05/05/2026
I have lived with Tourette’s syndrome since I was about eight years old, although I wasn’t officially diagnosed until I was nineteen. For much of my childhood and teenage years, life felt confusing and incredibly hard. I knew I was different, but I didn’t understand why. That lack of understanding affected every part of my life—my confidence, my choices, and the way I saw myself.
Growing up, there was a lot of teasing. I often felt like an outcast, excluded because I didn’t fit neatly into what others expected. There were hospital visits for health episodes that, at the time, had no clear explanation. Looking back now, we know these experiences were related to Tourette’s. But at the time, not knowing what was happening to my body and mind made life feel overwhelming and isolating.
Like many people living with disability—no matter how mild or less noticeable—it shaped my life choices. Disability doesn’t just affect one part of your life; it influences education, employment, social connections, and self-belief. For a long time, those impacts felt limiting. But over time, I have learned that they can also become sources of strength.
Living with Tourette’s has taught me resilience, patience, and empathy. I understand what it feels like to struggle quietly, to want to participate fully but feel held back by fear or misunderstanding. These experiences have made me a better provider. I listen differently. I notice the small signs others might miss. I meet people where they are, without judgment, because I know how powerful it is when someone truly understands.
I also know that change is possible. With the right support, confidence can be rebuilt and people can re‑enter the workforce at their own pace. That journey might begin with simple community exposure, then volunteering, and eventually a supportive role that can grow into paid employment. The journey can be long, but it has an end goal—and holding onto that goal makes all the difference.
Believe it or not, I was once standing at the very beginning of that journey myself. I was fortunate to have incredible mentors in my life—people who believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself. Their guidance helped me see my potential beyond my diagnosis. What was given to me can be given to others too.
Today, I use my lived experience to support others in building workplace readiness and confidence. I understand the fear, the hesitation, and the hope that comes with taking those first steps forward. Tourette’s has been part of my story for as long as I can remember, and while it has created challenges, it has also shaped me into a stronger, more compassionate, and more effective provider.
My story is proof that disability does not define limits—it builds insight, strength, and the ability to help others find their way forward
