Unpacking the stigma and misconceptions about Tourette Syndrome (TS) is incredibly important to supporting and respecting those with the condition. 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 Tourette Syndrome and understand the condition more.
Why Do People Misunderstand Tourette Syndrome?
Without the correct information, many people misunderstand medical conditions, including Tourette’s 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 can control their tics. This is false, as TS is a disorder of the nervous system that causes people to 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 and Tourettes Action are well-known groups aiming to educate and inform the public about Tourette Syndrome. To learn more about Tourette Syndrome, including how to find resources to support someone with TS, these resources have many articles to learn from.
Conclusion
People tend to misunderstand Tourette Syndrome due to its representation in media. Similarly, many people tend to have a general misunderstanding of how TS 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 shows respect and kindness for others, regardless of differences.
For more information on how to find support for Tourette Syndrome, read more at Ferry Godmother Productions.