Preventing Abuse of Your Special Needs Child

Here’s a somber statistic: Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are far more likely to be abused by someone they know than a stranger. Abuse is any behavior that is unwanted, intentionally harmful, demeaning or insulting, or causes the victim to be afraid. This may include physical violence, sexual assault, bullying, emotional maltreatment or neglect. Sadly, because an individual with intellectual and developmental disability may be perceived as an “easy target,” the likelihood of abuse […]

Scientists discover genetic ‘missing links’ underlying mechanism of psychiatric diseases

By Sarah C.P. Williams UCLA researchers, in global collaboration, gain new understanding of brain architecture of autism, schizophrenia Since the completion of the groundbreaking Human Genome Project in 2003, researchers have discovered changes to hundreds of parts of DNA, called genetic variants, that are associated with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia and other psychiatric diseases. Now, a new, large-scale study has linked many of those changes in DNA to their molecular effects in the brain, revealing […]

Stranger Safety for Your Special Needs Child

When we envision a child with Down syndrome navigating the world without adult supervision, fears about encounters with strangers naturally surface. Many individuals with Down syndrome are friendly and trusting, by nature, and respond warmly to a new acquaintance, a trait that is generally celebrated by those who are privileged to meet them. But, this endearing quality creates a vulnerability that obligates parents to teach them to distinguish between acceptable, harmless exchanges with strangers and […]

Progress In Scientific And Medical Research

45 YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE The Tourette Association of America was founded in 1972 with the aim of improving the lives of all people affected by Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Tic Disorders. The TAA invests in research which may lead to tomorrow’s breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment. Our research programs are central to the mission of improving the lives of those impacted by Tourette and Tic Disorders. SUCCESSES: TREATMENTS, CARE, RESEARCH To date, the TAA […]

Williams Syndrome Overview

Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic condition that is present at birth and can affect anyone.  It is characterized by medical problems, including cardiovascular disease, developmental delays, and learning challenges.  These often occur side by side with striking verbal abilities, highly social personalities and an affinity for music. Williams syndrome is caused by the spontaneous deletion of 26-28 genes on chromosome #7.  The deletion occurs in either the egg or the sperm used to form […]