People in the northern Illinois area with the neurological disorder Tourette Syndrome now can seek reassurance in a newly-formed support group.

Tourette Syndrome is a complex, neurological movement disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive muscular movements, or tics. These might include vocalizations, blinking, head tossing and shoulder shrugging that come in sudden bouts. Common noises might be snorting, throat clearing, shouting or repetition of words.

“Tourette Syndrome is rare, but more common than people think it is,” said Gwen Fox, Dreyer Clinic nursing supervisor.

The syndrome is not a mental illness and does not affect mental capacity. Onset can be between the ages of two and 21, predominantly in males.

“It’s commonly misdiagnosed as hyperactivity,” Fox said.

Fox and her associate, Carolyn Camp, each of whom have a child with Tourette Syndrome, are co-directing the program.

Individuals and their families dealing with the disorder are invited to join the support group 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at Aurora’s Dreyer Clinic, 1870 W. Galena. Interested professionals also are invited.

A film about Tourette Syndrome will be shown and plans will be made for quarterly meetings.

“It’s about reassurance, like any other support group,” Fox said. “It’s about letting them know they aren’t the only ones who have this.”

Formation of the support group is in response to requests from Aurora-area families, but persons from throughout the area are invited. The all-volunteer Tourette Syndrome Association Inc. of Illinois is acting as a sponsor.

For more information, call Fox at (708) 859-6787 days or evenings (815) 498-2075.