Reviews the history of the Dystonia Foundation and the self-help movement. Dystonia is a rare neurological disorder characterized by repeated and uninterrupted movements that can affect 1 muscle, a group of muscles, or the entire body musculature. The New England Dystonia Chapter is discussed to illustrate the goals of the self-help movement, which include providing peer counseling and support services; establishing educational programs concerning dystonia for the medical and lay communities; serving as an advocating and liaison body for members regarding the availability of medical, legal, and social services; and participating in a network of services with other dystonia chapters and the National Foundation.