Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder marked by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations known as “tics.” Tics are believed to be involuntary movements, meaning that individuals cannot initiate or stop their own tics. It is unfortunate because children with Tourette syndrome are sometimes bullied because of their idiosyncrasies and are frequently misunderstood due to a lack of awareness about this condition. This is where Luis Miguel Rosal Cernuda aka Luis Del Rosal, a children’s book author with the same condition, steps up to fill the voids in society, resurrect the dead humanity, and fortify others with special needs by serving as a live example of achievement.
Luis Del Rosal takes a stand for children with Tourette syndrome and brings them to the verge of greatness through his thought-provoking children’s books. Rosal was born with Tourette syndrome on March 16, 1973, in Mexico. His family migrated to the United States when he was eight years old. Having been born in Mexico and raised in the States, the Hispanic man, Rosal became fluent in Spanish as well as in English from a very young age. Throughout his academic career, Rosal experienced multiple instances of bullying. He studied journalism and graduated from Sweetwater Union High School in National City, California, in 1991 despite various challenges. Moreover, Rosal, a gifted student with exceptional adaptability, acquired extensive computer and internet skills in the 1990s, a time when learning computer science was more difficult than it is today.
Rosal, a dedicated person, began working at 16 in a departmental store and later as a host at Red Lobster restaurant. Along the way, Rosal was subjected to unwanted attention and, on occasion, workplace bullying, which saddened him and broke his confidence several times.
Regardless, he struggled heroically against his shortcomings and unnecessarily caused social pressure and resentment. He overcame his eccentricities and continued to work in the hotel industry as a PBX operator, reservations agent, and front office clerk at reception, positions that demanded absolute exposure and client interaction. He graduated from Southwestern College in Chula Vista, California, while merging work and academics effectively. In 1997, Rosal returned to his beloved home country of Spain, where he began a new chapter in his life by crafting books to increase children’s awareness and emotional intelligence. As a result of the persistent hardships and adversities he had as a young boy growing up with Tourette syndrome, he decided to become a children’s book author in order to raise awareness about this rare ailment. He wished to aid individuals suffering from the same issue, instill in young children a profound sense of responsibility, and teach them the essentials of life, including friendship, acceptance, tolerance, rejection, and kindness.
Having instilled the idea of being motivational and helpful for kids with rare diseases, he writes books to make them feel normal, strong and inspired for a brighter tomorrow. In order to be a better sibling, supportive friend, reassuring father, and nice human being in general, one must learn and internalize the powerful message he conveys through his books. His first-ever book portrays a mixture of intricate yet strong emotions necessary to accelerate a deep sense of empathy, responsibility, and love. The plot centers on the protagonist, Alberto, who overcomes several obstacles in his life. But his loyal friends and Rosal’s optimistic attitude have always kept him together and turned him into a compassionate soul who enjoys everything life has to offer. His novels are the means by which he spreads love in hearts filled with hatred, hope in moments of darkness, tenacity in the most difficult of circumstances, and faith in a world filled with skepticism. It portrays a powerful message for everybody to always look on the bright side since the author firmly believes that one’s perspective determines whether the road of life leads to a heavenly paradise or a hellish torment. The remainder is the result of decisions made by oneself.
Through his novels, Rosal seeks to instill in children’s young minds and pure hearts a great sense of empathy, sympathy, and compassion. He advised that they preserve their delicate youth and prevent any anomaly from damaging its beauty and sensitivity. As a result of his unwavering compassion for children and the countless hurdles he faced as a youngster owing to his unusual condition, he became the voice of the voiceless.
His books are an accurate reflection of his life and demonstrate that children with Tourette syndrome or special needs, in general, desire to be treated normally. Through his writings, he portrays a significant idea that children with TS are as intelligent as other children by describing his own development and numerous accomplishments. They are capable of routine activities similar to other children and as smart as anyone else. A slight distinction cannot justify their outcast status in society.
Luis Del Rosal is an extroverted individual who enjoys interacting with individuals of all ages. Not only has he mastered the art of maintaining a decent conversation, but he has also travelled extensively, talking with numerous people and making friends while keeping his head held high. His quirks have never prevented him from being kind. Rosal chooses to overcome his flaws and become more empathic and socially responsible since he is aware of how difficult it is for society to accept and recognize the differences in people without making such children feel like outcasts.
Rosal has never let his syndrome come in the way of leading a normal, happy, and successful life. He currently resides in Oviedo, Asturias, the northern part of Spain, pursuing his successful career as a children’s book author. Despite facing numerous hurdles along the way due to TS, his perfectly fluent Spanish, English, and impressive French skills are enough to prove that Tourette has nothing to do with intelligence. Besides, Rosal is also working on improving his Italian skills, struggling relentlessly to diversify his portfolio of expertise. Rosal, unwilling to put a stop to his ever-growing talents, has earned a driver’s license, has multi-lingual talent, studies abroad, and continues to work hard every day to earn and lead a contented life like everybody else. Although it’s been a difficult journey for him to pursue his dreams. Nonetheless, Rosal manages to rise above his peculiarities and chooses to outshine and be recognized for his plentiful talents and intelligence instead of being known by his syndrome. And his successive achievements speak for themselves.
It requires conscious parenting to raise a kid with Tourette syndrome. Parents are often required to wear many hats – educational advocate, service coordinator, and emotional ally. It was due to the unwavering efforts, firm support, and mindful upbringing of Rosal’s parents that made him reach the point where he stands today – to the pinnacle of success. They provided him enough educational, societal, and familial support to stay focused on the path of his dream and help fetch it, turning it into reality. They let Rosal steer his way to success and be the captain of the ship of his life while navigating him wherever he needed their support. They did in-depth research regarding TS, consulted with doctors, took an active role in its treatment, provided awareness to his educational staff, kept a thorough check on their kid’s needs and problems, resolved them with their wise parenting skills, and embraced his creativity in the aptest way possible. The confidence and emotional support Rosal received from his parents accelerated his self-esteem, boosted his morale, and helped him lead a ‘normal’ and prosperous life.
Rosal’s life, combined with effective parenting skills, teaches society that each person with Tourette syndrome might cope differently with its physical, emotional, and social challenges. However, Tourette syndrome doesn’t have to disrupt everyday life, and kids who have it can enjoy doing the same things as other kids.
To sum up, it can be said with utter confidence that Rosal’s life is a symbol of perseverance when one is disheartened, and his writings strive to resolve all abnormalities, revive the soul, restore faith, maintain calm, instil hope, and inspire motivation when all one can see in life is a vast nothingness.
