Duncan
McKinlay has lived with TS since he was a small boy and was not formally
diagnosed until the age of 18. He has evolved from a suicidal,
depressed individual to a confident and outgoing person who wears his
disorder openly, and thanks it for "getting him". Ever
since his diagnosis he has taken his disorder "by the horns"
and befriended it. He sees it not as a disability but as a gift,
and now wakes up in the morning feeling glad that he has TS, as he considers
it a quality of whom he is.
Duncan has certainly taken the TS world by storm and in his own words,
is "devoted...to improving the quality of life of people with TS...for
the rest of my life". He takes on all work and projects with
unbelievable energy and enthusiasm. As a volunteer for the TSFC,
Duncan has made contributions in many areas. He volunteers at
the local level for the Wellington/Waterloo Chapter, provides in-services
to schools, and is invited to provide lectures to professional agencies
throughout the year. Duncan is active at the national level working
on the Education and Advocacy Committee and also writes a regular column
for the national newsletter. Duncan is a source of support to
many local families (and many others via the e-mail) and opens his heart
and home to several kids who have TS.
He is a charismatic and dynamic speaker who is becoming quite sought
after. He uses empathy, humour, and considerable personal and
professional experience (Duncan is a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology)
to teach acceptance of TS in the world and in those who have it.
As one person put it, "It's impressive and moving that he gives
so much of himself in order that others may be able to overcome obstacles
present in dealing with the disorder".
Thank you, Duncan, for all you do for us!!
I
THANK YOU TOO. IT IS A DISTINCT HONOUR TO HAVE THE PRIVILEGE
TO WORK WITH PEOPLE IN THE TS COMMUNITY
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
