Watch I Have Tourette's but Tourette's Doesn't Have Me

In 2005, the documentary film "I Have Tourette's but Tourette's Doesn't Have Me" was released, offering a glimpse into the lives of three young people with Tourette Syndrome. Directed by Ken Sykora, the film aimed to dispel myths and misconceptions surrounding the neurological condition, while providing an intimate look at the daily challenges faced by those living with Tourette's.

The film follows Amanda, Aungeni, and Colin as they navigate the complexities of Tourette's, a disorder characterized by uncontrollable tics and vocal outbursts. Each of the three individuals brings a unique perspective to the film, highlighting the diversity of experiences within the Tourette's community.

Amanda, a 14-year-old from the United States, struggles with the stigma and isolation that often accompany Tourette's. Through the film, she shares her fears of being perceived as weird or crazy, and the ways in which Tourette's has affected her relationships with family and friends. Despite these challenges, however, Amanda remains resilient, using humor and creativity to cope with her symptoms.

Aungeni, a 17-year-old from London, dreams of pursuing a career in music despite the physical and emotional obstacles posed by Tourette's. As a talented rapper and songwriter, he uses his music to express himself and connect with others, both within and outside of the Tourette's community. His passion and determination serve as an inspiration to those around him, demonstrating that Tourette's need not hold one back from achieving their goals.

Finally, Colin, a 21-year-old from Scotland, confronts the daunting task of transitioning from childhood to adulthood while managing the ups and downs of Tourette's. As he prepares to leave home and attend university, Colin must navigate new social situations and assert his independence, all while managing the unpredictable nature of his tics. Through it all, Colin maintains a positive outlook, embracing the challenges of Tourette's as an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.

Throughout the film, each of the three protagonists speaks candidly about their experiences with Tourette's, offering insight into the physical and emotional toll of the disorder. They also challenge common misconceptions about Tourette's, emphasizing that it is not solely defined by the stereotypical image of sudden outbursts or obscene language. Rather, Tourette's is a complex and varied condition that manifests differently in each person.

In addition to the personal narratives of Amanda, Aungeni, and Colin, the film also features interviews with medical professionals, as well as with family members and friends of those with Tourette's. These perspectives provide context and background information, shedding light on the science and history of Tourette's, as well as its impact on the broader community.

Overall, "I Have Tourette's but Tourette's Doesn't Have Me" is a moving and insightful documentary that offers a nuanced portrayal of a little-understood condition. Through the stories of its three protagonists, the film challenges viewers to reconsider their assumptions about Tourette's, and to recognize the resilience and humanity of those living with the disorder.

I Have Tourette's but Tourette's Doesn't Have Me is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5.