NJCTS Youth Advocate Ryder Educates Third Grade Students on TS

On Thursday February 20, NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) Youth Advocate Ryder Pollack, 16, of Yardley, Pennsylvania presented an introduction to Tourette Syndrome to a class of third grade students at Immaculate Conception School in Annandale, New Jersey. Also in attendance was 16th Legislative District Assemblyman Roy Freiman.

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.

Ryder was diagnosed with TS at the age of eight as well as ADHD, which is a commonly co-occurring disorder. He is now a sophomore at Pennsbury High School. Ryder has been a Youth Advocate with NJCTS since early 2025. His presentation in Annandale was his first time presenting at a New Jersey school to educate his peers about TS and what it means to live with this commonly misunderstood neurological disorder.

“I wanted to be an advocate to show what TS is and that having it is a superpower rather than a disadvantage for me,” says Ryder. Youth Advocates teach children to be accepting of everyone, no matter their differences. “It is important for people to know that having TS doesn't mean we are different from anyone else, and it is also important to be patient and aware of our condition.”

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.

The students of the third grade at Immaculate Conception School wrote Ryder several thank you cards, expressing how grateful they were for him sharing with their class. One of the students, who has Tourette Syndrome himself, wrote, “Thank you for teaching TS. I think the other students will understand me better.”

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.