9-Year-Old Boy Battles Childhood Bullying

The American Spirit: Jaylen Arnold Doesn't Let Tourette's Syndrome Slow Him Down

(CBS)  Jaylen Arnold knows how it feels to be different. He's had Tourette's Syndrome for most of his nine years. As CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella reports, it makes his body twitch even though his brain is telling it to be still.

Most times Jaylen can handle it. Last February Jaylen's twitches got worse, much worse.

It started when the kids at a new school began to bully him.

"What did they say," Cobiella asked Jaylen.

"You're a weird kid," he said. "You should just go back to where you came from."

"How did that make you feel?"

"Really sad, like real sad."

Jaylen's Web site
Follow Jaylen on Twitter
Jaylen's YouTube Page
National Tourette Syndrome Association
Hiding Tics to Gain Friends
Tourette's Most Common in White Kids, Boys

But Jaylen did not run and hide.

"I made a Web site called Jaylen's Challenge.org. It's about stopping bullying and so far it's working," he said.

Jaylen's father, Harold Arnold said, "The emails started coming in by the hundreds, and probably thousands and I said 'this thing is taking off.'"

In fact, so many people were inspired by Jaylen's story, that schools across the country wanted him to talk to their students and teachers too.

Jaylen's advice for bullies? "Sit down and stop bullying," he said.

And before long, he caught the eye of Hollywood and actor Dash Mihok.

"I saw this kid with Tourette's and this beautiful, sweet, loving soul who was being absolutely incredibly brave and it really touched me," Mihok said.

He was so touched that he flew out to meet Jaylen and lent his own star power to Jaylen's cause.

Dash knows how hard life can be for Jaylen - because he's been through it. Dash grew up with Tourette's too.

"To have someone inspire you to be who you are and be unapologetic about it," Mihok said. "It's beautiful."

In the seven months since Jaylen launched his Web site he's given out more than 4,000 wristbands that say "bullying no way," to students and even a few stars - including Leonardo DiCaprio.

Jaylen said his big dream is to "stop bullying forever."

"He has Tourette's to help other people," his mom Robin said

His dad Arnold is, "super proud. He's the best kid."

Jaylen can't change the way his body acts, but he's ok with that.

He said he doesn't get picked on anymore, because "all my friends defended me."

[jinks_smith]

hey! wheres my comment? why it wasn't posted?

[jinks_smith]

Sorry CBS... my comment is hereunder... thanks! Morepower CBS!

[jinks_smith]

Jaylen, you should be the next candidate for CNN Hero! I pray that God guides you althrought and continue with your advocacy -as I know thousands of people are at your side. God Bless u kid. :) BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROMY AMANTE!!

[wacki56]

Hey Jaylen!

This is Billy's Dad, I'm a Friend of your Father. I just wanted to say that it's a Pleasure to meet you! You are certain to make an inpact on the World we live in. You have a wonderful attitude, and the best support. I commend you for all you do.
Be Well My Friend,

Billy's Dad (Bill)
Father of a cancer SURVIVOR

[CompletelyFrustrated]

Kudo's Jaylen! I commend his parents for standing behind him and supporting his activities!

I have family members with Tourettes and kids are cruel, good job Jaylen for standing up for yourself and others.

[robertspencerknotts]

There IS good news about the fight to stop bullying. Some are using innovative ways to reach kids -- and this one should make us all smile. Go to this link on YouTube: www.youtube.com/hpflorida and you'll see what I mean. It's an anti-bullying music video with child dancers and actors, some as young as age 7, with an original song too! It's loosely based on Michael Jackson's music video, "Beat It." Fun for all ages, and a very positive message for our kids! :-))

[distimpson]

my hero too, time to put down the bullying of kids, women, elderly, in poverty, different, whatever, this guy is making a stand and i'm with him, Godspeed Jaylen. kudos to his parents, gave him the self esteem to stand up and not take it.

[rtwyatt6]

This little boy is such a hero. I have a cousin who has tourettes. Along with facial tics he also has vocal tics. That can be very hard to cope with when you are a child. Imagine not being able to control what you say and when and where you say it. It also makes me mad when I hear adults throw out words (often of CBS and other blogs) like retarded or they must have ADD when critizing someone that doesn't even have a disability. I saw someone post a comment the other day that said Joe Biden had tourettes syndrome because he can't keep his mouth shut. We should educate our kids but, adults should also educate themselves and watch what they say.

[Moomy4]

What a neat and smart little boy! He is a hero! What great confidence he must have! My oldest son is 20 years old, and at the age of 2 I noticed he was making a lot of facial grimaces. After conferring with a doctor it was determined that he had tourettes syndrome, actually they said it was a form of tourettes called compulsive tics. He dealt with ridicule and teasing until some of his classmates made it a "cool" thing. They all started saying they wished they had tourettes syndrome. Thank the Lord above for them! I am so proud of Jaylen! What an absolutely incredible little guy! Thanks Jaylen for being so brave and having the courage to confront the bullies! You've also made many aware of the syndrome! Good for you and good luck to you and all you do!!!!

[zeety-2009]

What an awesome cool story. Too often such people are demonized and alienated from society because of ignorance about disabilities. This little guy is a hero!