About Tourette Texas

A Brief History of the Tourette Association of Texas

The Tourette Association of America – Texas Chapter works to improve the quality of life for Texan’s with Tourette’s and their families through support of their medical, educational & social needs.

Our programs and services include professional educational consulting, counseling & advocacy; a Medical Assistance Program; an annual children’s Camp “du Ballon Rouge;” educational programs and In-Service presentations; scholarships & direct client services; Support Groups; Youth Ambassador Program; and family events and activities, all free of charge to our families.

In 1986, Sheryl Kadmon’s oldest son was diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome. At the suggestion of her son’s neurologist, Joseph Jankovic, M.D., director of the Parkinson’s Disease Center and Movement Disorders Clinic, Baylor College of Medicine, Sheryl organized and joined with five other families coping with Tourette’s to form Houston’s first support group.

In mere months after its initial meeting at The Methodist Hospital, the organization had taken root as the Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater Houston, with established officers and a Medical Advisory Board headed by Dr. Jankovic (who continues in that capacity today, along with Sheryl Kadmon as Executive Director). Our first TS symposium, held in 1987 at Methodist, was a rousing success with 600 people attending.

Throughout the state, many more outstanding symposiums, In-Services, and trainings continue today.

In early 2006, the Houston Chapter agreed to a request by the National Tourette Syndrome Association to become the Tourette Association of Texas and expand services statewide. Taking that responsibility very seriously, Tourette Texas now hosts many Support Groups around the state and offers each of our unique services to all Texans dealing with Tourette’s.

The Chapter office remains in the Greater Houston area.

Now in its 38th year, Tourette Texas has continued to thrive under the outstanding leadership of our Board of Directors, comprised of medical, business, and philanthropic supporters, many of whom have been personally impacted by Tourette’s; a stellar Medical Advisory Board who are practicing professionals in the field with National and International expertise; and a host of dedicated volunteers.

Ever aware of its fiduciary responsibility, Tourette Texas employs only two full-time staff and a part-time accounting/bookkeeping team. We fund all services and activities through private funding, i.e., donations, local grants, and annual events such as Gala, Targets for Tourette’s Clay Shoot, and Tee-Off for Tourette’s golf event.

One of the largest chapters in the nation, Tourette Texas supports a full range of innovative services, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year without cost to recipients.

Tourette’s is a neurobehavioral movement disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics. Beginning in childhood, it causes those affected to make movements and noises they cannot control.

Many with TS have associated co-morbidities such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder and learning differences. Just as importantly, many or most experience serious self-esteem and social issues due to their often puzzling, misunderstood, or disruptive symptoms.

Tourette Syndrome and other Tic Disorders are not rare. The current estimates are that 1 out of every 160 children between the ages of 5-17 years in the United States has TS and that 1 out of every 50 children has TS or another persistent Tic Disorder. All ethnic groups are similarly affected.

Tourette Association of Texas is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, qualified to receive donations in accordance with IRS regulations. EIN: 74-2198940