PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance Information

The PA Tourette Syndrome Alliance is a non-profit organization that promotes awareness and acceptance, provides education, and assists families, schools and communities while advocating for individuals with TS. More than 35 years ago the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance was founded by Mary Lou Reaver. She was a nurse who had a husband and child with Tourette Syndrome. She quickly saw the need for TS education, awareness and advocacy and noticed the lack of it available. From her kitchen table she began the movement and fight to help improve the lives for those with Tourette Syndrome. PA-TSA has grown immensely since that time but our mission has remained true to her heart and the legacy she created. Today the PA-TSA is the cornerstone of Tourette Education in Pennsylvania. We provide several trainings each year for educators, peers, students, medical professionals and community organizations on TS and the co-morbid disorders associated with it. Beyond education we are the premiere advocacy provider in PA. We walk along side a family as they navigate the TS diagnosis. We offer them support while we educate those in their community. Often times this leads to trainings for educators in their school, classroom trainings for their peers, and guidance on and attendance with the family to IEP and 504 plans and meetings. Bi-Annually we host a Camp/Retreat for families dealing with TS. This camp provides education, support, friendship, and most of all the opportunity to relax in an environment filled with acceptance. This benefits every member of the family and the experience is life changing! Support doesn't just stop there! We offer in person support groups and online support opportunities! Tourette Syndrome is a misunderstood disorder. We are grateful to have the opportunity to spread awareness across PA and offer hope to so many affected by TS. We recognize that this would not be possible without the help of donors and volunteers.