The Misconceptions and Strengths of Tourette’s Syndrome

Tourette's Syndrome (TS) is defined as a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics (NHS). There are approximately over 300,000 people have Tourette’s Syndrome in the UK.

However, it is less well known that Tourette’s syndrome falls under the broader term of Neurodiversity, where we are all seen on a spectrum of individual differences, strengths, and challenges. As common traits of Tourette’s Syndrome are more well known, it is important to discuss the common misconceptions, the co-occurrences we see with other neurodifferences, and the strengths that these individuals can bring to your organisation.

The Strengths of Tourette’s Syndrome

Although there are documented challenges and difficulties, there is a widening understanding of the strengths that come from having a diagnosis of TS.

It has been recognised that many with Tourette’s Syndrome demonstrate high levels of concentration, determination and single-mindedness, willpower, self-control, resilience, empathy, and problem-solving skills (UCL).

It is understood that the effort made to suppress tics seen in TS relies on brain activation in areas associated with self-control and motor regulation. Research has shown that those with TS can demonstrate higher levels of cognitive control and a suppression of reflexive behaviour, especially in motor tasks (Wired, 2011). This enhanced cognitive control can lead to enhanced abilities to process information and adapt behaviour based on goals (UFHealth, 2020).

Additionally, some research has shown that those with TS have strengths in assembling and processing grammar and language (UFHealth, 2020). Children with TS show faster verbal language production compared with Children without TS (Dye et al., 2016), demonstrating an ability to verbalise ideas quickly when put on the spot.

Common Misconceptions

It is a common misconception that all people with TS shout obscenities, where in fact, tics that involve rude language or gestures are only experienced by 10% of people with TS. Tics can be physical and vocal, for example:

Vocal tics

grunting
throat clearing
whistling
coughing
tongue clicking
animal sounds
saying random words and phrases
repeating a sound, word or phrase
swearing

Physical tics

Blinking
Eye rolling
Grimacing
Shoulder shrugging
Jerking of the head or limbs
Jumping
Twirling
Touching objects and other people

Tics can also sometimes be seen as harmful to the individual. This is not usually the case, but physical tics can cause pain, and attempting to control these types of tics can lead to fatigue.

It is important to note that tics can vary from person to person, as each person’s experience of Tourette’s will be different.

Co-occurrences within Neurodiversity

According to Tourette’s Action, up to 85% of people who have Tourette’s also experience co-occurring characteristics or diagnoses.

Research has shown that people with a diagnosis of Tourette’s may also have a diagnosis of other neurodifferences:

60-80% of children with TS also have ADHD, and roughly 10% children with ADHD also have TS or persistent tic disorders (CHADD, 2015).
Up to 30% of people with a tic disorder also have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD (Tourette Canada).
20% of children diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome also met the criteria for Autism Spectrum Condition (UCSF, 2017).