Strange Behavior
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Tourette's T-Shirt
Looking back, doctors think that Paul Stevenson may have been dealing with Tourette's his whole life. Today, his disorder is so pronounced that going out in public is difficult and requires explanation to those who do not understand his tics and outbursts of profanity.
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Tourette's in Public
There aren't many places where Paul Stevenson is socially accepted. His vocal tics often upset people and his motor tics may cause him to knock things over and even break them. Going out into public can be extremely challenging and makes Paul feel vulnerable.
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Living With Tourette Syndrome
There are medications that are somewhat effective in easing Tourette's symptoms, but they require blocking dopamine. This means it takes away motivation and makes the taker sleepy and more passive. Many people, like Paul Stevenson, don't like taking the drugs.
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Charity Partners
Paul Stevenson, John Davidson and Stuart Coluqhoun have started a charity, Tourette's Lifelong Care (TLC). Here they are on a trip looking for a location where they can set up a sanctuary for Tourette's suffers and their families.
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Sleeping Disorder
Narcolepsy in its extreme can be a debilitating disease that can cause sufferers to fall suddenly into a deep sleep when performing daily tasks. Dee Dowd has narcolepsy and has to be prepared to fall asleep at any moment, even while engaging in enjoyable pastimes such as bowling.
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Suffering From Narcolepsy
Dee Daud has to take great care because his extreme narcolepsy may mean falling asleep at any moment. He cannot take baths, drive or do anything in which fall asleep could endanger his life or the lives of others.
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Sleeping Safety
Dee Daud never knows when he might fall asleep, causing him to collapse and hurt himself. While he can wear knee guards and some protection, he worries about falling asleep and being mugged or having something else horrible happen to him.
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Narcoleptic Injury
Narcoleptics Often Injure Themselves When Unexpectedly Falling Asleep. Dee Daud has hurt himself badly a few times falling asleep. He has broken his nose head butting the floor and thinks he has broken every rib but one.
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Hair Pulling Compulsion
Bethany Scheiderman has Trichotillomania, which is a hair pulling condition. She gets a tingling sensation on her scalp that will not cease until she pulls her hair, often pulling it out from the roots.
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Disfiguring Desire
Bethany Scheiderman aspires to be a model, but Trichotillomania keeps her from her dreams. There is tremendous stigma attached to conditions that affect people's appearance. Bethany avoids situations that involve close contact with people and situations where her bald spots might be visible.
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Autistic Man
Autism is characterized by difficulty in three areas: social interaction, repetitive behaviors and language. Larry Bissonnette has autism and has struggled with interacting with others his whole life.
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Autistic Artist
Larry hopes his art will change the perspective people have on the deficiencies of Autism. He hopes everyone will come to understand that we all just have different skills.
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A Bonded Friendship
Larry and Tracy have been set apart and unable to interact socially because of their conditions, but their friendship has given them a social life. Together they hope to change the way the world sees their disabilities.
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Musical Motivation
Tracy Thresher uses musical therapy to treat his autism. It helps develop his speech and movement by engaging in rhythm.
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Alternative Communication
People assumed that Larry Bissonnette was unable to communicate until he discovered Facilitated Communication, assisted typing with a computerized voice. Now he speaks volumes.
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At the Movies
Larry and Tracy have toured the globe sharing their message and their documentary, hoping to help people understand that Autism is not taboo.
@Bethany,
I love your artwork, and your headscarves! I was wondering if you would be willing to make some for me, I would love to have some headscarves to wear, but usually they never seem to look right on me. You are so incredibly beautiful and have an amazing taste in Fashion. Kansas City Art Institute in Missouri could really use your talents!!!You could also look them up for courses online if it makes you feel too uncomfortable. A friend of mine who has ADD and is a bit Claustrophobic got her degree there.
I wonder if any one can tell me the name of the speech equipment used by the autistic gentlemen on the show tonight.
I have and adult son who has speech problems due to brain trauma. This looks like something he could benefit from.
Thank You!
@Bethany She is soo sweet and lovely, the problem she has , is not big if she take it too seriously then then this feeling hurt her, i have a also some problem but i live my way and i happy with it. she can be model, she's soo beauty. i wish she become top model. everyone is not perfect . https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001693593844
She is soo sweet and lovely, the problem she has , is not big if she take it too seriously then then this feeling hurt her, i have a also some problem but i live my way and i happy with it. she can be model, she's soo beauty. i wish she become top model.