Tourette Syndrome & Tic Disorders Support Group

No you aren't. My daughter has the same problem. Her TS is pretty severe and, coupled with the anxiety she also has, her ability to make friends is very hard.

In most cases it's because the other kids just plain don't know what's going on with you, or aren't sure how to handle the tics and noises and all and aren't sure how to approach you. They may be a bit uncomfortable or afraid of what's happening. If you have more extreme tics like hitting or touching especially this may certainly be the case. Maybe your school can do some sort of assembly or something about TS, teach the students what it is, and how it affects the person who has it. A great video to use might be the "I have tourettes but tourettes doesn't have me" or maybe even getting a hold of the 20/20 episode on TS that was shown a while back. Both of those may help the other students understand and once they do, maybe some of them won't be so unsure. Being willing to answer questions honestly, and maybe even poking a bit of fun at the tics, which honestly in the case of my daughter can sometimes be quite funny (especially the one I call the "chicken dance"), will help too.

I know that my daughters tics, when they were very mild, to the point where people never really even noticed them, things were fine, but once they developed into the severe tics they are now, many of her friends backed off and just haven't returned. It's very sad to see and I feel for her.

You are definitely not! I feel like I only have 3 friends that are not online. 2 of my friends gets on my nerves sometimes, and my other friend's mom is so restrictive that she can barely ever come over for even 2 hours. Many people stare, and look at me weird because of my tics. Most people don't like "different" so they go away. But my mom tells me that as I get older, and people mature more, that they will see past my differences and I will make more friends. I am now on homebound schooling, which means that the teacher comes to my house. I have a lot of really loud screaming tics, so I can't be in a room with like 30 kids screaming. But ya, your definitely not alone! Feel free to talk to me any time you want to.

thanks this is sorta why i joined Dailystrength to meet people that understood that

I understand 100%! I have horrible friends at the moment, that actually make fun of my tourettes! I go home everyday, and cry a long cry. My parents dont know why I put up with them, no one really does. I guess its because I have such low self esteem about my condition and myself, that anyone that will put up with me ill be friends with. I hope that doesnt sound stupid.. but, I guess thats just how I could describe it! I moved 2 years ago to FL from NY and so I just want any friends I could have! My one only true bestfriend is in NY and it kills me I cant be there with her. So I know what you mean about making true friends! I wish I could make true friends here and so I wont hate FL as much as I do! It is a real beautifal state, just the people arn't has beautifal inside! Im here if ya want to talk, it seems like were goingthrew the same sort of stuff! xo :)