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Michael P. Miller

website (he's in a band!): www.bluestew.com

Thank you for providing a window into the bizarre world of TS. Information is the key to understanding and compassion. The teasing and harassment can be brutal on children and young people.

I know what it's like to be starred at like a ‘carnival side show freak’. My symptoms started in 1961. No one had even heard of TS then. Other kids thought I was crazy and my parents thought I was rebelling against them. I’ve been seen by many psychiatrists and child psychologists, in attempt to “find what’s REALLY bothering me”.

Now at 49, I'm quite comfortable with it all. So…to the young people with TS, when they make fun and laugh at you, laugh with them.

You are NOT alone. You are NOT sick. TS is NOT a disease, it’s a disorder. You WILL live a full, complete, happy, productive and CREATIVE life.

A part of your brain is highly concentrated with unbridled energy (like an overcharged battery). This energy releases itself through tics, vocal noises, O.C.D., A.D.D. and other symptoms of TS. The GOOD part about it is…this same energy is also responsible for other talents you have, but might not know it yet.

You might be gifted in music, painting, writing, acting, dancing, and artistic endeavors beyond the norm, a lot of us are. It’s CREATIVE energy! The price you are paying now will be repaid to you, by way of unique ideas and hidden talents that only someone in your situation can produce. I am not embarrassed to have TS, I welcome it because I cherish the gifts that come with it.

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