with special needs and their families. The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their communities.
The Fluency Factory
Serving the Boston, Quincy, and South Shore Areas of Massachusetts.
They are an after-school tutoring center that uses the clearest, most advanced approach to teaching that is available. They work one to one with each student to individualize their learning program, so they can serve a variety of different student needs, from beginning reader to advanced high school student.
National TSA Education Advocacy
This has many useful articles there for IDEA, including presentations from the 2008 National Conference
(MAC) Massachusetss Advocates for Children
MAC's goal is to ensure that children with disabilities receive the services and accommodations necessary to participate in the mainstream of public education and receive equal educational opportunities.
MASSPAC (Massachusetts Association of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils)
MASSPAC is an independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt member association of parents, school based councils, professionals and agencies. The mission of MASSPAC is to maintain a state-wide network of parents, professionals, and school-based councils in a shared effort to understand, respect, and support appropriate education for all children with special needs in our respective communities.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetics Home Reference
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetics Home Reference website provides helpful information on genetic topics, including descriptions of such genetic disorders as TS and definitions to terms that may be used by a physician in discussion of a genetic disorder.
SPED Child and Teen
They have listings for special needs workshops and resources in Massachusetts
Tutors
Listings for Tutors in MA that have experience working with kids with TS
Yasmeen Bressner in Lexington, MA ybressner@gmail.com
781-866-9608
Yasmeen offers tutoring services for K-7th grade students in all subject areas.
Her qualifications are as follows:
M.A. in Education from Teachers College, Columbia University (2001)
B.A. from Clark University (1999), Certification in elementary and special education, Over a decade of tutoring experience,
Eight years of full-time teaching experience, Training in Lindamood Bell, References available upon request, Experience with TS
Karen Paradise-D'Ortenzio, M.ed., Special Education tutor
Metrowest/GTR Boston Area dortz1@verizon.net
She has been in special education in various aspects for over 20 years.
She also has training in the Wilson language program, which can help students who have
trouble decoding,encoding and other language disabilities that are similar to dyslexia.
Karen is available for tutoring, email support and special education questions.
WE MOVE
A not-for-profit organization for TS information and resources that utilizes creativity, innovation, and collaborative approaches to improve awareness,
diagnosis, and management of movement disorders among people living with these conditions and the professionals who care for them.
Yesodot provides family-centered and directed support to Jewish and interfaith families challenged by disability from over 62 communities in the Greater Boston area.
Yesodot
Yesodot provides family-centered and directed support to Jewish and interfaith families challenged by disability from over 62 communities in the Greater Boston area.
If you have a young, teenage, or adult family member with a developmental, physical, learning or other disability or mental illness they offer you and your family a series of useful and unique programs and educational workshops.
Anxiety Disorders Assocation of America
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) is the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to informing the public, health care professionals, and legislators that anxiety disorders are real, serious, and treatable. ADAA promotes the early diagnosis, treatment, and cure of anxiety disorders, and it is committed to improving the lives of the people who suffer from them. There is also a list of local support groups and lists of therapists in the MA area.
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) is a parent-led, not-for-profit, Web-based membership organization of families raising children diagnosed with, or at risk for, pediatric bipolar disorder. They provide information, resources, and links to local support groups and professionals:
820 Davis St., Ste. 520
Evanston, IL 60201
(847) 492-8519 Phone
(847) 492-8520 Fax
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
508-302-2425 and Yahoo Group metrowest@chadd.net
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is the nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters throughout the U.S. Chapters offer support for individuals, parents, teachers, professionals, and others. The local chapter is MetroWest Satellite of CHADD.
Parent support groups are held every 2nd Tuesday of the month (Jan., Feb., March, May, Sept., Oct., Nov.). Time: 7-9 PM at Goodnow Library Meeting Room, 21 Concord Road, Sudbury, MA.
CBIT Brochure - TSA is offering a new, informative color brochure on CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics)
FREE - for you to either download and print, or to request a printed copy.
The Family Resource Center/Behavioral Health Library
North Shore Children’s Hospital, Salem, Massachusetts
(978) 354-2660
This center provides a range of resources through our Behavioral Health Library. Staff members organize and run conferences, workshops and family support programs, and are on hand to assist you with your research needs.
LD On Line
LD On Line has gathered together an extensive collection of resources on learning disabilities and ADHD for parents and educators.
Learning Disabilities Wordwide
Learning Disabilities Wordwide provides resources to local Parent Advisory Councils (Mass PACs) and special educators. They sponsor a Learning Disabilities Awareness month, work with the Children's Museum on a promotional kit, and distributes a CD CD produced by LDW for pediatricians, “The Pediatrician and the Child with Learning Disabilities” to dozens of pediatricians in the Bay State. They sponsor an annual conference in the fall.
My Sensory Solutions
Anyone facing the challenges of learning, attention, processing, or self-esteem issues know there are no easy fixes.
Based in Massachusetts, this company offers services using a multi-sensory approach. They offer professional clinic or home programs to tackle many issues.
NAMI Massachusetts
400 West Cummings Park, Suite 6650
Woburn, MA 01801
(800) 370-9085
(781) 938-4048
OC Foundation
This organization for the support and understanding of obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) has listings of support groups, educational and medical resources, and information for parents.
Parent Information Network
47 E. Grove St.
Middleboro, MA 02346-1816
(508) 947-8779
Contact: Barbara Macias bmacias@bamsi.org
Services are for families with children with mental, emotional, and/or behavioral difficulties. Education and training to become better advocates, parent support groups, one-on-one support, parent/community education, resource, center and newsletter.
Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL)
(617) 542-7860
PAL is the Massachusetts chapter of the Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health. PAL works with more than 4,000 families and professionals, and provides support, education, referrals, and advocacy on behalf of children with mental, emotional, or behavioral special needs.
Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parents' Guide by Tracy Haerle
A must-have for parents as conditions change. Teachers can also skim through the important, easy-to-read information.
ISBN: 0933149441
Front of the Class by Brad Cohen Front of the Class: How Tourette Syndrome Made Me the Teacher I Never Had. An inspiring, true story about a young man's triumph over
Tourette Syndrome. DVD Now Available at Hallmark Gold Crown Stores & Accompanying Teacher's Guide Available from National TSA
Life's A Twitch!
A Canadian, Ph.D., Dr. Duncan McKinlay created funny songs about Tourette Syndrome.
Little Twitching Timmy The Turtle With Tourettes by Louis Centanni
ISBN: 9781412066662
Passing for Normal: A Memoir of Compulsion by Amy Wilinsky
ISBN: 076790186X Planet Tic - Video Order Links The Real World of Tourette Syndrome video and facilitator's guide
This video was developed for adolescents 12 to 15 years of age; however, it may be used with older adolescents when appropriate. It is also an excellent video to be used for educational presentations with adults.
You've Got a Friend video and facilitator's guide
You've Got a Friend was developed to educate peers of children with TS, 7 to 11 years of age. The video works well in classroom presentations, and the guide offers many activities and resources to supplement a presentation.
Taking Tourette Syndrome To School by Tira Krueger
ISBN: 1891383124 - For elementary-aged children
This is Not Profanity by Matt DeFaveri This is Not Profanity opens with an informative introduction to Tourette Syndrome and then quickly unfolds into a chronological account of Matt DeFaveri's experience with TS from kindergarten through fifth-grade years. There are laughs (plenty of them), there are tears, and most of all,
there is learning. Matt was diagnosed with Tourette's Syndrome at age six. He's now 22 and a recent graduate from Emerson College, Boston with a degree in Writing, Literature and Publishing.
Jeff Seglin, Ethics Columnist for the New York Times Syndicate called This Is Not Profanity "a touching story of a young boy who struggled to be 'normal' when all around him seemed a tormenter."
Richard Hoffman, author of Half the House: A Memoir said, "Matt DeFaveri gives us the truth, both barrels, about growing up with Tourette's. This Is Not Profanity is funny, heartbreaking, informative, and inspiring. DeFaveri is a young writer to watch."
You can purchase Matt's book on his Web site
Tics and Tourette Syndrome: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals by Uttom Chowdhury
ISBN: 184310203X
Frank Tortorici
Frank is a 30-year old personal trainer, holistic coach, actor, model, rapper and health food entrepreneur. Frank invites kids and teens with TS interested in his super healthy lifestyle to email their
questions about diet and exercise to him directly at rebirth020@hotmail.com Download the FREE Acrobat Reader to view this document. Tourette Gazette
Publication of Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater Washington Download the FREE Acrobat Reader to view this document.
Allied Professionals
The Academy North
Jeff Colucci, Ph.D.
George Marinakis, Ph.D.
36 Woburn St.
Reading, MA 01867
*Additional offices in Beverly and Lexington
Phone: (781) 942-9277
Fax: (781) 944-6535 academy.north@verizon.net www.academynorth.com
Psychologists
Specialty code: CHIL, ADOL GRUP, EDU, FMLY, EVAL
Cole Resource Center
Evie Barkin, Director
McLean Hospital
115 Mill St.
Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: (617) 855-3298
Fax: (617) 555-3666
Education, Information and Referral
Specialty code: IRS
Harvey N. Dulberg, Ph.D.
1330 Bean St., Suite 248
Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: (617) 232-5200
Fax: (617) 713-3934
Psychologist
Specialty code: ADA, EDU, FMLY, BHVR, PRIV
Center for Family Development
Health and Education Services
800 Cummings Park, Suite 266T
Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 921-1190
Michael Goldberg, Ph.D.
Child & Family Psych. Services
49 Walpole St., Suite 1
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: (781) 551-0999
Fax: (781) 551-3396
Psychologist
Specialty code: FMLY, CHIL, ADLT
Ross Greene, Ph.D.
CPS Clinic
313 Washington St., Suite 402
Boston, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 965-3000
Fax: (617) 965-3080
Psychologist
Specialty code: CHIL, BHVR
Elizabeth L. Leonard, Ph.D.
Neurocognitive Associates
20 Hope Avenue, Suite 601
Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: (781) 788-8484
Fax: (781) 788-8485 eleonard@hms.harvard.edu www.neurocognitiveassociates.com
Specialty code: ADLT, CHIL, EVAL, PRIV
Judith S. Seligman, LICSW
Meeting House
Psychological Associates
1 Meeting House Rd., Apt. #16
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: (978) 256-1288
Fax: (978) 256-1384
Social Worker
Specialty code: ADLT, EDU, FMLY, PRIV
South Bay Mental Health
Colleen Kendall, LCSW - program director
148 Warren St.
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 452-1736
Fax: (978) 452-6625
Social Workers, Therapists
Specialty code: CHIL, FMLY, GRUP
Leslie Woodworth, LICSW
38 Eaton Street
Winchester, MA 01890
Phone: (781) 729-7075
Social Worker
Specialty code: FMLY, CHIL
Patricia Wyckoff, Ph.D.
129 North Main Street
Mansfield, MA 02048
Neuropsychologist
Specialty code: CHIL, EVAL
*Pediatric Diagnostic assessment - No counseling
Martin H. Young, Ph.D.
University of Mass. Medical School, Dept. of Pediatrics
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
Phone: (508) 856-3149
Fax: (508) 856-6740 youngm@ummbc.org
Psychologist
Specialty code: BHVR, CHIL
Margie Wohler
Health and Education Services
800 Cummings Park, Suite 266T
Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 921-1190
Allen Brown
251 Massachusetts Ave.
Arlington, MA 02474
Phone: (781) 643-4589 abrown@hms.harvard.edu
Neuropsychologist
Natasha Edelhaus, LMFT
27 Glen Str. Suite 6B
Stoughton MA 02072
(781)864-0539 (direct)
(781)341-1223 (voice mail/fax) http://www.natashaedelhauslmft.com
Specialty Code: FML
Codes:
ADLT: Therapy for Adults
BHVR: Behavioral Interventions
CHIL: Therapy for Children
EDU: Education
EVAL: Psychological Evaluations
FMLY: Family Counseling
FREE: Free of Charge
GRUP: Group Therapy
IRS: Info. & Referral Service
PRIV: Private Practice
*The professionals on these lists have stated that they are interested in assisting people with TS. TSA's listing is not based upon a direct investigation of these professionals, nor does TSA have the ability to assess their competence in dealing with specific TS cases. It is suggested that you contact the local professional association for the discipline(s) you need. You should personally question and investigate each provider to better assess their suitability for your particular needs as well as any anticipated fees.
Physicians
David A. Ansel, MD 477 Andover St.
North Andover, MA 01845
978-975-3355 (Pediatrician)
Sheldon Benjamin, MD
University of Mass. Med. Ctr.
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
508-856-5127
(Pediatric /Adult Neuropsychiatrist)
Donna M. Capin, MD
North Shore Children's Hospital
57 Highland Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
978-354-2795
(Neurologist)
William A. DeBassio, MD, Ph.D.
Boston Medical Center
One Boston Med. Ctr. Place
Dowling 3 South
Boston, MA 02118
500 Congress Street
617-414-4501
(Pediatric /Adult Neurologist)
Herbert E. Gilmore, MD
Baystate Pediatric Neurology
3300 Main Street, 4th Floor
Springfield, MA 01199
413-794-0814
(Pediatric Neurologist)
Gordon P. Harper, MD
128 Crafts Road
Chestnut Hill, MA 02467
617-738-1241
(Pediatric /Adolescent Psychiatrist)
Edward J. Hart, MD
North Shore Children's Hosp.
57 Highland Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
978-741-1215, ext. 2795
-and-
Massachusetts General Hosp.
Dept. of Neurology
Suite 715
15 Parkman Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-726-3402
(Pediatric Neurology)
Karl C. Kuban, MD
Boston Medical Center
One Boston Med. Ctr. Place
Dowling 3 South
Boston, MA 02118
617-414-4521
(Pediatric Neurologist)
Barry Levin, MD
Emerson Hospital
John Cummings Bldg.
Suite 760
131 Old Road to Nine
Acre Corner
Concord, MA 01742
978-341-0060
(Neurologist)
Edgar Y. Oppenheimer, MD
North Shore Children's Hosp.
57 Highland Avenue
Salem, MA 0l970
978-745-2100 or
978-741-1215
(Pediatric Neurologist)
Peter C. Raffalli, MD
Children's Hospital
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617-355-6388
(Neurologist)
Paula D. Ravin, MD
Univ. of Massachusetts Med. Ctr.
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
508-856-4147
(Pediatric Neurologist)
Giuseppina Romano-Clarke, MD
Dorchester House
1353 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02122
617-288-3230
(Pediatrician)
Jeremiah M. Scharf, MD
Massachusettes General Hospital
Dept. of Neurology
Suite 715
15 Parkman Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-724-9234
(Neurologist)
Michael Schwarzschild, MD, Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hosp.
Movement Disorders
Dept. of Neurology
WAC 835
15 Parkman Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-726-5532
(Neurologist)
Leslie A. Shinobu, MD, Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hosp.
Parkinson Disease & Movement
Disorders, WAC 835
15 Parkman Street
Boston, MA 02114
857-472-3441
(Neurologist)
William D. Singer, MD
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Center For Developmental
Neurology & Pediatric
Behavioral Medicine
Suite 100
42 Washington Street
Wellesley Hills, MA 02481
781-416-1919
(Pediatric Neurologist)
Thomas J. Spencer, MD
Massachusetts General Hosp.
YAW 6900
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-726-2725 or
617-724-6300 ext. 1361409
(Psychiatrist)
Daniel Tarsy, MD
Beth Israel Deaconess Med. Ctr.
Dept. of Neurology
330 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
617-667-0519
(Neurologist) Anne B. Young, MD, Ph.D.
Massachusetts General Hosp.
Wang Ambulatory Care Center
55 Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-726-2385
(Neurologist)
Physicians seeking placement on the National TSA Physician Referral List can fill out and submit for review the following form from national TSA: www.tsa-usa.org/forms/COPR.html
Lawyers
Disability Law Center
11 Beacon St., Suite 925
Boston, MA 02108
ADA, INRT
Phone: (617) 723-8455
(800) 872-9992
TTY: (617) 227-9464
(800) 381-0577
Fax: (617) 723-9125 mail@dlc-ma.org
Helen Donnelly
53 Holmes St.
Carver, MA 02330
EDU
Phone: (508) 866-4116
Health Law Advocates
30 Winter St.
Boston, MA 02108
MED
Phone: (617) 338-5241
Fax: (617) 338-5242
Legal Assistance Corporation of Central MA
405 Main St., 4th Floor
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 752-3718
(800) 649-3718
Fax: (508) 752-5918
Massachusetts Advocacy Center
100 Boylston Street, Suite 200
Boston, MA 02116-4610
EDU, SSDI
Mary Ann Crayton, Exec. Director
Phone: (617) 357-8431
Fax: (617) 357-8438 massadvctr@aol.com
MA Federation for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420
Boston, MA 02120-2140
Phone: (617) 236-7210
(800) 331-0688
Fax: (617) 572-2094 fcsninfo@fcsn.org www.fcsn.org
Massachusetts Citizens for Children
14 Beacon St., Suite 706
Boston, MA 02108
EDU, SSDI
Jetta Bernier, Executive Director
Phone: (617) 742-8555
Fax: (617) 742-7808 mccy@masskits.org
Mental Health Legal Advisors Commitee
294 Washington Street, Suite 230
Boston, MA 02108
ADA, INRT
Gill Deford, Executive Director
Phone: (617) 338-2345
Fax: (617) 338-2347
Statewide Parent Information Network
95 Berkeley Street, Suite 104
Boston, MA 02116
ADA, EDU
Phone: (617) 482-2915
Western New England College Legal Assistance Clinic
1215 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
ANA, INRT
Andrea Bierstein, Executive Director
Phone: (413) 782-1469
Fax: (413) 796-2067
Codes:
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
CRIM: Criminal
EDU: Education
EMPL: Employment Discrimination
FREE: Free of Charge
HOUS: Housing
INRT: Individual Rights
IRS: Info. & Referral Service
SSDI: Disability Benefits
*The professionals on these lists have stated that they are interested in assisting people with TS. TSA's listing is not based upon a direct investigation of these professionals, nor does TSA have the ability to assess their competence in dealing with specific TS cases. It is suggested that you call your local chapter and investigate these professionals to better assess their suitability for your particular needs as well as any anticipated fees.
The Tourette Syndrome Association International Consortium for Genetics (TSAICG) is at the forefront of identifying the genes that increase risk for Tourette Syndrome (TS).
We are working together with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to find the genes involved in the development of TS. We believe that understanding why people have TS will help lead to better diagnosis and improved treatment for those who struggle with tics and related problems.
In 2010, close to a 1000 people with TS joined our Genetics of Tourette Syndrome study. We want to thank everyone who has participated in this research study so far. If you have started the study but have not yet finished, please give us a call! We are closer now than ever to our 2011 goal – enrolling 3000 participants. But we still need help!
If you or a family member have not already participated in our study but are interested, here is some information for you to consider.
We are looking for adults (ages 18 and above) or youth (ages 6 to 17) who have a diagnosis of TS from a doctor.
To begin the study, adults with TS will fill out a questionnaire about their own tics and related symptoms. For youth with TS (ages 6 to 17), a parent will be required to fill out the questionnaire for (or with) their child. The questionnaire can be completed online or over the phone. To start the questionnaire, please visit https://findTSgenes.org. The questionnaire takes about 20 minutes to complete online.
Answers to the questionnaire will be reviewed to see if the person with TS (you or your child) qualifies for the second part of our study - giving a blood sample used for genetic analysis. Only one eligible family member with a TS diagnosis can provide a blood sample. Individuals with TS can only participate in this study one time. Some participants will also be selected to take part in a longer, optional interview.
To learn more about the study, please go to https://findTSgenes.org OR call 1-877-883-9350 (1-TS STUDY E 50) (East Coast) or 1-877-883-9950 (1-TS STUDY W 50) (West Coast).
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston are currently recruiting families for the following studies:
1. Genetic Linkage/Association Study of TS: This Tourette Syndrome Association (TSA)-sponsored study aims to identify the genes
responsible for TS. Conducted with the collaboration of an international consortium of researchers, this study will clarify the
role of genes in the occurrence of TS. For this study, they are currently seeking individuals over the age of six with a diagnosis of TS.
For children with TS, they request the participation of a parent as well.
2. Family Genetic Study of TS, ADHD and OCD: This project explores the familial relationship among TS, ADHD, and OCD, and will specifically examine the
shared behavioral components of these three conditions. They expect that this research will further their understanding of how these disorders are expressed, and
will promote the identification of susceptibility genes. This study includes children between the ages of 6 to 21 years old who have been diagnosed with TS, ADHD and/or OCD,
both of their parents and any siblings over the age of six.
If anybody wishes to participate, they may contact them privately through their website or via email
familycontact@pngu.mgh.harvard.edu or phone 1-800-471-2730, option 2. All information will be kept confidential.
Evaluation of Behavioral Intervention Methods for Reducing Tic Symptoms in Adolescents (16 years and older) and Adults
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and Harvard Medical School are enrolling participants for a tic treatment research study to learn more about two different counseling methods (treatments) to help individuals who are 16 and older with Tourette Syndrome or Chronic Tic Disorder to control their tics. The two methods under research are called "Habit Reversal Training" (HRT) and "Supportive Psychotherapy. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to a computer to receive either HRT or Support Psychotherapy. Regardless of their treatment assignment, all participants will receive a diagnostic assessment and 8 individualized treatment sessions over the course of 10 weeks at no cost to them. If you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact us at 617-724-4354 or sfranklin2@partners.org.
Bridging the Chasm
Licensed social worker (LICSW) in Franklin County, MA, who presents seminars on various child and adolescent mental health conditions and issues. "As a fellow ticcer I know too well the challenges faced by those with TS and other co-morbid disorders," said Earles.
Drum Echoes
If you are looking for a unique conference presenter or dynamic entertainment for your fundraising event, please consider contacting TSA Member and international advocate, Matt Giordano.
Through his business, Drum Echoes, Inc., Matt offers several options:
1. DRUM CIRCLE in which participants are invited to join in and play a percussion instrument under Matt's direction. Previous musical experience is not required. This is a no-pressure, fun gathering anyone can enjoy.
2. DISABILITY AWARENESS PRESENTATION Matt discusses his experiences, incorporating a PowerPoint, brief drum performance, and time for questions.
3. PERFORMANCE IN A HOUR! Matt will work with a small group (10-30) and within an hour have a mini-performance ready to show!
4. PERFORMANCE COORDINATION for your camp, school, or church group that is looking for a unique way to gather people together, encourage teamwork, promote creativity, and have fun. Matt directs the whole endeavor, including rehearsals and a final performance.
Your members will identify with Matt's experiences growing up with Tourette's Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He understands the challenges involved and offers his strategies for coping and overcoming difficulties.
The BBC (British Broadasting Corporation) came to Rochester in January to film one of Matt's Drum Circles and to interview Matt and his family. And Matt was also interviewed and filmed by ABC's Primetime!
Financial Planning for Special Needs Families
David Harmon CLU, ChFC, MBA
AXA Advisors, LLC/Boston Branch
40 William St. Suite 200
Wellesley, MA 02481
781-237-8336 (Phone)
781-237-8172 (Fax)
Planet Tic
Educational information geared toward a diversity of people: teachers, students, parents, etc.
Prince's Sensory Delights
Susan Donohoe, a 20-year pediatric Occupational Therapist, developed a novel clothing line targeting children with neurological and developmental disorders such as autism, SPD, tourettes, dyspraxia, etc. along with a very successful childrens apparel designer. The clothing is designed to be beautiful, non-stigmatizing, while delivering neurolical based theraputic aspects and has been presented at conferences, walks, etc., with high acclaim.
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
