Attend Camp Twitch
Every year families/whanau from throughout New Zealand come together at Camp Twitch to meet others just like them.
Those attending range in age from primary school children diagnosed with TS who attend with at least one caregiver to adults living with TS who bring along their families.
We structure activities into groups so that the young adults with TS can be team leaders to the younger children – the children love having an older leader that is just like them. We also encourage siblings to come along to camp and include a team of brothers and sisters in all activities also.
Parents are always grateful when adults with TS come to camp as it gives them a chance to speak to someone about the reality of life with TS and their insight is often more valuable than the information that the health professionals provide.
Camp Twitch is held in the first week of the school holidays between term 3 and 4.
To be eligible to attend Camp Twitch the individual with Tourette Syndrome and/or tic disorder must be a registered member of the Tourette’s Association NZ.
The camps are alternated between North and South Islands year-on, year-off to make it easier for families to attend.
The purpose of the camp is connectedness through fun activities, friendship and group workshops.
For more information about Camp Twitch please email [email protected]
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FAQS
What is Tourette Syndrome?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is characterised by vocal and motor tics that range from mild to extreme in severity. Individuals can have singular tics, however both vocal and motor tics have to have been present for at least a year for an individual to be diagnosed with TS.
Why is it called Tourette Syndrome?
The syndrome is named after Georges Gilles de la Tourette, a French physician and neurologist. He was credited with defining the syndrome in 1885 after spending many years studying why certain people displayed sudden twitches and vocalisations.
What causes TS?
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a genetic, neurological disorder that occurs during childhood. Not all children that inherit the TS gene display the traits that are associated with the disorder. Boys more commonly inherit the gene associated with TS. The ratio of girls vs. boys being diagnosed with TS is 1:4.
Is there a cure for Tourette’s?
No. At the moment the exact gene and neurons that cause TS are not known so there is no cure. Medication can in some cases help with suppressing the tics associated with TS.
Do the tics go away?
Remission can occur in adulthood. Some literature reports that 1/3 of adults have no tics; 1/3 still occasionally have mild tics and 1/3 will continue to have the same level of tics.
How many children in New Zealand are diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome?
The New Zealand Organisation for Rare Disorders endorses the Australian Tourette Syndrome Association statistics of 1:1000 children having TS. Not all of those with TS will be diagnosed with TS due to the mild nature of their symptoms.
Is Tourette’s a mental health disorder?
No, TS is not categorised as a mental health disorder. However many of the disorders that co-exist with TS like ADHD, OCD or depression are recognised mental health disorders and the psychological impact or issues associated with TS are treatable by mental health practitioners.
Does everyone who has TS swear?
No. Only a small percentage of those diagnosed with TS have coprolalia – an extreme vocal tic that causes the person to repeat inappropriate words.
What does ‘comorbid’ mean?
This term is used when a disease or disorder occurs simultaneously with another disease or disorder.
Will having TS shorten my lifespan?
Those diagnosed with TS can expect to live to normal life expectancy.
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