People may ask you about your tics, why you do them, or what Tourette Syndrome (TS) is. Here are some examples of what to tell those curious folks!

Start by telling them...
* TS is a neurological disorder. Nerves & the brain play a role in TS.
* People with TS have motor and vocal tics, which means they make movements and noises.
* Tics are involuntary. That means they cannot be controlled.

You could then give examples of different types of tics, especially the kind you have.
* Eye Blinking
* Head Jerking
* Jumping
* Humming
* Throat Clearing

Also, explain that TS is not contagious; no one can catch it from you. It does not affect how smart or talented someone is, either.

Then, you could give someone an example of what it is like to have TS. Ask them not to blink their eyes for as long as they can. After a while, they will just have to blink. Tell them that this is what TS is like. After a while, you just have to tic, and you cannot help it.

Give them suggestions of what to do when you are ticcing. For example, they can ignore the tic or stop talking until you are done. Tell them there is no need to feel embarrassed about you when you are ticcing. Most importantly, ask them not to tease you about it.

Remind them that everyone is a little different. Some people wear glasses, have braces, or are short. You just happen to have TS.

Ask them if they have any questions. Now, you've just educated someone about Tourette Syndrome!