Tourette’s Awareness Day

Today marks the annual International Tourette’s Awareness Day. This event plays a mighty role in shedding light on this widely misunderstood neurological condition, and dismantling myths surrounding Tourette Syndrome (TS). Named after the French neurologist George Gilles de la Tourette, who first described it in 1885, TS is an inherited neurodevelopment disorder, manifesting through tics – involuntary, unpredictable movements or sounds, challenging the daily lives of those affected.


People with Tourette’s often feel excluded or isolated because the society’s level of awareness is so low.The stereotype of Tourette’s being a rare, bizarre or even humorous condition, dominated by coprolalia (involuntary swearing) persists. Even though it affects an estimated 1% of school-aged children and adolescents, with coprolalia affecting only one in 10 adults. Hence, this day is super important in educating and destigmatising, urging society to embrace inclusivity for those with neurological disorders.


Relevant Hashtags: #InternationalTourettesAwarenessDay


Learn More: tourettes-action.org.uk