Tourette Syndrome is a combination of involuntary movements and involuntary noises, which we call "tics". They tend to start in childhood and often become less severe into adulthood.

It's  almost always associated with either Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD).  There can be a host of other secondary disorders as well such as broad spectrum Autism Disorders. 


Tourette Syndrome is now known to be far more common than was once thought. In fact it affects about ten per cent of schoolchildren, but there's a very wide range of severity, so some will have a very mild condition and never have to see a doctor. However, many will see a doctor and be mis-diagnosed. Most commonly with Wilsons Disease. It is very important to see a Neurologist who is educated with Tourette Disorders.


We still don't really know the cause of Tourette Syndrome. After a lot of research for many years we do know in most cases it runs in families, so there are generally people on the mother's or father's side with a history of Tourette Syndrome who either have tics or strong OCD, ADHD or other features. Only a minority of patients will come with Tourette Syndrome with no family history of any kind. Some of these are due to brain injuries. More recently research indicates many untreated bouts of strept throat is being related to "tic" disorders.

The way Tourette Syndrome affects a person depends entirely on how severe it is in that particular individual. This would be determined by simple "transient tics" or Complex Tourette's.  For a lot of people, tics may be the main problem and will be quite noticeable to other people in public which will make them feel self-conscious about it.

Tics can sometimes be bad enough to get in the way of speaking or moving around properly or writing, for instance. Adjustments must be made for daily living.

Tics vary from very simple ones, such as,  blinking or a twitch around the mouth or the neck.  Vocal tics may just be a throat-clear or a sniff or a cough.


They can also be far more complex, where people will shout out words, and in about ten per cent of cases they will have involuntary swear words (Coprolalia), which is not as common as people think. The media has caused great confusion in this regard.

The motor tics can also be more complex, for instance hopping or squatting or jumping when you walk. The tics are not necessarily triggered by anything. They come spontaneously but they will vary according to the situation the person is in, so they may be more apparent when the person is anxious or stressed.

The first line of treatment for people with Tourette Syndrome is really diagnosis, so they know the condition they're trying to deal with themselves. Some people have tics bad enough to need medication. The largest group of drugs used are the neuroleptic drugs, and the effect tends to vary from patient to patient. However, the drugs prove mostly not to offer any long term solution. At best, they merely reduce the frequency of the tics - but often with a hefty price to pay in regards to side effects. 


It has to be said it's not all doom and gloom with Tourette Syndrome. It has a very wide range of severity and there are people with Tourette Syndrome who have done all kinds of jobs: pilots, a surgeon, several millionaires, so I think that any child with Tourette Syndrome can be reassured that their tics may well get better or not, but they should not let it restrict them in their life's pursuits.

Comments (25)

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I have another questionn??
written by Peyton-7th grade Hungary creek middle!!!, March 30, 2010

Before you had this website how did kids treat you and now that you have the website do kids treat you differently? letme no okkay!! latta!!

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Why are we like this?
written by Just someone who cares, March 29, 2010

Why are people like this. Why are people mean to each other. Why can't we all just be nice to each other. Why can't it be a perfect world. If it was, it would be so much better. This is what i hate about the world. Meaness.

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OKKKAy ik have a ??
written by Peyton-7th grade Hungary creek middle!!!, March 29, 2010

Heyy lil dude wassup okkay i have a ? for u how do you sign up for your website???? lett mee noo okakay mbye lil man!!!!

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Your doing a great job
written by friend, March 29, 2010

you have changed the lives for a lot of people

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Greetings from Scotland
written by Rory Patton, February 21, 2010

Hi Jaylen, I think what you are doing is truly inspiring. Like you I have aspergers I also have tics but now that I am in my 50s noone bullies me. It's not easy being young and different but you are different in a great way. I am so pleased @Fansgivingback sent me a DM about you.

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Inspiration
written by Katy Bijak, February 20, 2010

You're an amazing kid going through all that! Have you ever seen the movie, Front of the Class? Anyway, can constant foot tapping, sniffing, and hair flipping be synptoms? Just curious.
Keep it up Jaylen!! You're an inspiration to a lot of people!!

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Stop!
written by KayLin.=), November 20, 2009

Bulling has become so bad in our school.... its'.....its'..... now is a basic daily thing but the hardest thing in the "bulling/viloince" thing is that all my friends are involved in thins! i use too but if i get got up in it one more time i will get excpelled. So its hard to keep my head up high and turn the other way when im always around it. But im tottaly with the hole thing agianst bullying/violence thing! because im also a kid to get bullied just because i DON'T smoke and all the kids at my school do but i know im NEVER going to smoke i have Never smoked once in my hole life and i dont plan on it!=)

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Grateful
written by Jacquie, November 09, 2009

My son, who is 8 years old was just told today that he has Tourettes syndrome...although he doesn't really understand what's going on yet, I find this site and your courage to help me, his mother, help him understand better. One thing we are very fortunate for, he started a new school this year and although his tourettes is mild, the tics are very noticeable, and none of the kids tease him or anything. His teacher is wonderful in understanding the situation and doesn't put him in stressful situations. I respect you so much for doing what you do, it's wonderful. Keep up the great work and may God keep you happy and strong!

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...
written by Anna313, November 08, 2009

I am 18 years old and I have Tourette's Syndrome too. It comforts me to know there is someone out there who is doing so much to help kids like us with bullying. I was bullied a little too, but I was able to get them to stop by explaining what I have to them. They were much more understanding than I thought. Thank you for what you are doing and remember what Tourette's has done for you! It's hard to deal with, but it makes you stronger!

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written by ~Time 4 The Real World~ 7th gr. student, November 07, 2009

Jaylen I heard your story in my grandmother's house thursday night. (2days ago) and i decided to come on your web page. At first i was picking on you b/c of your twicht..(i spelled that wrong) but then i realized it this is not a game we have to get ready for the real world. I have much love for you and your family.....god is loved..

_Shakeira_

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