Classroom Presentations and Sample Letters
*The following documents are copywritten by author President Dawn
Erickson. Reproduction is permitted for use as a template letter
resource for parents. Use in written publications without permission is
prohibited.
Example Classroom Parent Letter
Sample Letter for Classroom Presentation Request
For Uncooperative School Principal
Classroom Presentation – Teacher Request
Sample Letter
Example Classroom Speech about Tourette Syndrome
Elementary Level (K – 4th)
Intro Letter to Classroom Teacher
Intro Letter to Classroom Teachers of Middle School Team
Teachers Who "Get It" Download the FREE Acrobat Reader to view this document.
Drum Circles
If you are looking for a unique conference presenter or dynamic
entertainment for your fundraising event, please consider contacting TSA
Member and international advocate, Matt Giordano.
Through his business, Drum Echoes, Inc., Matt offers several options:
1. DRUM CIRCLE in which participants are invited to join in and play a
percussion instrument under Matt's direction. Previous musical
experience is not required. This is a no-pressure, fun gathering anyone
can enjoy.
2. DISABILITY AWARENESS PRESENTATION Matt discusses his experiences,
incorporating a PowerPoint, brief drum performance, and time for
questions.
3. PERFORMANCE IN A HOUR! Matt will work with a small group (10-30) and within an hour have a mini-performance ready to show!
4. PERFORMANCE COORDINATION for your camp, school, or church group that
is looking for a unique way to gather people together, encourage
teamwork, promote creativity, and have fun. Matt directs the whole
endeavor, including rehearsals and a final performance.
Your members will identify with Matt's experiences growing up with
Tourette's Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder. He understands the challenges involved and offers his
strategies for coping and overcoming difficulties.
The BBC (British Broadasting Corporation) came to Rochester in January
to film one of Matt's Drum Circles and to interview Matt and his family.
And Matt was also interviewed and filmed by ABC's Primetime!
Drum Echoes Flyer Download the FREE Acrobat Reader to view this document.
Drum Echoes Quote
Drum Circle Articles TSA Article Download the FREE Acrobat Reader to view this document.
"Caring Today" magazine article
Ask about Drum Echoes' special non-profit rate and possible underwriting for your drum event:
Matt Giordano
Drum Echoes, Inc. President matt@drumechoes.org
585-750-9875
The Federation for Children with Special Needs
The Federation for Children with Special Needs is a center for parents
and parent organizations to work together on behalf of children with
special needs and their families. The Federation for Children with
Special Needs provides information, support, and assistance to parents
of children with disabilities, their professional partners, and their
communities.
The George Lucas Educational Foundation site
Great resource for families and educators.
Grants for advocate training and other areas on the commonwealth of MA site www.mass.gov/mddc/grants/current.htm
www.mass.gov/mddc/cefp.htm
MASSPAC (Massachusetts Association of Special Education Parent Advisory Councils)
MASSPAC is an independent, nonprofit, tax-exempt member association of
parents, school based councils, professionals and agencies. The mission
of MASSPAC is to maintain a state-wide network of parents,
professionals, and school-based councils in a shared effort to
understand, respect, and support appropriate education for all children
with special needs in our respective communities.
Misconceptions about Tourette Syndrome Download the FREE Acrobat Reader to view this document.
National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetics Home Reference
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Genetics Home Reference
website provides helpful information on genetic topics, including
descriptions of such genetic disorders as TS and definitions to terms
that may be used by a physician in discussion of a gentic disorder.
Peer Education
Public Service Announcements
www.tsa-usa.org/TSANatlLocal/about_tsa/adpage.html
www.tsa-usa.org/multimedia/tourette.mov
www.tsa-usa.org/anewmedia/PSA_B0407/VideoPlayerPSA_B.html
Video Order Links
www.planettic.com/video.asp?menu=tools&sub=v_2
The Real World of Tourette Syndrome
For 12-15 year olds and other teenagers.
www.planettic.com/video.asp?menu=tools&sub=v_1
WE MOVE
A not-for-profit organization for TS information and resources that
utilizes creativity, innovation, and collaborative approaches to improve
awareness,
diagnosis, and management of movement disorders among people living with
these conditions and the professionals who care for them.
Anxiety Disorders Assocation of America
The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) is the only national
nonprofit organization solely dedicated to informing the public, health
care professionals, and legislators that anxiety disorders are real,
serious, and treatable. ADAA promotes the early diagnosis, treatment,
and cure of anxiety disorders, and it is committed to improving the
lives of the people who suffer from them. There is also a list of local
support groups and lists of therapists in the MA area.
Asperger’s Association of New England, various support groups
Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation
The Child and Adolescent Bipolar Foundation (CABF) is a parent-led,
not-for-profit, Web-based membership organization of families raising
children diagnosed with, or at risk for, pediatric bipolar
disorder. They provide information, resources, and links to local
support groups and professionals:
1000 Skokie Blvd., Suite 570
Wilmette, IL 60091
(847) 256-8525
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(508) 651-2423 (651-CHADD) metrowest@chadd.net
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is the
nation's leading non-profit organization serving individuals with AD/HD
and their families. CHADD has over 16,000 members in 200 local chapters
throughout the U.S. Chapters offer support for individuals, parents,
teachers, professionals, and others.The local chapter is MetroWest
Satellite of CHADD.
Parent support groups are held every second Tuesday of the month (EXCEPT
August). Time: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Whitney Place, Fairways Conference
Room 3, Vision Drive, Natick (Whitney Place is an assisted living
residence next to Cognex and Chuck E. Cheese on Route 9 West).
Cognitive Behavior Therapists
The Family Resource Center/Behavioral Health Library
North Shore Children’s Hospital, Salem, Massachusetts
(978) 354-2660
This center provides a range of resources through
our Behavioral Health Library. Staff members organize and
run conferences, workshops and family support programs, and are on
hand to assist you with your research needs.
LD On Line
LD On Line has gathered together an extensive
collection of resources on learningdisabilities and ADHD for parents and
educators.
Learning Disabilities Wordwide
Learning Disabilities Wordwide provides resources to
local Parent Advisory Councils (Mass PACs) and special educators. They
sponsor a Learning Disabilities Awareness month, work with the
Children's Museum on a promotional kit, and distributes a CD CD produced
by LDW for pediatricians, “The Pediatrician and the Child with Learning
Disabilities” to dozens of pediatricians in the Bay State. They sponsor
an annual conference in the fall.
NAMI Massachusetts
400 West Cummings Park, Suite 6650
Woburn, MA 01801
(800) 370-9085
(781) 938-4048
OC Foundation
This organization for the support and understanding of
obsessive compulsive disorders has listings of support groups,
educational and medical resources, and information for parents. Their
next conference will be held at the Renaissance Waterfront Hotel in
Boston, MA. The dates for the conference are Friday, August 1 through
Sunday, August 3, 2008.
Parent Information Network
47 E. Grove St.
Middleboro, MA 02346-1816
(508) 947-8779
Services are for families with children with mental, emotional, and/or
behavioral difficulties. Education and training to become better
advocates, parent support groups, one-on-one support, parent/community
education, resource, center and newsletter. Contact person is Maryanne
for Plymouth area.
Parent/Professional Advocacy League (PAL)
(617) 542-7860
PAL is the Massachusetts chapter of the Federation of
Families for Children’s Mental Health. PAL works with more than 4,000
families and professionals, and provides support, education, referrals,
and advocacy on behalf of children with mental, emotional, or behavioral
special needs.
Children with Tourette Syndrome: A Parents' Guide by Tracy Haerle
A must-have for parents as conditions change. Teachers can also skim through the important, easy-to-read information.
Misconceptions about Tourette Syndrome Article Contemporary Pediatrics, Vol. 21, No. 8, August 2004 Download the FREE
Taking Tourette Syndrome To School by Tira Krueger
For elementary-aged children Tourette Gazette
Publication of Tourette Syndrome Association of Greater Washington Download the FREE
Allied Professionals
The Academy North
Jeff Colucci, Ph.D.
George Marinakis, Ph.D.
36 Woburn St.
Reading, MA 01867
*Additional offices in Beverly and Lexington
Phone: (781) 942-9277
Fax: (781) 944-6535 academy.north@verizon.net www.academynorth.com
Psychologists
Specialty code: CHIL, ADOL GRUP, EDU, FMLY, EVAL
Cole Resource Center
Evie Barkin, Director
McLean Hospital
115 Mill St.
Belmont, MA 02478
Phone: (617) 855-3298
Fax: (617) 555-3666
Education, Information and Referral
Specialty code: IRS
Harvey N. Dulberg, Ph.D.
1330 Bean St., Suite 248
Brookline, MA 02446
Phone: (617) 232-5200
Fax: (617) 713-3934
Psychologist
Specialty code: ADA, EDU, FMLY, BHVR, PRIV
Center for Family Development
Health and Education Services
800 Cummings Park, Suite 266T
Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 921-1190
Michael Goldberg, Ph.D.
Child & Family Psych. Services
49 Walpole St., Suite 1
Norwood, MA 02062
Phone: (781) 551-0999
Fax: (781) 551-3396
Psychologist
Specialty code: FMLY, CHIL, ADLT
Ross Greene, Ph.D.
CPS Clinic
313 Washington St., Suite 402
Boston, MA 02458
Phone: (617) 965-3000
Fax: (617) 965-3080
Psychologist
Specialty code: CHIL, BHVR
Elizabeth L. Leonard, Ph.D.
Neurocognitive Associates
20 Hope Avenue, Suite 601
Waltham, MA 02453
Phone: (781) 788-8484
Fax: (781) 788-8485 eleonard@hms.harvard.edu www.neurocognitiveassociates.com
Specialty code: ADLT, CHIL, EVAL, PRIV
Judith S. Seligman, LICSW
Meeting House
Psychological Associates
1 Meeting House Rd., Apt. #16
Chelmsford, MA 01824
Phone: (978) 256-1288
Fax: (978) 256-1384
Social Worker
Specialty code: ADLT, EDU, FMLY, PRIV
South Bay Mental Health
Colleen Kendall, LCSW - program director
148 Warren St.
Lowell, MA 01852
Phone: (978) 452-1736
Fax: (978) 452-6625
Social Workers, Therapists
Specialty code: CHIL, FMLY, GRUP
Leslie Woodworth, LICSW
38 Eaton Street
Winchester, MA 01890
Phone: (781) 729-7075
Social Worker
Specialty code: FMLY, CHIL
Patricia Wyckoff, Ph.D.
129 North Main Street
Mansfield, MA 02048
Neuropsychologist
Specialty code: CHIL, EVAL
*Pediatric Diagnostic assessment - No counseling
Martin H. Young, Ph.D.
University of Mass. Medical School, Dept. of Pediatrics
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
Phone: (508) 856-3149
Fax: (508) 856-6740 youngm@ummbc.org
Psychologist
Specialty code: BHVR, CHIL
Margie Wohler
Health and Education Services
800 Cummings Park, Suite 266T
Beverly, MA 01915
Phone: (978) 921-1190
Allen Brown
251 Massachusetts Ave.
Arlington, MA 02474
Phone: (781) 643-4589 abrown@hms.harvard.edu
Neuropsychologist
Codes:
ADLT: Therapy for Adults
BHVR: Behavioral Interventions
CHIL: Therapy for Children
EDU: Education
EVAL: Psychological Evaluations
FMLY: Family Counseling
FREE: Free of Charge
GRUP: Group Therapy
IRS: Info. & Referral Service
PRIV: Private Practice
*The professionals on this list have stated that
they are interested in assisting people with TS. TSA's listing is not
based upon a direct investigation of these professionals, nor does TSA
have the ability to assess their competence in dealing with specific TS
cases. It is suggested that you contact the local professional
association for the discipline(s) you need. You should personally
question and investigate each provider to better assess their
suitability for your particular needs as well as any anticipated fees.
Lawyers
Disability Law Center
11 Beacon St., Suite 925
Boston, MA 02108
ADA, INRT
Phone: (617) 723-8455
(800) 872-9992
TTY: (617) 227-9464
(800) 381-0577
Fax: (617) 723-9125 mail@dlc-ma.org
Helen Donnelly
53 Holmes St.
Carver, MA 02330
EDU
Phone: (508) 866-4116
David M. Harmon
1 Edgewater Dr.
Norwood, MA 02062
HOUS, EDU, IRS, FREE
Phone: (781) 255-1140
Fax: (781) 255-1145 ravash@aol.com
Health Law Advocates
30 Winter St.
Boston, MA 02108
MED
Phone: (617) 338-5241
Fax: (617) 338-5242
Legal Assistance Corporation of Central MA
405 Main St., 4th Floor
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: (508) 752-3718
(800) 649-3718
Fax: (508) 752-5918
Massachusetts Advocacy Center
100 Boylston Street, Suite 200
Boston, MA 02116-4610
EDU, SSDI
Mary Ann Crayton, Exec. Director
Phone: (617) 357-8431
Fax: (617) 357-8438 massadvctr@aol.com
MA Federation for Children with Special Needs, Inc.
1135 Tremont Street, Suite 420
Boston, MA 02120-2140
Phone: (617) 236-7210
(800) 331-0688
Fax: (617) 572-2094 fcsninfo@fcsn.org www.fcsn.org
Massachusetts Citizens for Children
14 Beacon St., Suite 706
Boston, MA 02108
EDU, SSDI
Jetta Bernier, Executive Director
Phone: (617) 742-8555
Fax: (617) 742-7808 mccy@masskits.org
Mental Health Legal Advisors Commitee
294 Washington Street, Suite 230
Boston, MA 02108
ADA, INRT
Gill Deford, Executive Director
Phone: (617) 338-2345
Fax: (617) 338-2347
Statewide Parent Information Network
95 Berkeley Street, Suite 104
Boston, MA 02116
ADA, EDU
Phone: (617) 482-2915
Western New England College Legal Assistance Clinic
1215 Wilbraham Road
Springfield, MA 01119
ANA, INRT
Andrea Bierstein, Executive Director
Phone: (413) 782-1469
Fax: (413) 796-2067
Codes:
ADA: Americans with Disabilities Act
CRIM: Criminal
EDU: Education
EMPL: Employment Discrimination
FREE: Free of Charge
HOUS: Housing
INRT: Individual Rights
IRS: Info. & Referral Service
SSDI: Disability Benefits
*The professionals on this list have stated
that they are interested in assisting people with TS. TSA's listing is
not based upon a direct investigation of these professionals, nor does
TSA have the ability to assess their competence in dealing with specific
TS cases. It is suggested that you call your local chapter and
investigate these professionals to better assess their suitability for
your particular needs as well as any anticipated fees.
Physicians
David A. Ansel, MD 477 Andover St.
North Andover, MA 01845
978-975-3355 (Pediatrics)
Sheldon Benjamin, MD
Umass Medical Center
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
508-856-5127
(Child /Adult Neuropsychiatrist)
Donna M. Capin, MD
North Shore Children's Hospital
Pediatric Neurology
57 Highland Avenue
Salem, MA 01970
978-354-2795
(Neurologist)
William A. DeBassio, Ph.D, MD
500 Congress Street
Quincy, MA 02169
617-786-7402
(Pediatric & Adult Neurologist)
Herbert Gilmore, MD
Baystate Medical Center
Children's Hospital
140 High Street
Springfield, MA 01199
413-794-7030
(Child Neurologist)
Gordon Harper, MD
Children's Hospital
300 Longwood Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617-735-7638
(Child /Adult Psychiatrist)
Karl Kuban, MD
Floating Hospital for Children
New England Medical Center
750 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02111
617-636-5348
(Pediatric Neurologist)
Edgar Y. Oppenheimer, MD
North Shore Children's Hosp.
57 Highland Avenue
Salem, MA 0l970
978-745-2100
(Child Neurologist)
Paula Ravin, MD
Univ. of Massachusetts Med. Ctr.
55 Lake Avenue North
Worcester, MA 01655
508-856-4147 TSA Member - 1996
(Adult Neurologist)
Giuseppina Romano-Clarke, M.D. 64 Cedar Avenue
Arlington, MA 02147
617-288-2320
(Pediatrics)
Daniel S. Sax, MD
Boston University School of Medicine
715 Albany Street - C 314
Boston, MA 02118
617/638-8474
&
258 W. Cummings Park
Woburn, MA 01801
781-932-8650
(Neurologist)
Jeremiah Scharf, MD
Massachusettes General Hospital
Harvard Medical School
149 13th Street
Charlestown, MA 02129
617-724-9234
(Neurologist)
Michael Schwarzschild, MD, PhD
ACC 835, Movement Disorders Unit
Department of Neurology
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, MA 02114
617-726-5532
(Neurologist)
William D. Singer, MD
The Cambridge Hospital
1493 Cambridge Street
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-498-1487 TSA Member - 1996
(Pediatric Neurologist)
**Thomas J. Spencer, MD
Massachusetts General Hospital
15 Parkman St., WACC #725
Boston, MA 02114
617-726-2724
(Psychiatrist)
Daniel Tarsy, MD
Neurology
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
330 Brookline Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
617-667-0519
(Neurologist) Anne B. Young, MD, Ph.D.
Movement Disorders Unit, ACC835
Massachusetts General Hospital
Fruit Street
Boston, MA 02114
617-726-5532
(Neurologist)
Physicians seeking placement on the National TSA
Physician Referral List can fill out and submit for review the following
form from national TSA:
www.tsa-usa.org/forms/COPR.html
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston are enrolling
families for a genetic research study in which there is at least one child 6
years of age or older diagnosed with one or more of the
following: Tourette Syndrome (TS), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD), and/or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). All family
members will be asked to participate by completing interviews,
questionnaires, and cognitive assessments and by providing a blood or
saliva sample for DNA testing. Study participation is strictly voluntary
and may require approximately 3-6 hours per person. Upon completion of
all study tasks, families will be paid $100 for their participation. If
you are interested in learning more about this study, please contact us
at 617-726-9257 or www.ts-adhd-ocd.org. Download study information.
To open this file, download the free software Acrobat Reader.
Evaluation of Behavioral Intervention Methods for Reducing Tic Symptoms in Adolescents (16 years and older) and Adults
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and
Harvard Medical School are enrolling participants for a tic treatment
research study to learn more about two different counseling methods
(treatments) to help individuals who are 16 and older with Tourette
Syndrome or Chronic Tic Disorder to control their tics. The two methods
under research are called "Habit Reversal Training" (HRT) and
"Supportive Psychotherapy. Eligible participants will be randomly
assigned to a computer to receive either HRT or Support Psychotherapy.
Regardless of their treatment assignment, all participants will receive a
diagnostic assessment and 8 individualized treatment sessions over the
course of 10 weeks at no cost to them. If you are interested in learning
more about this study, please contact us at 617-724-4354 or sfranklin2@partners.org.
Dr. Douglas Woods and colleagues from the University of
Wisconsin – Milwaukee, along with several members from our national TSA
Medical Advisory Board, have embarked on an important and extensive data
collecting project designed to gather information about the impact of
tics on the lives of adults with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Chronic Tic
Disorders. If we succeed in having as many people as possible
participating, responses to this very worthwhile project will allow TSA
and the treating community to learn much more about a very broad range
of issues relevant to having and coping with TS. Undoubtedly, this
information will help us better serve our TS community’s needs.
Internet based, the survey responses are submitted
anonymously, and strict confidentiality is assured. Only adults (over
18) who reside in the U.S. are eligible to participate. It is estimated
that completing the survey will take about an hour.
If you would like to participate, please fill out the survey at the following link:
www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=X_2bx_2b8RocCCBAKzsphe791g_3d_3d
The survey can also be accessed from TSA’s website: tsa-usa.org
A child version of the survey will be on-line in the
near future and will also be accessible through TSA’s website. Please
consider participating in this unique opportunity to help.
Bridging the Chasm
Licensed social worker (LICSW) in Franklin County, MA,
who presents seminars on various child and adolescent mental health
conditions and issues. "As a fellow ticcer I know too well the
challenges faced by those with TS and other co-morbid disorders," said
Earles.
Life's A Twitch!
A Canadian, Ph.D., Dr. Duncan McKinlay created funny songs about Tourette Syndrome.
Planet Tic
Educational information geared toward a diversity of people: teachers, students, parents, etc.
Prince's Sensory Delights
Susan Donohoe, a 20-year pediatric Occupational Therapist, developed a
novel clothing line targeting children with neurological and
developmental disorders such as autism, SPD, tourettes, dyspraxia, etc.
along with a very successful childrens apparel designer. The clothing is
designed to be beautiful, non-stigmatizing, while delivering neurolical
based theraputic aspects and has been presented at conferences, walks,
etc., with high acclaim.
Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada
Teachers Who "Get It"