Op-Ed: Rep Murt 'Championing Cause' to Restore Funding

By Sherrie Sponseller

On behalf of the more than 3,000 children and adults living with Tourette Syndrome in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I wish to thank and commend Rep. Thomas Murt for championing the cause to restore funding to the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance.

The Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance provides support to those with TS by providing information, training and disability advocacy throughout the state.  These services are critically important not only to those with TS and their family members, but also to their schools and communities.  

Tourette Syndrome is a misunderstood neurological condition affecting 3-10 in 1,000 children and causing a person to have uncontrolled movements and vocalizations. These symptoms occur repeatedly, change without forewarning and often increase with stress. 

Symptoms can be mild, such as blinking and throat clearing, to more severe, such as full body twitches or sudden screaming. Often until their teachers and classmates understand or are trained, many children with TS are reprimanded in school or tormented by peers for symptoms which are caused by their disability. 

Through training and disability advocacy, consultants from the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance help educators find ways to allow children with TS to find success in the classroom, help peers understand and empathize with their classmates and in some cases even reduce costs for unnecessary out-of- school placements. Simply said, the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance helps families who have nowhere else to turn.  

It is with great appreciation that I thank Rep. Murt for his testimony before a recent budget hearing in Harrisburg. As a former educator, he truly understands how important these Tourette Syndrome services are to the families affected, to area schools, and to the community.

Sherrie Sponseller is an administrator/consultant for the Pennsylvania Tourette Syndrome Alliance, Inc.