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Life's A Twitch! Celebrating 15 years.
1998 - 2018
Life's A Twitch! Celebrating 15 years.

 

INSERVICE A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS
BY DONNA CUTHBERTSON

COUNCIL FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN


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.

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Last updated on March 25, 2022

© 1998 - 2020.  Life's A Twitch!® & design are registered trademarks of B. Duncan McKinlay, Ph.D., C.Psych. (Retired)

All activities related to Life's A Twitch!® are conducted by B. Duncan McKinlay, Ph.D., C.Psych. (Retired) in a private capacity and do not represent the Ministry of Children and Youth Services or the Government of Ontario.

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