Tourette’s and people making fun of it

[DearGoodnessIsThatTheTime]

I have teenagers who have Tourette’s- they’re doing more or less fine with support etc.
One problem we are now encountering is other teenagers making fun of the condition. It’s not necessarily their friends - but others that they might meet in a group situation who don’t know what my children have because they are good at hiding it in public.

Anyone got any good answers for these ignorant teenagers? Mine aren’t yet able to admit to others that it’s them suffering from Tourette’s because they are so aware of the stigma attached. We’ve lost plenty friends etc when this all started.

I have suggested they just say they know someone with T and it’s a neurological condition, and it isn’t funny.

I know it’s ridiculous in this age that this still goes on - but I thought someone on mumsnet might have some valuable insight.

I have TS and I've found the best way to deal with it is to laugh along with myself where I can. I try to own it - hard to describe. I am very very self concious about it but I feel explaining to people that it is neurological helps, and during/after certain tics I will laugh and point out how exhausting this one is/annoying it is/funny it is (depending on the tic), lightheartedly. Once people are used to my tics and know me better I don't feel the need to comment and they don't comment either. It's a case of breaking the ice really.

I also like to explain to people that only 10% of people with TS swear and it is called corprolalia - helping people to understand and teaching them can help to get rid of the stigma attached.

Not much but I hope this helps you!

Thank you so much for posting.

I will show your response to my teenagers, if that’s ok. It’s very much what I would say to them - but will mean so much more from someone who actually has TS.

I completely agree about underlining the fact it’s a neurological illness - no one would ever make fun of someone with Parkinson’s.

Thank you again for your help - I know it’s not an easy condition to live with. I appreciate you taking the time. X

Of course, if you ever want to ask anything like TS in the workplace etc just send me a message. Happy to help