1. “tourette’s” – what’s that?

2. Have I got ‘tourette’s’? What IS ‘tourette’s’? PS... “She’s got TS” “You must have tourette’s” “He’s got tourette’s” © Tourettes Action

3. “tourette’s” – what’s that? tourette’s = Tourette Syndrome (TS)

4. “tourette’s” – what’s that? What is it? A neurological condition (affecting the central nervous system) The exact origin is still unknown People with Tourette Syndrome have tics and make involuntary movements and sounds You have them for at least a year to be diagnosed with TS © Tourettes Action

5. “tourette’s” – what’s that? What it’s not Tourette Syndrome is not a mental illness Tourette Syndrome does not affect how intelligent you are You can’t catch it - it’s not infectious © Tourettes Action

6. “tourette’s” – what’s that? twirling Some examples of tics Blinking sniffing, sn, sn,,,,,,, hair flicking,,,,,,,, clicking, AHEM clearing your throat AHEM saying the same word over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over over and over AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVE Shrugging jumping touching Coughing © Tourettes Action

7. “tourette’s” – what’s that? The swearing tic (the one everyone knows about) It’s not common in people with TS In fact...... only one person in ten with TS has it. The medical name is “coprolalia” cop – row – LA – lee – ya © Tourettes Action

8. “tourette’s” – what’s that? Tics wax and wane Different tics come and go They get worse during periods of stress They change in how severe they are And how often they occur They may be affected by different activities and environments He didn’t do that last week... He’s doing it all the time now. She’s just putting it on. © Tourettes Action

9. “tourette’s” – what’s that? But People with TS can stop their tics for a short time if they concentrate hard. This sometimes confuses teachers She IS just putting it on. And maybe other pupils...? © Tourettes Action

10. “tourette’s” – what’s that? Compulsive People with TS have no control over their tics A more appropriate word than ‘involuntary’ is ‘compulsive’ People with TS feel an irresistible urge to tic (as the average person wants to scratch an itch) Some can suppress their tics, maybe for hours This means a stronger outburst once they allow themselves to tic freely © Tourettes Action

11. “tourette’s” – what’s that? People with Tourette Syndrome are not doing tics on purpose Stop doing that! It’s driving me mad! But I can’t help it... © Tourettes Action

12. “tourette’s” – what’s that? How do you get it? ? Tourette Syndrome is an inherited condition. Scientists don’t yet know the exact causes. They think is it probably a mixture of different things; genes and environment. © Tourettes Action

13. “tourette’s” – what’s that? How is it diagnosed A specialist asks questions about the person’s symptoms and family history Sometimes scans or blood tests are used to rule out other conditions Both movement and vocal tics must be present for at least 12 months for TS to be diagnosed Within this time, there may be breaks from symptoms for up to three months © Tourettes Action

14. “tourette’s” – what’s that? Who has TS? I do! About 300,000 to 330,000 children and adults in the UK © Tourettes Action

15. “tourette’s” – what’s that? Who has TS? I do! One in a hundred school children has TS. © Tourettes Action

16. “tourette’s” – what’s that? Who has TS? Three times as many males as females have TS. I do! © Tourettes Action

17. “tourette’s” – what’s that? Who has TS? I do! Tics often get stronger and more obvious around the ages of 10 to 12. © Tourettes Action

18. “tourette’s” – what’s that? Who has TS? I do! Tics often reduce and in some people disappear by the age of 18. © Tourettes Action

19. “tourette’s” – what’s that? Famous people with TS Footballers – like Tim Howard, Everton goalie Musicians – from Mozart to Pete Bennett Lots of cool people! © Tourettes Action

20. “tourette’s” – what’s that? How do you treat TS? There are some medications that may help the signs of TS. Therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy which tries to alter the way we think, and habit reversal training can help some people. Doctors try to tell young patients that they are not alone. Many other young people have TS. © Tourettes Action

21. “tourette’s” – what’s that? If someone has Tourette Syndrome: how you can help UNDERSTAND Don’t be afraid to ask if you have questions about TS. You can check online at www.tourettes-action.org.uk Don’t be afraid to ask someone how TS affects them Don’t assume the media shows TS accurately Try to understand that during a bad bout of tics, it may become hard to do things that are usually straightforward © Tourettes Action

22. “tourette’s” – what’s that? If someone has Tourette Syndrome: how you can help ACCEPT Don’t ask someone with TS not to tic Adapt: don’t penalise people for what they can’t help Don’t tease © Tourettes Action

23. “tourette’s” – what’s that? If someone has Tourette Syndrome: how you can help SUPPORT Remember everyone is different; symptoms of TS and how they affect people vary hugely Ask how you can help Let them with space to release their tics in private, if they prefer © Tourettes Action

24. “tourette’s” – what’s that? Living with TS “I’ve come to terms with it. It gives me a unique character, and I’m proud of that.” Ruth, jazz singer © Tourettes Action

25. “tourette’s” – what’s that? THANK YOU! PS: You now know more about Tourette Syndrome than most adults! Why not test your mum or dad at home? © Tourettes Action

26. “tourette’s” – what’s that? If you’d like to know more about Tourette Syndrome you can contact Ring the free Helpline 0300 777 8427 or email help@tourettes-action.org.uk There is also lots of information on the website www.tourettes-action.org.uk © Tourettes Action