On
February 8th, 2000 The Council For Exceptional Children, Durham Chapter
#584 hosted a two hour inservice and fundraiser on "What Makes
Me Tic" presented by Duncan McKinlay. Duncan is a Doctoral Candidate
at the University of Waterloo. Duncan himself has Tourette Syndrome
and is committed (devoted, that is!) to improving the quality of life
of people with TS through his presentations and writings. CEC members
were invited to attend for free and non members paid $5.00 each.
Approximately
200 educators, parents, and/or professionals heard Duncan share his
message through both a personal and professional perspective of what
Tourette Syndrome looks and feels like and how it fits into such disorders
such as ADHD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and rage. Through empathy,
good humour, research and personal experiences, Duncan helped the audience
to develop a mindframe of acceptance of TS in the world and in themselves
and discussed approaches to successful treatment of these complex conditions.
In
understanding the disorder it is important to understand the etiology.
ALL DISORDERS WITHIN THE "TS+" LABEL ARE UNIFIED UNDER THE
CONCEPT OF DISINHIBITION.
Disinhibition
is described as - lack of brakes or censors over thoughts, actions,
feelings, etc. and poor regulation/control/orchestration of self.
Tourette
Syndrome = Motor Disinhibition
ADHD
Predominantly Inattentive Type = Attentional Disinhibition
ADHD
Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Type = Behavioural Disinhibition
Sensory
Integration Disorder = Sensory Disinhibition
Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder = Thought Disinhibition
Duncan
talked about "Living In Disorder" and how it can weigh on
one's self. He explained how the anger, depression, and anxiety can
be understood to be "a natural reaction to an unnatural situation".
He described how these three emotions co-exist, and the surfacing of
one over the others is as much a result of the individual as the situation.
He discussed 16 reasons why these emotions could develop.
Rather
than looking for the "quick-fix" or temporary bandaid, Duncan
shared his developed guiding principles; to develop long lasting change.
(1)
Different Manifestations of the Same Underlying Disinhibition - there
are many different ways in which the brain can fail to restrain itself
(for example in movement, attention, behaviour, emotion, sense, and
thought). Different names (diagnoses) are given for each type of failure.
(2)
Expression Not Suppression - "Disinhibition WILL find a way to
come out"; accepting this enables one to focus attention on HOW
it will come out.
(3)
Disinhibition is neither a GOOD nor BAD thing. It's just a thing...much
like any quality of oneself, one has a choice to lament the burdens
of disinhibition or rejoice in its gifts.
(4)
When is it "the KID", and when is it "the DISORDER..."??
Understanding the concept of disinhibition helps one to realize that
NO actions are purely those of the individual OR the disorder...one
must be accountable for ALL of one's actions with the understanding
that those actions have been 'amplified'.
(5)
Kool-Aid - Just as kool-aid is a product of both sugar and water, disorder
is a product of both neurology and environment. Altering either "ingredient"
can change or eliminate the end product.
(6)
Disinhibition is a matter of degree...we are all disinhibited to some
extent; frequency, intensity, control, and duration are what distinguish
us.
(7)
Treat the INDIVIDUAL, not just the SYMPTOMS...sometimes the biggest
problems experienced by individuals with this disorder are not the symptoms,
but rather how those symptoms are perceived.
(8)
The importance of Attitude, and one's Beliefs - we are often inflicted
by, and cured by, those things we believe in. Our attitudes and beliefs
are obvious to others around us, and influences how they perceive and
treat us. The development of empowerment and esteem can be as easy as
changing how one interprets a situation.
Duncan
shared his personal goals and strategies in his 'Positive Self Talk'.
His handout included 21 self talk exercises that are instrumental in
developing a positive attitude, coping strategies and self empowerment.
Each person in the audience with Tourette Syndrome received a certificate
of congratulations, recognizing their strength and gifts, to be accepted
and acknowledged.
Feedback
from participants was exceptional with comments such as "this has
been the best outlook I have ever heard", "great to hear first
hand experience and understanding", "he sure understands",
"all teachers and parents should hear him", etc. Duncan provides
a variety of presentations and would be happy to spread his positive
messages to other educators, parents and/or professionals in the community.
He can be reached at (519) 888-9081 or e-mail or access his URL @ www.lifesatwitch.com.
