People with Tourette Syndrome are not mad

TS is no more a psychiatric illness than autism or cerebral palsy. TS does not mean someone is odd or a social misfit or indeed 'mad'. Most are of normal to above average intelligence and are able to function within a normal environment. Dr Shapiro, a pioneer of the modern functional approach to TS, (a psychiatrist but an enlightened one who helped debunk the Freudian nonsense that once prevailed) once said that it was amazing that with all the difficulties people with TS experience, it is surprising that so few develop mental illness or psychoses. Tourette Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder. Far from being diminished by their Tourette's, it seems that many with the condition are able to outperform others in many areas of endeavour when given the chance. This includes enhanced cognitive skills, rapid thinking with lower rigidity of thought patterns, great imagination, creativity, empathy, honesty (reduced deceptiveness), obssessive commitment and drive and when it comes to motor skills these have been shown in cases to be well above average: speed of movement, reaction times and accuracy. Perhaps being less deceptive comes from the difficulties many with TS themselves experience with reading other's 'intentions' and especially in detecting deception. These attributes are often expressed in musicianship, art, academic ability, science and sports and even comedy. Indeed humour seems to be very important to many with TS and they are often quick to point out the funny side of things or make a joke. There are even excellent Tourettic doctors and surgeons (in the US/Canada) including a family practitioner who has received an award for his work. Sometimes I think other people might be envious of those attributes rather than be bullying and prejudical.