Duncan
McKinlay believes he has a special gift - high energy, originality,
spontaneity, openness, and intensity, a kind of "magnification
of self".
That
gift is Tourette's Syndrome.
Now
working towards an applied master's degree in educational psychology
at UW, McKinlay knew there was something different about him when
he was growing up, but it wasn't until his first year at university
that he received the diagnosis.
"It
was less a surprise than a relief", he recalled about finally
discovering an explanation for his condition.
A
neurological disorder which may be related to abnormal metabolism
of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, TS can be genetically
transmitted, is characterized by motor or vocal tics, and is associated
with difficulties with impulse control and obsessive-compulsive or
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders.
"I've
focused my compulsivity on academics," McKinlay laughed.
He is especially interested in how people with TS perceive the disorder
- when they are diagnosed, how they respond.
"One
may adopt a victim approach and view the disorder as an unmalleable,
stable entity within the individual. Alternatively, one may
perceive the diagnosis not as a permanent crutch, but as a challenge
to cope, strategize, and ultimately minimize the condition - that
is, to consider the disorder a controllable phenomenon."
"I
am interested in studying how the interpretations of the disorder
by the afflicted individual and his/her family lead to helpless patterns
versus constructive patterns of living, and how these patterns can
affect one's intrinsic motivation, self-esteem, expectations for
the future, and sense of control."
Although
McKinlay was initially wary of pursuing this line of research for
fear that he might be seen as too close to the subject to be sufficiently
objective, his professors encouraged him because of his empathy toward
people with TS.
"I'm
very excited about this field," he said. "I'm
interested in devoting my life to this work." McKinlay
plans to pursue his Ph.D. and eventually to practice in a clinical
setting.
"I'm
really fortunate that I have this disorder. Another gift of
TS is the constant introspection which makes one quite intuitive regarding
human psychology, and empathic towards others. I feel I can
contribute to making people's lives better."
Personally,
I had a lot of damage control to do after the diagnosis," he
added, referring to his painful years as a teenager. "If
I can help a kid circumnavigate some of those difficulties, it will
be the most tangible legacy I can leave in this world."
His
actions have already made a mark. McKinlay was recently honoured
for his work by being nominated to serve as a member of the board
of directors of the Tourette Syndrome Foundation of Canada.
The
foundation will be holding its 1997 conference in Waterloo this Friday
and Saturday, and as a member of the Wellington Waterloo chapter,
McKinlay will be assisting with speakers and registration, as well
as hoping to make some contacts for his research. He would be
happy to speak with anyone about the conference or TS.
