Things People Who Have Tourette’s Syndrome Wish You Knew
If this is part of your life story, please share your insights! What would you like the rest of us to learn? What should we know about people in this community? How would you like people to interact with you? Should people ask questions? What’s the best way for people to learn about this? Do you have any resources (books, movies, YT videos, etc) that will give us greater understanding and empathy and kindness toward people who experience the same things you do?
If you’re not on this journey, we welcome you to listen, learn, and ask respectful, good-faith questions! Open-ended questions are highly encouraged, as they give people the space to share their unique experiences in their own words. While this is a safe space to learn about things you’ve never experienced, please remember to be sensitive, and avoid sharing harmful stereotypes or debating someone's lived reality. If you have a question, ask it with empathy. If someone gently corrects you, please be open to learning. Let's have a gentle, fun, friendly conversation where we support one another, because it takes all sorts to make a world!
@ShadowFaerie @unassumingEyes @Sunisshiningandsoareyou @sadcat13 @Amanda84 @goldenduckling @mytwistedsoul @Tinywhisper11 @LovemyMoonflowers @GreenLime3141 @7Bear7 @Phoenixthepoised @Torean @GentleHealingInitiative @cyanessence @YourCaringConfidant @CaringEzra @NobleSeeker @fossilfellow @BastionKnight @trueconfidant123 @safeplace288 @lovingCat6978 @reservedOwl321 @dapperNest2125 @Creamyyy @naturesbeauty1234 @bubbleSummer9800 @warmheartedHuman836 @Mansbestfriend @Paliloveyourself @Magicpawsoffuture @SelfCareMatters @TovaCares76 @sabeyesofblue3535 @AiluraTheCat @charmingApple8098 @luvArisu @BlueDarkAurora @curiousbookishness @sympatheticPlace3743 @musawva @KindleMissie @WellsFiction @Angelanj @SlappyMcGee @SunshineJazz @LexListens2025 @Heather225 @agreeableSkies9889 @HopeAura
I’m adding a taglist to start, but this post is open to absolutely everyone! <3
@jesusredeemedme2425 thanks for tagging me 💗
@jesusredeemedme2425 Looking forward to this thread ❤️
Hey, I'm undiagnosed, but this is something that's come up more in the past few years.
Usually, it happens when I feel embarrassed or I feel regret about something. I'll start saying half sentences of what was said, and it happens automatically.
Other times, it's completely random. Like, this morning at work, I said something like "Ya push the button on ya toaster" in a kind of New York accent. It came outta nowhere. That one is kinda funny, but sometimes it sounds like something real and it worries people. Like, I might suddenly say something like "Hey! What's your problem?" And people think that I'm really talking to them. Luckily, that one doesn't happen much.
Sometimes I also can't stop saying "Herby Derby" or "Happy Derby" every few minutes. I've heard it described to me from others as something they feel a need to say, like a craving that needs to be satisfied, or a "sweet spot". When it comes to the derby ones, I can relate.
Overall, please be patient if you know anyone with issues like this. 😅 I have more than a few people that have to ask when it happens... I say "sorry" or "sorry, love you" and they know that it was something that I just spouted off without consciously doing it for a reason.
@Torean Thank you for sharing ❤️
YOOOOO I do the second paragraph too! It’s not just me???? <3
Right? I'm glad I'm not the only one. 😊 That's my least favorite part of my issues... It's also the hardest to consciously stop.
Luckily my issues with this don't involve swear words often, as is the stereotype.
Any funny stories? I know you got ‘em hehe
Yeah, that’s definitely an incorrect stereotype. Also, a lot of tics are physical, not just verbal.
That's true too. I get a tic where I shake my head. It looks really abrupt when I do it. I have to be really upset for that one to start happening.
My main funny story I guess is that running water in the house can set it off... Not rain or waterfalls... But if I'm showering or washing the dishes, sometimes it goes nonstop and I can end up having conversations with myself in different voices or singing, without consciously coming up with what I'm saying.
I do that too!!! I’m just glad no one’s commented on it yet. Maybe they think I’m just shaking the hair out of my eyes. Lol
Lol record yourself sometime, listen to it later XD
Wow, I never heard of anyone else having that particular one. I'm glad no one's felt the need to comment in your case.
Heheh, I used to. I really should do that again. People have made lists of things that have come out of my mouth.
We’re special? Hehe
I wish I knew what was on them XD