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If you are a new visitor, diagnosed with a difference, please read this introduction letter to you.

For all other new visitors, Dr. McKinlay also has a special introduction letter to you.


Nix Your Tics! Front Cover image

Nix Your Tics!

The Second
(E-)dition from "Life's A Twitch! Publishing". Click here to learn more.


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Documentary Reviews


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

 

about Duncan McKinlay and the power of being different.



Film Awards and Reviews

Life's A Twitch Documentary: DVD case

WINNER:

NOMINATED:

  • 5 awards at the 2002 "Hot Docs" Canadian International Documentary Festival (including Gold Award for Best Canadian Documentary)!!

  • 2 awards at the 18th Annual Gemini Awards (October 18-20, 2003) for Best Documentary (Science/Nature) and Best Editing!!

AS SEEN ON THE MONTEL WILLIAMS SHOW:

  • "Those of us who are differently abled have to choose between living as a survivor or living as a sufferer. Duncan McKinley is a shining example of how each of us has the power to define our own life. He is an inspiration to us all." Montel Williams

REVIEWS


Film Synopsis


"He barks, spits, and shakes. He can't help it. He's also witty, funny, and brilliant. Duncan McKinlay has Tourette Syndrome. At age 7 he noticed what he called a devil in his head. It made his life hell. His parents thought he was delinquent. His classmates were sure he was nuts. He says the boss inside him who would normally control his strange urges had gone on a permanent coffee break. In his teens, it wasn't a question of whether to kill himself, but when.

At 19 he was finally diagnosed. He focused everything he had on researching TS. It's now his life path. He's come to understand all his strange ticks are release triggers for the high energy charging through him. At 27 he's a virtuoso at channeling this energy. He's almost finished a Doctorate in psychology. He's in nationwide demand for his workshops that enlighten, entertain and boost the spirits of the 1% across Canada who have Tourette's.

"Life's a Twitch takes us on a quirky ride into Duncan's world. Where he polished a hearse for two days outside the gothic mansion funeral parlour that was his home. Where he endlessly built and demolished cities of Lego. Where he now moves like Elvis belting out songs than turn his nightmare into a celebration."


To Watch the Film

  • Click here to own a Director's Cut of Life's A Twitch! Order online through the National Film Board of Canada now!

  • Click here to watch Life's A Twitch! online via streaming video!

  • Television air-dates

  • Original Debut Screenings: Dates/Locations


Film Production and Credits

Written & Directed by
Cindy Bisaillon

Produced & Edited by
Tina Hahn

Cinematography by
Chris Romeike

Produced with the assistance of the
DOCUMENTARY CALLING CARD PROGRAM,
an initiative of the
ONTARIO MEDIA DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
in partnership with
TVONTARIO
with the participation of
CANADIAN INDEPENDENT FILM CAUCUS, and
HOT DOCS CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY FESTIVAL

Symmetree Media
P: 416.704.0948 E: hahn@rogers.com

www.symmetreemedia.com

THIS FILM IS OWNED BY SYMMETREE MEDIA AND IS NOW DISTRIBUTED BY THE NATIONAL FILM BOARD OF CANADA. PLEASE DIRECT ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THE FILM TO:

TINA HAHN AT SYMMETREE MEDIA

OR TO THE NATIONAL FILM BOARD


The creation of, "Life's A Twitch!" occurred prior to Dr. McKinlay's registration as a psychologist (with the exception of Nix Your Tics!, published in October 2008). As such, much of the content on this website represents the personal, anecdotal, and research perspectives of B. Duncan McKinlay from that time period. To access materials which reflect his perspectives as a mental health professional, visitors are advised to access the Brake Shop clinic website.  It is Dr. McKinlay's belief that each website is valid: unique strengths and resources stem from each perspective. In the event that any contradictory information exists between the "Life's A Twitch!" website and the Brake Shop Clinic website, though, visitors are advised to resolve this contradiction by favouring the latter site.

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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.

Dr. B. Duncan McKinlay's Life's A Twitch!® Site on Tourette Syndrome & Associated Disorders

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