Strengths & Gifts
People with Tourette’s syndrome are often resilient, creative, and highly self-aware. Many develop strong empathy, humor, and problem-solving skills through lived experience.
Common Challenges
They experience involuntary motor and/or vocal tics that can increase with stress or fatigue. Social misunderstanding or stigma can be more challenging than the tics themselves.
How to support individuals
Allow tics to happen without drawing attention to them. Reduce stress, offer acceptance, and focus on the person — not the tics.
Communication advice
Do not ask someone to “stop” their tics or point them out. Speak respectfully and treat tics as a natural part of communication.
Sensory needs
Stress, sensory overload, or discomfort can increase tic frequency. Calm environments and sensory regulation can help reduce strain.
Real stories from ND individuals
“My tics don’t define me — how people react to them matters more.” “When I’m accepted, my confidence grows and my stress drops.”