The Power of Naming: Why Saying “I Have Tourette’s” Matters — January 26, 2026

Being the butt of the joke is no fun. 

People like being laughed with, not at. Even comedians, putting on an act, want to be in control of the joke, and not actually be mocked. 

That’s what makes it hard for those of us with Tourette’s to speak about our diagnosis and experiences. It so often and so easily becomes a joke.

That’s why it took me over a year after my diagnosis to be out about what I was going through. The insecurity and self-consciousness is a huge barrier. 

But now that I am on the other side of coming out, and know of more people with Tourette’s, and personally know more people with the condition, I see that it isn’t so bad. 

For every one of us that has the courage to come out about our own nuanced experiences with TS, we give the condition another human face. We become a full representation of the good and the bad that comes with Tourette’s, not just a source of cheap jokes. 

This is especially true if more adults who have Tourette’s can speak out about their experiences. Much current advocacy work is done around children, and very little attention is given to adult experiences with TS. Amplifying and supporting adult voices has a twofold benefit. First of all, it lessens the isolation and stigma of people with TS. Second of all, children with TS need mirrors to see themselves and their experiences in the future, to know that there is hope. 

Spreading awareness of Tourette Syndrome and understanding just how many people have it could encourage medical professionals and research institutions like the CDC to put more resources into helping folks with Tourette’s.

That is why I have begun to say, regularly, loudly, and proudly, “I have Tourette’s.” I encourage everyone with TS to do the same if they can. I believe together we can end the stigma around Tourette’s and promote accurate information about the condition to the public. 

Thank you for reading, and for Facing Tourette’s with me.