Pine Brook NJCTS Youth Advocate Educates 230 Kearny Students about TS

On Friday, Feburary 24, NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) Youth Advocate Kyle Swords, 17, of Pine Brook presented an introduction to Tourette Syndrome to a group of approximately 230 fifth and sixth grade students at Franklin Elementary School in Kearny.

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.

Kyle was diagnosed with TS at the age of five. He is now a senior at Morris Catholic High School. Kyle has been a Youth Advocate with NJCTS for several years, presenting at New Jersey schools to educate his peers about TS and what it means to live with this commonly misunderstood neurological disorder. Kyle also attended the Time Howard Leadership Academy in August of 2022 where he learned all about TS advocacy and becoming a leader.

“Sharing knowledge of my difference builds my confidence and makes me feel like I’m a part of something bigger,” says Kyle. Youth Advocates teach children to be accepting of everyone, no matter their differences. “There is no greater feeling like the one of standing up in front of your peers and proudly speaking your mind in order to spread awareness, and I feel a rush of pride every time I do so,” Kyle says about presenting for NJCTS as a Youth Advocate.

The NJCTS Youth Advocate Program trains children and teens, ages 10 to 18, to lead presentations to student groups about Tourette Syndrome and its associated disorders. Advocates are empowered by sharing their experiences in front of audiences of all sizes and attendees receive a strong anti-bullying message that promotes acceptance, tolerance, and self-advocacy for all. These presentations are given in classrooms or to full assemblies.

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 or call 908.575.7350.