Join Us This Tourette’s Awareness Month: Introducing the #Misunderstood Campaign

Posted on 13 May 2025 by Emma McNally

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From May 15 to June 15, Tourette’s Awareness Month is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on Tourette syndrome (TS) and the lives of those affected by it. At Tourettes Action, we are proud to launch our most powerful and personal campaign to date: #Misunderstood.

Why This Matters

Tourette syndrome remains one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions. Affecting 1 in 100 school-aged children in the UK, TS is as common as Autism and childhood epilepsy—yet public perceptions are still shaped by stigma, jokes, and misinformation.

Too often, people assume TS is simply about swearing or bad behaviour, but the reality is far more complex. Many individuals with TS live with a range of tics—motor and vocal—that can be exhausting, painful, and emotionally draining. These misconceptions can lead to isolation and discrimination, making awareness and empathy more important than ever.

The #Misunderstood Campaign

This year, we’ve teamed up with creative agency AML and production company The Attic to create a deeply moving short film. The campaign features Grace, who lives with TS, and a choir of individuals with the condition. Together, they perform a stunning reinterpretation of Nina Simone’s “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood”—bringing the message to life through music, emotion, and shared experience.

The film gives viewers a window into the real, everyday challenges faced by those with TS—from having to constantly explain their tics to dealing with public reactions. It ends with a powerful call for empathy, connection, and change.

Watch the film and explore the campaign here: Tourettes Action Misunderstood Awareness Campaign Film

“This is our most ambitious campaign yet,” says Emma McNally, CEO of Tourettes Action. “We want to challenge misconceptions and create a space where people with TS feel seen and understood—not judged. With over 300,000 people affected in the UK, the time for change is now.”

How You Can Get Involved

We’re encouraging schools, workplaces, community groups, and individuals to get behind the #Misunderstood campaign by:

• Sharing the film on social media
• Starting conversations about TS
• Downloading and displaying our awareness posters
• Downloading and sharing our social media graphic
• Asking buildings and bridges close to you to #TurnItGreen -  More info here
• Planning events for Tourette’s Awareness Day on June 7

 Email our helpdesk to get items posted out to you.

Let’s break down barriers. Let’s replace misunderstanding with compassion.
Let’s bring real understanding to Tourette syndrome.

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