Co- occurring Conditions
Tourette's is a disorder in its own entity however a very high proportion of people living with Tourette's also have at least one other co-occurring condition.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Anxiety are the most common but not limited to co-morbidities that go with Tourette syndrome (TS).
Autism
What is Autism?
Autism is a neurodevelopmental difference in the way a person processes information, communicates, experiences their body, and understands the world around them.
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Autism is not an illness and not something to be “fixed”.
It is a different way of thinking, sensing, and relating, with its own strengths and challenges.
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Autistic people often experience:
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The world more intensely
Emotions more deeply
And sensory input more directly
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This can be beautiful, creative, insightful and sometimes overwhelming.
Core Features of Autism
Autism is currently understood through four key areas:
1. Social & Emotional Communication
Autistic individuals may:
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Communicate in direct, literal, or honest ways
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Prefer clarity over implied meaning
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Need more processing time in conversation
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Struggle with facial expression “reading” or social expectations
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Feel drained by social interaction rather than energised
This does not mean a lack of empathy.
In fact autistic people often feel emotions intensely and care deeply.
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2. Sensory Processing Differences
​Autistic people may be:
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Hypersensitive (over-responsive)
Hyposensitive (under-responsive)
Or fluctuate between both
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Common sensory differences include sensitivity to:
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Noise - Light - Touch - Smells -Temperature -
Certain fabrics or textures -
Sensory overload can lead to:
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Shutdown (going quiet, withdrawing)
Meltdown (big emotional overwhelm)
Exhaustion or burnout
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These are stress responses, not behaviour choices.