Paul was diagnosed with TS aged 25 after ‘a lifetime of tics’. Now in his 30s, he is happily married and works as a One to One Support Worker and Music Teacher with adults with learning difficulties.

“I am keen to dispel a few myths. Tourette’s is regarded by most people who’ve heard of it as ‘that thing where they swear all the time’. I get a little annoyed at TV programmes that sensationalise that particular symptom (known as “coprolalia”) to the extent that a stereotype is created. Although I have total respect and feel great empathy for those who suffer in this way, I feel compelled to speak up for those of us that don’t.

I was turned down for a job on a telephone helpdesk, even though I’d previously been the head of one, because I put ‘Tourette’s’ on a medical questionnaire. The company didn’t want to risk me swearing at customers. People laugh when I say I have Tourette’s and tell me that I can’t have it - because I’m not like the people on the telly.”