TRENTON, NJ – Much-needed funding in the FY 2025 budget, secured by state Sen. Andrew Zwicker, will support the NJ Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS) and the Tourette Syndrome Clinic at Rutgers University.

Zwicker’s FY 2025 budget resolution restores NJCTS’s grant-in-aid funding to the FY 2024 level and appropriates supplemental funding to the NJCTS Tourette Syndrome Clinic at Rutgers University. 

NJCTS is the only organization in New Jersey that supports families affected by Tourette Syndrome, tic disorders, and associated disorders. Since 2004, NJCTS and Rutgers University have partnered to operate the nation’s only university-based, stand-alone, student-clinician teaching practicum and clinic for the evaluation and treatment of Tourette Syndrome.

“Although Tourette Syndrome affects individuals of all ages and backgrounds, it remains highly stigmatized and misunderstood. NJCTS works to break this stigma through community outreach and events that connect those with TS, their families, educators, and medical professionals,” said Zwicker, (D-Middlesex/Mercer/Somerset/Hunterdon).

“In partnership with Rutgers University, their innovative clinic offers treatment for TS and hands-on experience to future medical professionals. This funding will enable the center and clinic to continue their mission of providing support to individuals and families affected by TS and will expand graduate student education so they can serve the needs of more New Jersey residents,” he added.

“We are deeply grateful for Senator Zwicker’s unwavering support and that of his colleagues in not only restoring but increasing our funding,” said NJCTS Executive Director Hilary Kruchowy. “Tourette Syndrome doesn’t only affect the child with TS. It impacts their parents, their siblings, their classmates, their teachers, and the community-at-large.

“Our mission is to educate and advocate for acceptance, understanding, and kindness. Because of our restored funding we will be able continue our programs and services including our much-needed TS Clinic at Rutgers, which for the first time in our history has secured increased funding and recognition from the state legislature,” he added..”As the only organization in New Jersey with a focus on families and individuals affected by Tourette Syndrome, support from the state of NJ is critical to our ability to serve our constituents.”