The Truth About Tourette’s

Aidy Smith has Tourette Syndrome - commonly thought of as a swearing disorder. But in reality, 90% of people with Tourette’s don't swear. Over the decades, popular culture has built up a skewed picture of Tourette Syndrome. Documentaries have focused on those with extreme symptoms and Coprolalia. Hollywood movies have used it as a means of manufacturing cheap laughs. Comedians have used it as a punchline. In this programme, Aidy meets people with incredible talents and successful careers who have overcome the struggles and the stigma. People like Pete Bennet, who rose to fame in 2006 after winning the seventh series of the Channel 4 reality show Big Brother, and Dr Wilson Tsai, a thoracic surgeon in the US who hopes to inspire others by sharing how martial arts and practicing medicine gave him confidence and a sense of worth. A Rosa production for BBC Radio 4 BBC Action Line support: Tourettes Action provides confidential and impartial support to adults and children living with Tourette Syndrome. Live chat available www.tourettes-action.org.uk The Brain Charity provides help and support to people with conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system, including Tourette’s syndrome. Phone: 0800 008 6417 https://www.thebraincharity.org.uk/ Information from the NHS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tourettes-syndrome/