[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 73 (Friday, May 21, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E937]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               NATIONAL TOURETTE SYNDROME AWARENESS MONTH

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                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 20, 2004

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, earlier this week I introduced 
House Concurrent Resolution 430 to support the goals and ideals of a 
National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month.
  This resolution recognizes the importance of an early and accurate 
diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, appropriate treatment, and educational 
outreach. In short, it would enhance public awareness of this very 
misunderstood and often misdiagnosed disease.
  Tourette Syndrome, or TS--is an inherited neurobiological disorder 
that affects children and adults in all racial and ethnic groups. The 
symptoms of TS are manifested as ``tics''--rapid, repeated, and 
involuntary movements and sounds. In a large percentage of cases TS is 
accompanied by other co-occurring disorders, the most common of which 
are Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity 
Disorder and nonverbal learning disabilities.
  It is estimated that as many as 200,000 Americans have what is called 
substantially impairing TS, and more have milder symptoms of the 
disorder. Many of these individuals endure the stigma, isolation, and 
the psychological impact of a chronic disorder on a daily basis. There 
is no cure for this condition, although some individuals benefit from 
medication and other clinical treatment. Scientific researchers have 
made some significant advances in recent years in trying to understand 
the causes of the condition, but many scientific challenges still 
remain.
  Mr. Speaker, in January of this year, the Appropriations Committee I 
chair appropriated funds for a new research program by the Centers for 
Disease Control, as well as an educational outreach program. This 
effort is designed to provide intensive training for the public, 
physicians, allied healthcare workers and teachers about Tourette 
Syndrome. It is our hope that this program will begin to remove the 
stigma and other obstacles associated with living with this complex 
disorder. I personally have been inspired by meeting many children and 
adults with Tourette Syndrome who, despite coping with the condition, 
are wonderfully successful in their own endeavors and provide examples 
of determination, perseverance and hope to their families and to us 
all.
  Mr. Speaker, the Tourette Syndrome Association, the only national 
nonprofit membership organization dedicated to identifying the cause, 
finding a cure, and controlling the effects of Tourette Syndrome, has 
designated May 15 through June 15 as National Tourette Syndrome 
Awareness Month. The goal of this effort is to educate the public about 
the nature and effects of TS.
  Mr. Speaker, enactment of the legislation I have introduced to 
recognize National Tourette Syndrome Awareness Month would give all of 
us an opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the condition. It will 
help us better understand the impact that TS can have on people living 
with the disorder, as well as recognize the importance of early 
diagnosis and proper treatment.

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