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Thursday, May 19, 2011

James Durban, Aspergers and the Difference Between Diagnosing and Labeling


 I don't know everything about this guy but what I do know so far .. is simply amazing. He was diagnosed with Tourettes and Aspergers ( a form of Autism) early in life and yet has broken through with his voice and acting.

What I appreciate about James is that not only is he willing to try all these things despite his challenges - he's willing to admit he has the challenges, he even embraces them!

He knows the difference between a diagnosis and a label.

As I wrote in on article on my own struggle with mental illness, 

"Diagnosing is not labeling – please know the difference. Correct diagnosis can free someone – like the truth. The root problem is treated and the symptoms lessen or disappear altogether. Labeling ignores the root problem and only brings the person down further – they often even tend to become more like the label."

James can be ( and probably is) a huge role model for all of us but especially those who suffer with similar issues. Way to go James - way to get on stage,  tics and all.

I'm pulling for this kid.

 Read and watch his story here:
How James Durban is Overcoming Tourettes and Asperbergers

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