Faithful Friday: Baylen’s Journey Towards Independence Despite Living with Tourette’s Syndrome
by: Debbie Waltz
[Editors disclaimer: I struggled with whether to write about Baylen’s new show on The Learning Channel (TLC) not because I have trouble with Tourette’s Syndrome itself, but because of the severity of her symptoms. Her symptoms can range from tics of a vocal and physical nature and are often obscene. Though they can be difficult to control, Baylen is still out there trying to live her best life. That being said, I felt her story had to be highlighted on my blog. I’m sorry if the swearing is offensive to some people, but this is what she is to deal with on a daily basis. I will admit it does make me uncomfortable watching the show, but this is what some people with the disorder have to do with everyday. Note: this is a very extreme case of Tourette’s Syndrome]
This new series follows the Dupree family as they navigate life dealing with Baylen’s complex and rare form of Tourette’s Syndrome. Though Allen and Julie want to see their daughter succeed and live independently as any 21-year-old daughter, they also are concerned about her safety because of the severity of her tics.
“Baylen wants her independence, but it’s an emotional dance,” said Julie in the premiere episode.
For those that don’t know Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological disorder categorized by vocal and involuntary movements of the body. According to recent statistics, the disorder occurs in about one in 160 school-aged children, although an estimated 50 percent go misdiagnosed. Baylen is extremely unique in that she also suffers from Coprolaia which involves involuntary outburst of obscene words or phrases. Only 10 percent of Tourette’s cases have this condition as well. Being the second oldest, baylen hasn’t let her “disability” stop her. She still has the same hopes and dreams as other girls her age. One of dreams includes being able to live independently as well as get married and have children.
With her boyfriend by her side, I have no doubt she’ll accomplish this someday. Baylen’s boyfriend Colin seems like a calming force in her life when her disorder threatens to overwhelm her; he accepts her for who she is inside rather than just walking away.
He’s my ‘medicine'” says Baylen.
As much as this series focuses on her journey towards independence, it also shows the overarching effects that a disability can have on the family dynamic as a whole. Though the initial diagnosis was difficult, it gave them a reason to come together and present a united front.
“Baylen’s journey with Tourette’s has changed all of our lives in a way where it brought us all together for more of a common cause.” Allen says.Though she started developing tics at age 7, they didn’t consider it concerning. At the time, they were small;After going to several doctors with little hope, they finally diagnosed her at the Mayo clinic.Though they have tried managing her tics by medication, Baylen didn’t like how they made her feel and has gone for alternative types of therapy.
As she embarks on a journey toward independence, join her as she bravely opens up about her struggles, and shares her experiences in navigating the complexities and challenges of real-world expectations.
Future episodes of Baylen Out Loud premiere on Mondays at 9 p.m. (If you want your children to watch this, I strongly suggest parental guidance and discussion afterwards)