The new season of “American Idol” has introduced us to a group of diverse, talented hopefuls with both heartbreaking and inspiring personal stories. One contender, James Durbin, has particularly touched viewers. Throughout the season, the 22-year-old has shared his struggle with Tourette and Asperger syndromes. Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder that causes symptoms, including involuntary movements, vocal outbursts (tics), grimacing, head or shoulder jerking, repetitive throat clearing, hopping, grunting and barking. Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder that can cause oddities of speech, obsessions and repetitive rituals. The two syndromes are 3-4 times more likely to be found in males than females. Dan Ackroyd, of “Ghostbusters” and “Saturday Night Live,” also lives with both conditions.
“The thing about Asperger’s,” Durbin said, “is that it’s about social awkwardness and not being able to contain yourself and being overwhelmed…” These conditions are often misrepresented and misunderstood.
Durbin has described the difficulties the syndromes have presented throughout his life. In a recent episode, he explained, “As I was getting older, at school people would tell me, ‘Cut that out! Stop that!’…I always got made fun of, beat up.” What’s clear, however, is that Durbin has not allowed his personal challenges to affect his performances. He’s said, “Tourette’s hasn’t affected me whatsoever in my performances. It goes away completely when I’m singing.”
His inspirational story, combined with his incredible talent, has propelled him to the top of the competition.
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