How to make a friend in someone who has Tourettes

Step 1:

Remember tics are involuntary movements or noises. This means they can't be helped under any circumstances! Trying not to blink for a long period of time is really hard and this is what it is like for someone to hold their tics in. It gets to a point where they feel like they're going to burst. So never ask them to stop their tics as this isn't kind. Instead, help them out and ask what you can do to help them. 

Step 2:

Accept your friend with all of their tics. People can't choose their tics, please remember this. Many people don't like making their tics as they feel awkward, so please, make sure that you make your friend as comfortable as possible. 

Step 3: 

Remember tics can be complex, it could be a wince and then a click. Complex tics contain more than one tic- so it could be any tic mixed together.  

Step 4:

Pleases remember that tics are not in any way shape or form contagious. It is sad that people think this is the case. It really isn't. Tourettes isn't a cold. Tourettes is genetic. So my children may have Tourettes or they might not. 

Step 5:

Don't try and make your friend tic as this isn't nice at all and some tics could be quite dangerous to themselves or rude to others. 

Step 6: 

Don't mention your friend's tics unless they mention them first. This might make them feel uncomfortable which isn't fair to anyone and they might feel out of place. It is never right to make someone with tics and Tourettes feel uncomfortable as they can't escape themselves. 

Step 7:

ALWAYS speak up for your friend. This will make them feel happy as they know that you are there for them and you can back them up. Please find out how many tics your friend has and ask how you can further understand them and how you can help them further.

Joke of the day: "Why does the maths book look so sad? Because of all its problems."