Video documentary films about Tourette Syndrome (regularly updated)

"Different is the New Normal" 2011 A teen with Tourette Syndrome, Ariel Small | Thirteen PBS | A sensitive and insightful portrayal of growing up with TS and wanting to help others overcome the challenges of TS: Watch the full documentary online. As near perfect as such a documentary could be. Avoids usual stereotypical pitfalls of reporting accurately on TS. Link to full documentary: View Here


From Dr Oliver Sacks' series, 'The Mind's Eye' which featured a documentary about Shane Fistell an artist with Tourette Syndrome who does not take medication or hide his 'symptoms' but allows full expression of his condition through his life and art. Dr Sacks, the renowned neurologist, has extraordinary empathy and understanding and describes TS with great insight by exploring the existential aspects of TS beyond just tics. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljX1rsMNA34



'I have Tourette's but Tourette's doesn't have me' HBO/TSA documentary that helps increase understanding and awareness of Tourette Syndrome in children. A moving and positive portrayal that has been used with great effect to help educate teachers, parents and other children about living with the disorder and the difficulties it represents. Copies are available from the TSA (www.tsa-usa.org)

Tourette's Uncovered: YouTube (in 3 parts): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwwR2rrLmUE

'Movements and Madness': Shot over the course of 8 years. Documentary follows the life of Gusti Ayu, a young Balinese woman suffering from severe Tourette’ syndrome. Born into a society with no local name for her disorder, Gusti’'s chronic, socially awkward jerking, spitting, and swearing are seen as evidence that she either wants attention or is simply crazy. 70 mins. By Dag Yngvesson, Robert Lemelson Lemyng Films, 2006. Current availability unknown.


'Bird Dancer' has been released recently and tells the story of Gusti Ayu's struggle for acceptance in Balinese society. 41 mins. Made by Robert Lemelson. Preview at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjQKHS-S8gs 
Purchase at : http://www.der.org/films/bird-dancer.html or http://www.amazon.com/Bird-Dancer/dp/B004QPHZEE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318439817&sr=8-1 (Can watch in instant view also).

'Twitch and Shout' a great documentary made about people with TS, featuring Lowell Handler (author of the book by the same name). Lowell talks about his own TS and travels across the US and Canada meeting others who live with the disorder. Unfortunately the film appears not to be in circulation now but much of it is available Here (2 parts) although the ending is missing and the quality is not perfect. If anyone is aware of copies of this documentary, still available anywhere, please let us know.


'I Swear I can't Help It'. A British documentary about the life of John Davidson which follows on into his adult life, continuing his story since the earlier documentary 'John's Not Mad' which covered the challenges he faced during a childhood with Tourette Syndrome. John has many overt vocal tics and has copralalia a rare form of vocal tic behaviour which is a source of much stress to him in growing up with the disorder. A gritty documentary that show it how it is. Available on YouTube in HD: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnyTMzQ76WA

Hidden Lives | Tourette's on the Job | Explores the challenges of making a life and career with Tourette Syndrome. Follows the lives of several individuals in Britain and the US and contrasts the differing attitudes to allowing people with the disorder to work between the two countries and shows how much more effective is US Disability Discrimination Law (ADD) and active advocacy. Also features Brad Cohen who visits the UK to help improve the attitudes and understanding in schools there.


'Mad But Glad' British TV documentary featuring the accomplished classical pianist, Nick van Bloss. Nick travels across the US meeting 'gifted' artists and musicians who suffer from neurological conditions including autism, TS and Parkinson's Disease, mental illness and finally meets Dr Oliver Sacks and the composer, Tobias Picker. Highly recommended documentary. The link between 'dysfunction' and artistic creativity is explored.


"I Swear I Can Sing' 2012 Excellent BBC 3 documentary about British singer/songwriter Ruth Ojadi who has TS. It follows her through the trials and challenges of going to college and work and her first public performance. It can still be seen online here http://t.co/5I0ACZJg Click 'watch on YouTube' (Twitter: @RuthOjadi)

"Tourette's Let me Entertain you" BBC documentary featuring Reggie Yates. Follows a group of talented young musicians with Tourette syndrome as they develop a musical collaboration - in three parts http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p00wk639
Part 1 currently available on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlZy6Q6Kg84