Tourette’s and Tic Disorders

Tourette’s Syndrome and other tic disorders are neurological conditions where a person experiences tics — involuntary movements or vocalisations.

These can be:

• Motor tics – blinking, shrugging, head jerks, facial movements
• Vocal tics – throat clearing, grunting, humming, or repeating words

Tics can come and go over time, and often change in type or intensity. They might increase during stress, excitement, or fatigue — but they’re not chosen or controlled consciously.

What’s with the word “disorder”?

The term “tic disorder” or “Tourette’s Disorder” is a clinical one — part of diagnostic criteria.
But in many neurodivergent spaces, the word “disorder” is viewed as outdated or stigmatising, especially when it suggests something is wrong or broken.

Many people with Tourette’s or tics don’t experience them as negative — or only seek support for very specific challenges, not the tics themselves.

Tics and daily life

• Some people live with tics that are mild and barely noticed
• Others experience tics that interfere with movement, speech, or comfort
• Tics can draw unwanted attention or misunderstanding, especially in public

Support isn’t about “fixing” someone — it’s about helping them feel safe, understood, and in control of their environment.

Tourette’s and tic disorders are simply one way the brain can be wired. Like many other forms of neurodivergence, they’re best understood with curiosity, not judgement.