Neuro Note: Tourette Does the Talking

     In the TEDx Talk "Tourette Does the Talking," Thomas White, a then-senior at the University of Notre Dame, walks the audience through a typical day in his life as he deals with Tourette syndrome. But Thomas also reminds us that despite the many challenges every human being faces- whether that's depression, a parent's battle with dementia, or a failing marriage- we are all going through life together and should support one another and celebrate every moment. I chose this video for my neuro note because Tourette syndrome is interesting to me, and I thought I knew a good bit about it before this, but as usual, I knew much less than I thought I did!

     Because of what we see in the media, I had believed that random cursing, called coprolalia, was the most common symptom of Tourette syndrome, but in the TEDx Talk, Thomas informs us that, although that is part of his condition, it is actually pretty rare. I also did not know that physical movements could be a part of Tourette syndrome. Thomas tells us that he often throws things such as his phone or shower supplies because of his Tourette syndrome.

     While this TEDx Talk does not come across as particularly motivating at first, Thomas does bring a very moving sentiment into it. While fighting through grunts and other sounds caused by Tourette syndrome, he talks about how valuable the gift of life is. Despite these interruptions to the planned presentation, Thomas is an eloquent speaker with an important message. I strongly encourage everyone to watch this talk on YouTube, both to inform you more about Tourette syndrome and to help you feel connected to others around you.

References:

White, T. (2014, January 21). Tourette Does the Talking: Thomas White [video file]. Retrieved 
     from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0szLOMIt9SQ