U.S. Rep. Albio Sires (D-8), as well as U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ), reintroduced legislation in Washington D.C. today to expand research on Tourette Syndrome.Â
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Specifically, Sires and Menendez reintroduced the Collaborative Academic Research Efforts (CARE) for Tourette Syndrome Act to expand and further coordinate efforts towards research for Tourette syndrome.
This bill would promote activities at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) aimed at combating and diagnosing Tourette syndrome.
“Tourette syndrome continues to be a misunderstood disorder that is too often stigmatized, I am eager to reintroduce legislation that will work towards helping the lives of those affected by this syndrome,†Sires said in a statement.
“While symptoms can be suppressed overtime, too many individuals, particularly children, face the everyday challenge of trying to manage tics whether at school or in various social settings.”
As expected, Menendez echoed Sires’ sentiment on this important issue.
“This legislation aims to expand our research efforts into this commonly misdiagnosed and misunderstood disease, allowing us to provide families and individuals with TS the security and peace of mind they desperately need – knowing we will continue to build on the progress already made at research centers like the one at Rutgers University, to better the lives of those it affects,” Menendez said in a written statement.
“I look forward to working together with both the House and the Senate to find solutions that ensure this important bill is able to become law.â€
Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations called tics.
The NIH estimates that 200,000 Americans suffer from the most severe form of Tourette syndrome, while as many as one in 100 exhibit milder symptoms such as chronic motor or vocal tics. Although symptoms continue for many through adulthood, the disorder generally peaks in severity during childhood.
Specifically, this bill would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop a new system to collect data on Tourette syndrome, including the availability of medical and social services for individuals with Tourette syndrome and their families.
Many neurological conditions are stigmatized and particularly difficult on children who go undiagnosed. I wonder how funding compares? W Tourettes the red flag is at least there. Undiagnosed students are left to be bullied for an untold amount of time.