Mantua Township Schools get an Education in Tourette Syndrome

MANTUA, NJ (April 28, 2023) – On Friday, NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) Youth Advocate Colin Deibler, 16, of Moorestown and former Youth Advocate and current teacher, Anna Baldwin, of Mantua presented an introduction to Tourette Syndrome to a group of over 750 students in second to sixth grades as a part of Mantua Township School’s Abilities Awareness Week.

Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by uncontrollable movements and sounds known as tics. As many as 1 in 50 people show signs of TS or other tic disorders which is frequently accompanied by mental health disorders including ADHD, OCD, and anxiety.

Mantua Township Schools introduced an Abilities Awareness week during the week of April 24th, in which every morning students would be educated on different learning styles and/or disabilities such as Autism, Dyslexia, ADD/ADHD, and Tourette Syndrome. “Our goal was to increase awareness and foster an environment of kindness, compassion, and acceptance for everyone in our learning community,” said Stephanie Logan, Director of Special Services. “On Friday, our students in grades 2-6 met with a Youth Advocate from NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome for an in-person assembly to learn from a student perspective what if is like to be a person who lives with Tourette Syndrome.”

Ms. Logan is all too familiar with the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome, as she was nominated and awarded the Educator of the Year Award in 2022. “We are grateful to educators and leaders like Ms. Logan who take the time to make a difference, because regardless if you currently have someone in school with a TS diagnosis, you COULD at some point, and should be prepared to help them succeed,” said Patricia Phillips, Executive Director of NJCTS.

Colin presented to second and third graders at Centre City School. Later in the day, Anna presented to the third, fourth and fifth graders at J. Mason Tomlin School. “I have never seen students pay so close attention and act so well-mannered,” said Lisa Augliera, Youth Development Coordinator at NJCTS.

“We thank Stephanie Logan and the Mantua Township School district for allowing us to be a part of their Abilities Awareness week,” said Lisa Augliera. “It is an honor to continue to have our Youth Advocates educate students on what it is like to live with Tourette Syndrome.”

NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders, the nation’s first Center of Excellence for Tourette Syndrome, is a not-for-profit organization committed to the advocacy of children and families with Tourette Syndrome, tic disorders, and associated disorders. Dedicated to delivering high quality services to these individuals, the Center recognizes the importance of educating the public, medical professionals, and teachers about the disorder through programs and affiliations with schools, health centers, and universities. To learn more about NJCTS, visit www.njcts.org