By Dr. Bill Bauer
My name is Stephen, and I have something called Tourette’s.
Me llamo Stephen, y tengo algo que se llama Tourette.
Illustration 1 note: Stephen smiling gently, welcoming the reader.
Tourette’s is part of my everyday life.
El Tourette es parte de mi vida diaria.
Illustration 2 note: Stephen on the farm in a calm, familiar setting.
Sometimes my body makes movements or sounds that I can’t control.
A veces mi cuerpo hace movimientos o sonidos que no puedo controlar.
Illustration 3 note: Subtle tic depiction (blinking, small movement), respectful and gentle.
SPREAD 4 — NAMING THE EXPERIENCE
English:
These movements and sounds are called tics.
Spanish:
Estos movimientos y sonidos se llaman tics.
Illustration note:
Neutral, explanatory moment — no embarrassment.
SPREAD 5 — CLEARING UP MISUNDERSTANDINGS
English:
People might think I can stop them, but I can’t.
Spanish:
Algunas personas piensan que puedo detenerlos, pero no puedo.
Illustration note:
Stephen with other kids nearby, no teasing, just curiosity.
SPREAD 6 — INSIDE STEPHEN
English:
Trying to stop my tics can make me feel more nervous.
Spanish:
Tratar de detener mis tics puede hacerme sentir más nervioso.
Illustration note:
Quiet, reflective image — Stephen alone but safe.
SPREAD 7 — FRIENDSHIP & ACCEPTANCE
English:
My friends accept me for who I am.
Spanish:
Mis amigos me aceptan tal como soy.
Illustration note:
Stephen playing with friends — bikes, hopscotch, shared joy.
SPREAD 8 — FAMILY & RESPONSIBILITY
English:
I live on a farm and help my family with chores.
Spanish:
Vivo en una finca y ayudo a mi familia con los oficios.
Illustration note:
Feeding chickens, working together — capable, included.
SPREAD 9 — ENERGY & REST
English:
Some days are busy, and by the end of the day, I feel very tired.
Spanish:
Algunos días son muy ocupados, y al final del día me siento muy cansado.
Illustration note:
Stephen sleepy in a chair — relatable, gentle humor.
SPREAD 10 — DREAMS FOR THE FUTURE
English:
When I grow up, I have dreams for my future.
Spanish:
Cuando sea grande, tengo sueños para mi futuro.
Illustration note:
Dreamlike image — Army or dentist imagery can appear softly.
SPREAD 11 — THE MESSAGE
English:
You don’t have to fix me.
Spanish:
No tienes que arreglarme.
Illustration note:
Strong but calm image — Stephen standing comfortably.
SPREAD 12 — THE RESOLUTION
English:
I have Tourette’s — and it’s okay.
Spanish:
Tengo Tourette — y está bien.
Illustration note:
Warm, confident closure. This is the only ending.