Personal Stories

Gerard J.'s Story

When Gerard's son Robert was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at 6, he couldn't believe that Robert's tics were unintentional. They seemed so conscious, so deliberate. His wife had contacted the TSFC and been attending support meetings at the local chapter. When he made his suspicions known to her, she told him emphatically that the tics were not intentional. Realizing he didn't understand much about his son's disorder, Gerard decided to go to one of these meetings.

While there, he borrowed some books and videos from the TSFC chapter's resource library. He was absolutely shocked by what he read and saw: Symptoms of both TS and its associated disorders were recognizable from his own childhood, things he had long since forgotten. It was a breakthrough.

Armed with new knowledge and awareness, Gerard was able to come to terms with his past, deal with his disorder and give his all to being a supportive, knowledgeable dad. Says Gerard: "Through education on Tourette Syndrome I’ve learned to have tolerance and acceptance for myself, my son and for other people and their many differences. If I become discouraged about having TS, I remind myself it is life challenging, not fatal, and I can rise to the challenge!"