Celebrating a disability

[vernon]

I first came across Jess Thom in her alter ego as Turettes Hero in a radio interview several years ago. I laughed during the airing but felt a little bit uncomfortable because I wasn't sure if I was laughing at her or with her.

I stumbled across this interview of her conducted by Russell Howard. I found it funny and refreshing. Like the introduction in it says, feel free to laugh.

 

[TVC]

Yes, I'm looking forward to watching that tonight.

 

[mjr]

Biscuit!

 

[PeteXXX]

Biscuit, even down to the Digestive cushion!
Great interview..

 

[Scotchlovingcylist]

She has a Facebook page too, I only came tout know of her through Russellife Howards show. Inspirational woman

 

[ufkacbln]

Turettes is difficult to understand because of its diversity

This is someone who is eloquent and whose tics are acceptable

Many people will relate to her because of that...... however when as in to any cases the tics are obscenities it alienates the same people

 

[vernon]

Turettes is difficult to understand because of its diversity

This is someone who is eloquent and whose tics are acceptable

Many people will relate to her because of that...... however when as in to any cases the tics are obscenities it alienates the same people

Not always. I have had the privilege of teaching two pupils with tourettes. Their tics occasionally included profanities and obscenities and usually contextualised leading to occasions where I've had to strain to keep a straight face to hide my amusement. In both instances their tourettes developed from just physical tics to verbal and physical tics.

The staff and pupils became accustomed to the verbal tics and recognised when it was appropriate to laugh - sometimes it wasn't appropriate but the humour value overrode the appropriate silent response. It was folk having their first encounters with the pupils that were alarmed.

Admittedly it's only a small sample.

 

[mjr]

Turettes is difficult to understand because of its diversity

This is someone who is eloquent and whose tics are acceptable

Many people will relate to her because of that...... however when as in to any cases the tics are obscenities it alienates the same people

If I'm remembering an old interview correctly, Jess Thom's tics include some obscenities (but far more biscuits in her case), like about 10% of people with Tourettes.

 

[TVC]

Thoroughly enjoyed her performance. I didn't watch the rest of it though, instead we caught up with the documentary about 'The Curious Case of thr Dog in the Night' from last Tuesday on the iPlayer. Very well worth a watch, though, be warned, if you haven't seen the play yet - like me, they give away the story.

 

[PhilDawson8270]

Fantastic person.

Also, thumbs up to Russell Howard too. Interacting with her like any other guest. Not totally avoiding taking the mick a little, while not making unnecessary reservations.

 

[TVC]

To follow the thread title, here is a bloke I have met a couple of times, and tweet with regularly. The BBC New Comedy Award winner 2015 being unusually unsweary.

Lost Voice Guy.

 

[TVC]

I have a bit of a crush on Russell Howard...

He crouched down next to me in Leicester a couple of years ago.

 

[TVC]

I'd better stop now, it's starting to look like I'm name dropping

 

[PhilDawson8270]

I'd better stop now, it's starting to look like I'm name dropping

Who was it again?

 

[AndyRM]

Jess is a mate of mine - she's great fun and does brilliant work as Tourette's Hero. I've not seen the Russell Howard interview, but I can confirm that one of her tics is very rude indeed...

Her book - Adventures in Biscuitland - is well worth a read.