From TS diagnosis to disclosure: how do you share your story? Part I

In the latest episode of "Gilles is in the Air," we delve into the nuanced experiences of individuals living with Tourette Syndrome. This episode, the first of a two-part series, welcomes Belinda from the UK and France, and Belén from Argentina who lives is Spain. Through candid conversations, our guests share their personal journeys with Tourette Syndrome, discussing their initial diagnoses, the social challenges they've encountered, and how they've navigated sharing their experiences with others.    María Belén Prieto is an Argentine psychologist living in Spain, specialised in Tourette syndrome and its common comorbidities, including ADHD. As an adult with Tourette and ADHD herself, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work, fostering understanding, empathy, and empowerment within the community. She is a proud mother of twins and a passionate traveler, values that deeply shape her perspective on resilience and connection. María Belén is a member of the steering committee of Tics and Tourette Across the Globe (URL) and actively contributes to awareness, advocacy, and education at both national and international levels. Through her platform Voces del Tourette, she shares psychoeducational resources, promotes visibility, and amplifies the voices of individuals and families living with Tourette. She is deeply committed to supporting the Tourette community through education, collaboration, and compassionate outreach.  Website | [email protected]   Belinda Johnston grew up in the West Midlands of the United Kingdom. A 2017 Joint Honours French and Italian graduate of the University of Leeds, UK, she now works as an Event Coordinator in Paris, France, where she has lived since 2018. In her spare time, she enjoys running, yoga, cinema, singing and is an active member of the local Church of England Christian community. Belinda has lived with Tourette’s Syndrome all her life. She was officially diagnosed at the age of 5, in the UK, in the year 2000. She also has ADHD and suffers from anxiety. She has previously battled with depression. Belinda tries to support the Tourette’s community where she can, taking part in her local hospital’s neurological department’s research projects and generally talking about Tourette’s and what it is really like to live with it.  In 2018, she published an interview with BBC3’s MisFITS Like US’s Terrina Bibb on UK Tourette’s charity, Tourette’s Action’s blog. You can read it here.