A Mini Dive into Tourette Syndrome

I chose to watch a TED Talk about the neurological condition, Tourette Syndrome, titled "Tourette Does the Talking" by Thomas White. I have always heard of Tourette, but never saw a video or even met anyone with it. I have heard people reference to it in a joking matter. It was not until I was on TikTok, a few days ago, and saw a girl posting about her tics. I was very much so intrigued, and with this assignment coming up, I figured why not do it on Tourette to gain more insight into what it really is. 

The TED Talk features a college student who is simply bringing us into a day of his life with what he called an "unrelenting neurological assault"(TEDx Talks, 2014). That itself makes me feel as though the condition is truly a battle and it is hard. He mentioned how it was a fight that he may lose during his presentation, due to his tics being uncontrollable. He talked about how his coordination and control are impacted due to the chemical imbalance Tourette cause, which in turn puts a hinder on his day-to-day life. He cannot take a shower without throwing shampoo and body wash bottle, with some even breaking. He suffers from Coprolalia, the involuntary use of cursing, which not many suffer from with Tourette Syndrome. Interesting enough, I have never heard of that term and did a Google search to read more about it. Applying what I have learned from Neurobiology and Neuro Aspects, I believe that the frontal lobe is impaired by this condition. It is responsible for your filter on the things you say and do. It is also responsible for your impulse control, and he mentioned how sometimes he will pretend to vomit on kids or hit older women on their behind. I think that it is sad because a lot of people, like myself, do not know much about Tourette and may find it as an insult, when in reality a person really cannot control themselves. It is going to take for everyone to want to know more to be able to be kind and understanding of the next person. 

I am so happy that I chose this topic. Thomas did a great job at giving people a brief look into his life. He turned his story around and showing that Tourette does not have him, but rather he has Tourette. He looked it as a gift of life and that it is his responsibility to share it. It is hard to not look at your life as you have a problem, and I truly commend him for standing up and having a different view. He ended his talk with a quote that I believe will stick me forever. He said, "Embrace the life that you lead, let your talk be heard, and remember that each word is a celebration and has hope (TEDx Talks, 2014)." I believe that this is a quote anyone could learn from and become comfortable and loving for who they are, no matter the condition. I really do suggest watching this TED Talk if you have not heard of or seen a first-hand case of Tourette syndrome. Not only do you learn about the condition, but it will change your perspective on the way you look at a lot of things in life.

TEDx Talks. (2014, February 27). Tourette Does the Talking: Thomas White at TEDxUND. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0szLOMIt9SQ