Tourette Syndrome is a condition of the nervous system that causes those with TS to move or vocalize involuntarily. Though there is more awareness of the condition, some people may still misunderstand what Tourette Syndrome is and how those with the condition experience it.
Keep reading to unpack the misconceptions about TS and understand the condition more.
Why is Tourette Syndrome Misunderstood?
Without the correct information, many medical conditions can be very misunderstood–including Tourette Syndrome. As a condition that affects the nervous system and causes involuntary movement or vocalizations, able-bodied people may find it unusual that someone with TS’s body works differently than theirs.
While those with TS have different experiences than those without it, there is still no excuse for ignorance or discrimination. All people, regardless of their differences, deserve kindness and respect.
Common Misconceptions About Tourette Syndrome
One common misconception about Tourette Syndrome relates to vocal tics. Often played as a joke in movies or television, people with TS are depicted with their vocal tics being solely obscenities or expletives. According to the Tourette Association of America, only 10% of those with TS experience this kind of vocal tic.
Another misconception about TS is that those with the condition are able to control their tics. This is false, as TS is a disorder of the nervous system that makes those with the condition move or vocalize involuntarily.
Something that some people may assume about TS is that those with the condition must live restricted lives that center around controlling their symptoms. This is untrue, as many people with Tourette Syndrome live ordinary lives just like any other person. While some people with the condition may experience more severe symptoms, TS is just part of their everyday life.
Raising Awareness for Tourette Syndrome
With a few misconceptions about Tourette Syndrome cleared, there is still more to understand about the condition. There are many advocacy groups dedicating their efforts to educating others about TS, along with providing support for those with it or their friends and family.
The Tourette Association of America along with Tourettes Action are both well-known groups aiming to educate and inform the public about Tourette Syndrome.
Conclusion
Tourette Syndrome has many misconceptions about it because of how it is depicted in media, but also due to a general misunderstanding of how it affects the nervous system. Though the condition might seem confusing to those that are misinformed, there are many resources that provide information about TS. Educating others about Tourette Syndrome is incredibly important to those with the condition, as it can foster more support and understanding for those with the condition. Most importantly, this understanding is a show of respect and kindness for others, regardless of any differences.
This article was written for Ferry Godmother Productions, Inc.
Erica Rigoroso 