Tazio Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 Sorry to hear that in this day and age some people seem incapable of not acting like absolute dicks. I hope the young lad gets back to watching his beloved Hearts soon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftBack Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 I'm guessing many of us grew up seeing that documentary about the lad with Tourette's and it was mostly a source of mirth and playground slagging. To hear the actual personal impact of Tourette's is heart breaking. Best wishes Harry's Roar, it sounds like you're doing everything right and I'll bet learning techniques and understanding have moved on tremendously since we were kids. Just looking back on this thread. You are talking about John Davidson - one of the most truly inspirational people I have ever met. He has been a great source of help to me and my son. He is a great guy - and honestly Ive fought back tears listening to the struggle he went through. Tourette's is a vile condition. It makes you think the worst thing possible and then say it out loud. Of course it is funny - John himself admits that; best example was when he told me he could never play hide and seek as a child because he would always hide and then shout 'Im f******* over here'.....hilarious! Not hilarious when you watch your son literally beat himself black and blue. Or tell me 'I f******* hate you dad' and then break down in tears saying 'I didnt mean it, I didnt mean it'. Anyway...as Ive said before I use JKB as a cathartic sometimes after a few drinks..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftBack Posted August 5, 2016 Author Share Posted August 5, 2016 Sorry to hear that in this day and age some people seem incapable of not acting like absolute dicks. I hope the young lad gets back to watching his beloved Hearts soon. Thanks mate. I truly understand that some people would react in the way they do and I dont get aggressive or whatever. My primary concern is my son. And btw he will be there on Sunday with a renewed season ticket and, joking apart, the outbursts will probably be coming from his old man!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neilson's Shank Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 This is the most heartbreaking yet inspirational thread I have read for a long time, what a dad and has made me realise how lucky we have been with our now grown up son. Keep doing what you are doing and I hope that your boy can develop coping mechanisms to deal with this horrible condition. Shining a light on this has been an eye opener for me,best wishes to the wee man, come on the JT's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RS86 Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 I know how he feels going to games and having people look/laugh at his tics. I felt the same insecurity at his age. Used to infuriate me at times. As I grew older I began to care less about what ar5eholes thought or did though and just enjoyed the game, I realised that in life I'd come across these types of people a lot but that they weren't worth a second thought. Good thing about having an ST is that people around him should mostly be the same people each week so they will get used to seeing him tic and not react (or if they do start or laugh he will at least know which ones are the ar5es to ignore). Hardest part is disengaging and not worrying about if people are looking at you or not, I was still very self conscious at that age. He may find as he gets older it will settle down a bit or he will learn ways to control and manage it. Even little subtle stuff like I have managed to get my toes to tic so that instead of blinking profusely or nodding etc I sometimes let it out through my toes. Mine is non-vocal so not sure how that differs really in terms of learning to cope as I can appreciate it may be more difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Future's Maroon Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 I remember watching something on TV a few years back (might have been that John Davidson - is he a grown man as opposed to a kid), I was totally unaware of how bad this condition can be to live with - yes I laughed at some of the tics "yer dugs goat tits" always cracked me up, where in reality there is a much bigger picture. I don't know how I could cope with my child talking to me or anyone in the manner you described and there is no way in a million years I could ever understand how horrible your son must feel after saying some things which he can't control. But, its when I read a thread like this brings it home just how fortunate some people are, and who don't even realise it and also how special some parents/kids actually are. Stunning gesture from Tim Howard and of course Hearts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dawnrazor Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 I was a college with John, St Boswells agricultural College, he's a top bloke, but, at 16 years old and never having even heard of toretes never mind meeting someone with it, I, to my shame found pretty funny, you could hear him shout a swear right through the building, it was the spitting that upset him the most I think, a real curse having to live with the condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Homme Posted August 5, 2016 Share Posted August 5, 2016 I hope the wee man has a season ticket. Those around him will clock on to his condition and it won't even be an issue. And it'll be the same faces every week. People in general are good. Good Hearts fans will see the wee man ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GlasgoJambo Posted August 6, 2016 Share Posted August 6, 2016 I know how he feels going to games and having people look/laugh at his tics. I felt the same insecurity at his age. Used to infuriate me at times. As I grew older I began to care less about what ar5eholes thought or did though and just enjoyed the game, I realised that in life I'd come across these types of people a lot but that they weren't worth a second thought. Good thing about having an ST is that people around him should mostly be the same people each week so they will get used to seeing him tic and not react (or if they do start or laugh he will at least know which ones are the ar5es to ignore). Hardest part is disengaging and not worrying about if people are looking at you or not, I was still very self conscious at that age. He may find as he gets older it will settle down a bit or he will learn ways to control and manage it. Even little subtle stuff like I have managed to get my toes to tic so that instead of blinking profusely or nodding etc I sometimes let it out through my toes. Mine is non-vocal so not sure how that differs really in terms of learning to cope as I can appreciate it may be more difficult. Great post. It's hard enough being a teenager and feeling awkward and self conscious without having Tourette's so I really hope your lad can start to feel more comfortable as those around him will get to know and understand him Harry. And keep using the board for cathartic reasons if it helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftBack Posted October 15, 2016 Author Share Posted October 15, 2016 So sorry to say had to leave with 20 mins to go today - wee man's tics were becoming unmanageable. Apologies to those who thought it was funny a little boy saying offensive stuff whilst making strange movements. Seriously think that will be his last game for a while Im not blaming anyone - Im sure its funny as hell to watch a wee man greeting his eyes out whilst saying **** and other offensive terms. It is a brain disorder and he cant help it - please remember that when you casually use the term 'tourettes' when describing someone who swears a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sooperstar Posted January 17, 2017 Share Posted January 17, 2017 Not sure if it was your boy who was the subject of the latest BBC doc? Just watched it on iPlayer (Tourettes: Teenage Tics for anyone interested). Seemed a good young lad who is still trying to get to grips with it. Was good to see him relaxed and having fun at the end. I won't lie, when he called his teacher a Hibee **** face I laughed! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftBack Posted January 18, 2017 Author Share Posted January 18, 2017 Not sure if it was your boy who was the subject of the latest BBC doc? Just watched it on iPlayer (Tourettes: Teenage Tics for anyone interested). Seemed a good young lad who is still trying to get to grips with it. Was good to see him relaxed and having fun at the end. I won't lie, when he called his teacher a Hibee **** face I laughed! It was yes - just replied to another thread. Hope you found it interesting and educational - and dont worry, some of his tics ARE funny! I asked them to film him wearing his Hearts top and with flag in background. They did hours and hours of filming but obviously edited a lot out. In the police station where he called teacher a Hibbee ****face he was also ticcing - FTH and 5-1 to her...dont know where it gets that sort of language from!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sooperstar Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 It was yes - just replied to another thread. Hope you found it interesting and educational - and dont worry, some of his tics ARE funny! I asked them to film him wearing his Hearts top and with flag in background. They did hours and hours of filming but obviously edited a lot out. In the police station where he called teacher a Hibbee ****face he was also ticcing - FTH and 5-1 to her...dont know where it gets that sort of language from!! Nice one, hope he is back or has the confidence to get back to games soon. I wonder if Hearts could write to the folk in the seats around you to let them know the situation. I'm sure everyone would take it on board if they knew the story. All the best to your wee man! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted January 18, 2017 Share Posted January 18, 2017 Its crazy that in this day and age people still don't understand certain disabilities. Hope you guys can return soon, isn't fair whatsoever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robroy1874 Posted January 19, 2017 Share Posted January 19, 2017 Would getting to the game a wee bit early and putting a flyer explaining it to those on surrounding seats help educate those around him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftBack Posted February 4, 2017 Author Share Posted February 4, 2017 The documentary is still on BBC 3 http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p04ly47m/tourettes-teenage-tics but it will be on nationwide BBC1 this week - Wednesday at 10.45 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah O Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 Watched the documentary the other day LB, seems like a sound wee guy to be fair, priorities in the right place - usually decked out in Hearts clobber Handy having Gala John not too far away for advice/help as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 7, 2017 Share Posted February 7, 2017 Watched this tonight. Im interested to find out if the drum kit has helped? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CRWJambo1991 Posted February 8, 2017 Share Posted February 8, 2017 Wee boy tonight was a jambo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irufushi Posted February 8, 2017 Share Posted February 8, 2017 Watched this on Sunday night, you should be extremely proud of your son, seems a really good kid. Good that he is getting help, also really sad hearing John Davidson saying his school basically gave up on him. Must of had a horrible time growing up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftBack Posted February 8, 2017 Author Share Posted February 8, 2017 Watched this tonight. Im interested to find out if the drum kit has helped?he doesn't play as much as he should! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
redm Posted February 8, 2017 Share Posted February 8, 2017 LeftBack, I saw it last night as well and your wee lad is such a complete superstar. The way he deals with his condition is just brilliantly positive, even if it sounds like he has a lot to contend with...especially at school. For someone so young, and for someone who has a lot more to think about than other boys his age, his attitude is just amazing. I'm sure you're incredibly proud of him, as you should be. [emoji846] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjack Posted February 8, 2017 Share Posted February 8, 2017 Watched this on Sunday night, you should be extremely proud of your son, seems a really good kid. Good that he is getting help, also really sad hearing John Davidson saying his school basically gave up on him. Must of had a horrible time growing up. I remember John Davidson from school, or more I was pally with his brother. Very rarely seen him at gala academy though as the condition wasn't properly understood and, as you mentioned, the school gave up on him. Got to know him after a couple of years through his brother, and also when gala baths used to out on a fun session on Friday nights that was mostly used by mid to late teenagers. He was hilarious. The life guards were always shouting at us to calm down, stop jumping off the chute etc, but they were too scared to tell John off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jambo121 Posted February 8, 2017 Share Posted February 8, 2017 Just watching it just now. Your lad is great and a credit to you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricardo Shillyshally Posted February 9, 2017 Share Posted February 9, 2017 The laddie came across well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeftBack Posted February 9, 2017 Author Share Posted February 9, 2017 Thanks for all support. Anything to raise awareness of condition and what the wee man has to go through on a daily basis is a good thing. Did contact club to get them to promote too but never heard anything back...I had suggested he gives pre-match talk to players on Sunday - although Im not sure his words would necessarily be Tourette's related!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irufushi Posted February 9, 2017 Share Posted February 9, 2017 I had suggested he gives pre-match talk to players on Sunday - although Im not sure his words would necessarily be Tourette's related!! make it happen Hearts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Old Tolbooth Posted February 9, 2017 Share Posted February 9, 2017 I watched last nights programme too, and my heart really went out to Rory, but he's a wee inspiration, he really is! I went to school with John Davidson and knew him very well from our days at school together, nobody knew or understood what was going on at the time and he was made to feel terrible by the ridicule he suffered, to the point he wanted to end his life, I always knew when John was in a supermarket or nearby, and always stopped to talk to him as I genuinely like the guy. I remember one time after Hearts beat Rangers 4-2 at Tynecastle in the Scottish Cup, when I bumped into John the next morning in the High Street in Gala, and we chatted about the game (he's a Rangers fan) and is as giving him a bit stick about Hearts beating them for once, and he took it brilliantly, but as I turned to walk away he shouted out "Fat Hearts ****" [emoji23][emoji23], I turned round and just laughed, as did he, brilliant. The work he's now doing with Rory and others is absolutely fantastic, and it really gave me a nice feeling inside seeing him helping Rory so much, and taking time out to speak to the teachers at Jed Grammar to try to educate them further on the subject, if only John had someone to fight his corner like that when he was younger. The lad (his name escapes me now) who learned how to pay the drums is absolutely amazing, it's fantastic to see just how far he's come on and what he's doing with himself now, and I pray that Rory can take to the drums and use it like he did to calm his tics. Best of luck mate, I wish you and Rory all the very best. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Say What Again Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 (edited) On 21/11/2014 at 09:11, GlasgoJambo said: I'm guessing many of us grew up seeing that documentary about the lad with Tourette's and it was mostly a source of mirth and playground slagging. On 09/02/2017 at 18:45, The Old Tolbooth said: I went to school with John Davidson and knew him very well from our days at school together, nobody knew or understood what was going on at the time and he was made to feel terrible by the ridicule he suffered, to the point he wanted to end his life, I always knew when John was in a supermarket or nearby, and always stopped to talk to him as I genuinely like the guy. I remember one time after Hearts beat Rangers 4-2 at Tynecastle in the Scottish Cup, when I bumped into John the next morning in the High Street in Gala, and we chatted about the game (he's a Rangers fan) and is as giving him a bit stick about Hearts beating them for once, and he took it brilliantly, but as I turned to walk away he shouted out "Fat Hearts ****" [emoji23][emoji23], I turned round and just laughed, as did he, brilliant. The work he's now doing with Rory and others is absolutely fantastic, and it really gave me a nice feeling inside seeing him helping Rory so much, and taking time out to speak to the teachers at Jed Grammar to try to educate them further on the subject, if only John had someone to fight his corner like that when he was younger. Awarded the MBE from the Queen at the recent Holyrood Palace garden party, in recognition of his work raising the awerness of the condition. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-48937211 Edited July 10, 2019 by Say What Again Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Old Tolbooth Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 55 minutes ago, Say What Again said: Awarded the MBE from the Queen at the recent Holyrood Palace garden party, in recognition of his work raising the awerness of the condition. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-south-scotland-48937211 Yeah I noticed that mate, absolutely deserved as well 👍 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Locky Posted July 10, 2019 Share Posted July 10, 2019 Used to live in Hawick but never had the pleasure of meeting John Davidson. Seems like a really nice guy. Watched his stuff on YouTube, and while some of it you can't help laugh it, he really did open your eyes to how much of a struggle it can be. That said, I've got nothing but admiration for the way John handles it, and on most occasions, he laughs at himself. That's obviously one way to deal with the condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fxxx the SPFL Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 I first met John at the now defunct Peel Hospital outside Galashiels our 18 month old laddie was in with suspected meningitis, John was in the same ward i don't know why but when he passed the wife he shouted fat cow at her the wife wasn't happy i was pissing myself laughing and we just thought cheeky wee toad. It wasn't until may years later that i realised what John's issues were. Met him loads of times in Gala a really nice guy used to have a leather key fob in his mouth probably to stop him swearing. Anyway when i worked in the local DHSS office in Gala it was always great to see John come in the reception area was always packed and when John started shouting and swearing the punters hadn't a clue what was going on and most promptly left making it a nice quiet afternoon for us. I was down in Gala watching my grandson a few weeks before his recent award and congratulated him on his recognition after he told me about his MBE a really nice lad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack D and coke Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 That program he made with Keith Allen where they all went to France on a bus is possibly one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched. I’ve always felt it’s a bit more put on with John that the others too, it really did seem like involuntary tics with them whereas not so much with him. How did he manage to keep it in check meeting the queen for instance🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toggie88 Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 25 minutes ago, jack D and coke said: That program he made with Keith Allen where they all went to France on a bus is possibly one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched. I’ve always felt it’s a bit more put on with John that the others too, it really did seem like involuntary tics with them whereas not so much with him. How did he manage to keep it in check meeting the queen for instance🤔 I've just heard about his MBE from the post above and my immediate thought was of what that meeting must have been like. Everybody on the edge of their seat, surely. Anyway, hope Left Back's lad is doing well and will be along to Tynie this coming season. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gashauskis9 Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 On 10/07/2019 at 17:12, Locky said: Used to live in Hawick but never had the pleasure of meeting John Davidson. Seems like a really nice guy. Watched his stuff on YouTube, and while some of it you can't help laugh it, he really did open your eyes to how much of a struggle it can be. That said, I've got nothing but admiration for the way John handles it, and on most occasions, he laughs at himself. That's obviously one way to deal with the condition. This. It’s difficult not to laugh at the obscurity of what he comes out with, and fair play to him for dealing with it with a sense of humour. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DETTY29 Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 Well done John. Albeit I'm wary of elements of the the honours system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samuel Camazzola Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 3 hours ago, jack D and coke said: That program he made with Keith Allen where they all went to France on a bus is possibly one of the funniest things I’ve ever watched. I’ve always felt it’s a bit more put on with John that the others too, it really did seem like involuntary tics with them whereas not so much with him. How did he manage to keep it in check meeting the queen for instance🤔 Is that the one where he called the bus driver a paedo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack D and coke Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 3 minutes ago, Samuel Camazzola said: Is that the one where he called the bus driver a paedo? Amongst a few other things One of the funniest things I’ve ever watched for all the wrong reasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Samuel Camazzola Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 (edited) 27 minutes ago, jack D and coke said: Amongst a few other things One of the funniest things I’ve ever watched for all the wrong reasons. Aye. It's been a few years since I saw it but recall a few of them shouting "bomb" when an area was swarming with armed police. May have been near Parliament or somewhere similar. John often spoke about the taboo subjects going through his head which caused him to have outbursts at the moments which could cause most offence. The tale about meeting Prince Charles was amusing when he called him a big-eared ****. 😄 Edited July 11, 2019 by Samuel Camazzola Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack D and coke Posted July 11, 2019 Share Posted July 11, 2019 13 minutes ago, Samuel Camazzola said: Aye. It's been a few years since I saw it but recall a few of them shouting "bomb" when an area was swarming with armed police. May have been near Parliament or somewhere similar. John often spoke about the taboo subjects going through his head which caused him to have outbursts at the moments which could cause most offence. The tale about meeting Prince Charles was amusing when he called him a big-eared ****. 😄 I honestly pissed myself right the way through that it was amazing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jack D and coke Posted July 12, 2019 Share Posted July 12, 2019 I hadn’t read the OP of this thread(the one above)and tbh feel pretty shitty now. Guess sometimes it’s easy to only see the funny side and not think about the pain a young person can go through dealing with the effects. Peace✌🏼 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norm Posted July 12, 2019 Share Posted July 12, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, jack D and coke said: I hadn’t read the OP of this thread(the one above)and tbh feel pretty shitty now. Guess sometimes it’s easy to only see the funny side and not think about the pain a young person can go through dealing with the effects. Peace✌🏼 Ach, I'd hope the OP would understand that there's times when his lad's condition will cause him to come out with something that would make people laugh. My missus works in a special needs school and she says that, while it's obviously wrong to laugh at their conditions and take the piss, sometimes the kids come out with stuff that you just can't help yourself from having a chuckle. Funny is funny. As long as you don't look down at the folk affected and treat them like a human being, you should be good. Edited July 12, 2019 by Normthebarman Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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