I sort of have imposter syndrome, and I think when is this all going to end, when are they going to realise that I’m not a proper TV presenter.
It sounds kind of farfetched, yet I can’t tell you how many people have had this syndrome… the ‘Old Hag Syndrome.’ Apparently, there’s this little old lady who comes into your room at night, sits on your chest and tries to suffocate you. You can Google her – she’ll pop up. She’s out there.
I made odd noises as a child. Just did weird things, like turn off light switches twice. I think my parents thought I had Tourette’s syndrome.
From a scientific standpoint, Aspergers and autism are one syndrome. Aspergers is part of the autism spectrum, not a separate disorder.
I have been very blessed in that I have been completely fine. No headaches, no depression… absolutely no signs of post-concussion syndrome.
Eventually, I developed compartment syndrome in my calf and had to get surgery. I run three to five days a week now, mixed in with walking and other things. I want to run just because I enjoy it.
From a health standpoint, I have metabolic syndrome, I have high triglycerides, low HDL, body fat centrally located, high blood pressure. Running really helps control my weight and that problem a lot. So if I am not running three days a week, I really miss it.
Well, you know I have an office, my film offices. So I know that syndrome. I fancy offices, so there must be something wrong with me. Even the window cleaner intrigues me. It’s a very sexy environment.
Once you have a Down’s syndrome child, you can’t conform. In a way, you’re free.
It’s gone on my whole life, this David and Goliath syndrome that a lot of these smaller guys always have. They think the only reason I’ve ever had any success in my career is because of my physical size. And you know what? If that’s the case, so be it. I really don’t care. Because I have that size.
I bounce my knees, but I do not have restless leg syndrome. I did an interview, I don’t even know who it was with, and they said I told them I have restless leg syndrome and it distracts me from my work. I do not have any syndrome.
I am a father. My son’s name is Max and my daughter’s name is Billie Grace. Twelve years ago Max was born with Down Syndrome. His journey has been complicated by infantile seizures, sleep apnea, dietary challenges and now, puberty!
If you had told me in 1997 that even 5 people would be waiting online for me to sign my new book in 2009, I would have jumped around like Joe Carter in the 1993 World Series. I love it. I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t like it. The only thing I worry about is carpal tunnel syndrome – my last tour almost caused it.
Technically I have siblings, but they are quite a bit older than me – I was the accident – so I have the only-child syndrome going on. I’m a little more selfish, a little more independent, a little closed. I do wish I were softer. I wish I were able to form relationships better.
It’s very important that we do show appreciation for those who go to work in raising awareness. You know, Tourette Syndrome is not well known. There’s not a lot of government money and research in it. But people are dying inside every day because they’re suffering with it, and I think word needs to get out.
I have that glass-half-empty syndrome, and it takes a great deal of effort to climb out of the hole of darkness that I choose to live in mentally.
You have to avoid what I call the ‘smartest boy in class syndrome,’ which is, just because you know it, you don’t have to tell it. I often will go through a manuscript crossing stuff out, and say, ‘This is just too much,’ you know?
Soon enough I would learn the specific diagnosis: myelodysplastic syndrome, a disorder of the bone marrow. In my case, the disease growing inside me had morphed into acute myeloid leukemia. I would need intensive chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant to save my life.
Down syndrome kids can learn. Like Corky. That’s the way I feel about it… For those kids who have Down syndrome, to give them a chance.
The problem with politicians getting to know the issues in indigenous townships is that we tend to suffer from what Aboriginal people call the ‘seagull syndrome’ – we fly in, scratch around and fly out.
I had a pretty rough life. I got caught up in the star syndrome. It’s not something I’m proud of, but it’s something that I’m glad is over.
As an artist I’m very aware of what I call Picasso-napkin syndrome – I’ve got this 20th century version of the midas touch, where if I do a little doodle it’s worth money!
I get mail from people all over the world now from people who tell me that they didn’t really understand Down syndrome, but because of me they have read about it and studied it and now they know a lot more about it.
I believe it is my responsibility to do what I can for children and people with Down syndrome as well as in my native Dominican Republic.
I was a loner as a child and happiest at home, launching toy rockets and aeroplanes. When I started causing trouble in my third year at grammar school, Mum was really surprised. My parents sent me to a child psychologist, who suggested I might have Asperger’s syndrome.
Having Down syndrome is like being born normal. I am just like you and you are just like me. We are all born in different ways, that is the way I can describe it. I have a normal life.
Many Republicans have what I call a ‘tax-cut syndrome’ where they have never seen a tax cut they didn’t really like and didn’t see a tax increase they didn’t hate and do everything they could to block.
Pages: 1 2
