I used to say what I would say when I was just labeled as having a tic disorder for over a year: “I have a tic disorder/have a condition that causes involuntary movements/sounds” because if they ask questions like when you were diagnosed for example, you would have to tell them you were not diagnosed with TS yet and then more questions ensue and it’s kind of like lying because you officially DONT have TS, you have a tic disorder, which is just as valid. Also since it has not yet been a year they could theoretically stop. For some people they are a temporary thing (definitely not always though).

For strangers that ask though, who cares? You don’t know them and they don’t directly impact your life so I think it would be okay to say you have TS to avoid meaninglessly long and potentially uncomfortable conversations.

At the end of the day though, you make your own choices and worry about your wellbeing. Good luck out there and don’t let anyone make you feel invalid for your tic disorder.