for dealing with coprolalia are substituting an inoffensive similar word and putting it in place of the otherwise obscene word. For example saying the word “fudge”, or “ship” instead of the obscene word. Or just holding it back if possible until you can release it in private. There are also medications that can reduce such tics. Dr. Sabrina Freeman notes, “professionals and TS parents must understand that coprolalia is a tic—a behavior that occurs because of a short circuit in the impulse control system, not a truly volitional act. It is as difficult to control as an eye blinking or a finger-tapping tic, and should not be punished. In some cases the person with TS may argue that it simply cannot be controlled at all. In the book titled “My own *censored*”, by Lewis Crighton. He tells of his personal struggles with Coprolalia: I just couldn’t help it and I knew it was coming but I also anticipated it. The woman was black and very large she was coming toward me, begging me. I blurted out “fat nigger”, not once but twice and although I know better, at that moment I didn’t. And I felt relieved but guilty and I wish I could tell you that’s why I said it. Just to feel that emotion. I just know it’s not so easily explained.You can just imagine what kind of embarrassment you’d feel if all you could think of was harsh words in stressful situations. I can’t imagine how that person felt and discrimination and Coprolalia aren’t rare. It seems to happen on both ends as well. In Landsing Michigan, a grocery store fired an employee whose Tourettes syndrome causes him to swear at customers. The 22 year old utters obscenities particularly when under stress. He had been working for 10 months when he was fired after an outburst had offended some black customers. He is suing the company stating that he is protected under the disability act...
