Lauren Davidson would rather be ‘asked’ about what it’s like living with Tourette’s than to be judged
Twenty-year-old Lauren Davidson was diagnosed with a visibly aggressive form of Tourette’s syndrome after a deeply traumatic event led to her symptoms evolving from minor tics into the more vocal Coprolalia. Coprolalia is the involuntary, uncontrollable utterance of obscene, taboo, or socially inappropriate words. It has been in the news recently after John Davidson shouted out a racial slur to actors Michael B Jordan and Delroy Lindo while they were on stage at the Bafta Awards.
Lauren, from Surrey, was undiagnosed for many years. Growing up, she had minor tics, but after going through a traumatic event aged 12, her Tourette’s became more visual and vocal. It developed into coprolalia due to the psychological stressors she experienced. She was diagnosed with autism and Tourette’s when she turned 17.
Lauren told MyLondon: “(People don’t realise) that stress can bring out Tourette’s symptoms and people who have the genetic side that weren’t aware because it’s so minor, like a shiver or something, can develop into the more psychological side. People with Tourette’s cannot control it. People ask ‘why did (John Davidson) say it’, but he was probably trying so hard to suppress everything he can because he knows what his body’s like and knows what could happen. That’s why he created the film – if people watched that they would see how apologetic he is. It’s completely involuntary. I’m the same, whenever I tick or get stressed, I’m always immediately saying sorry.
“Growing up, I always felt something was quite not right. I’d look at other people making friends and things like that and I didn’t fit into those stereotypical categories.
“I never wanted to be at school, I hated it. Covid came and that made me realise I don’t like education. I went to a new college and my support advisor then asked if I’d ever been looked at for autism and it came back that I do have it. Obviously, Tourette’s (has been in the news) and every time I feel like we’re getting somewhere with people understanding Tourette’s, something happens and it’s portrayed in such a way – then it’s like six steps back.”
After working with a therapist and undergoing integrated trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy, Lauren has been able to get her Tourette’s ‘under control’. She understands her triggers and actively finds ways to navigate them. Now, 20, Lauren has just won an award as Apprentice of the Year at the West London Business Awards.
When awarding her, the judges said: “With a very difficult and challenging background, she has used this to influence and inspire the people around her in a fantastic way. Demonstrating real initiative in her role, we couldn’t help but feel humbled and emotional reading her profile. A well-deserved and worthy winner.”
She joined JGA Group, a learning educator based in Harrow, where she was able to join British Airways in 2023 as an Apprentice Content Creator. She has gone to establish herself as a key part of their Comms and Engagement Team.
Lauren is open about her Tourette’s and wants to help educate people on what it is like to live with it. She continued: “I hope in the future there’s more understanding for people who physically can’t control what they’re saying or doing. If someone does tick around you, ask them. Anybody who asks me about my conditions, I’m so open about it. It’s fine to question. I’d much rather be asked than judged.
“Going to therapy for three years really helped me understand myself. When I know I’m going to be stressed, I know that is one of my triggers. When I came into British Airways, I told them my diagnosis straight away, told them my triggers. I told them if they have questions, ask me. I was very lucky with my manager as well because they were so understanding and learnt how to better aid me.
“I never thought I was going to win the award. There were so many other amazing apprentices. I was in such shock when I saw my face up there. It meant so much to me to win, I was so grateful to the judging panel. This award has made such a difference in how I see myself. A group of judges who never met me, they read a document on who I am and they chose me above other great nominees; it means so much to me and I’m beyond grateful.”
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