"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
"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!
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
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 writings which reflect his current perspectives as 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.
All
activities related to Life's A Twitch!® are conducted
by B. Duncan McKinlay, Ph.D., C.Psych. 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
