On this insightful episode, I sit down with author Michele Turk to discuss her newly released memoir "What Makes Him Tic? A Memoir of Parenting a Child with Tourette Syndrome." As both a journalist and mom, Michele shares her candid journey navigating the unpredictable waters of raising a child with Tourette's - the challenges, misconceptions, hard-won wisdom, and unexpected gifts. Her story offers an authentic, relatable perspective that will deeply resonate with any parent or loved one supporting someone with Tourette's or other neurodivergent conditions.

Michele Turk has worked as a journalist for three decades, covering parenting, health, and education. Her articles and essays have appeared in Bloomberg Businessweek, Parents, Parenting, the Hartford Courant, Elle, USA Weekend, The Washington Post, Brain, Child, and Next Avenue. She has served as president of the Connecticut Press Club since 2015. Turk grew up in Southern New Jersey and currently lives in Connecticut. Michele’s new book “What Makes Him Tic? A Memoir of Parenting a Child with Tourette Syndrome” will be released on June 4.

Episode Highlights:

[1:29] - Michele's son Michael's shocking Tourette's diagnosis at 11 inspires her memoir.

[3:04] - Unpacking media's harmful Tourette's stereotypes around coprolalia.

[5:44] - Michael's passion for music boosted self-esteem, managed tics.

[9:50] - Michael's hidden perfect pitch revealed through musical focus!

[11:45] - The overlooked strengths and superpowers of neurodivergence.

[13:30] - Hard lessons on compassionately intervening in bullying.

[18:21] - Michele owns missteps like self-criticism, husband frustrations.

[22:53] - Wise strategies for united parenting: couple time, therapy.

[29:13] - Using online communities and orgs as careful informational lifelines.

[33:45] - The paramount need for self-forgiveness in this arduous journey.

Links & Resources:

Connect with Michele: https://www.micheleturk.com/

Remember, each story shared on this podcast brings light and understanding to the diverse experiences within the Tourette's community. Your journey is your own, and it's filled with potential and promise. If this episode resonated with you, I encourage you to like, share, and leave a review to help us connect with more listeners.

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.

Support the Show.