American Idol Contestant, Dave Pittman, Shocks Doogie Howser Because He Has Tourette Syndrome…….But Why?

Dave Pittman, American Idol Contestant

Did you watch American Idol? Did you hear the news? This is what I heard over and over through facebook, emails and when I got to work the next day. Many of them wanted to make sure I had seen Dave Pittman on American Idol because they knew I would be interested.

The answer is yes, I saw American Idol and yes, I heard the news. I was really excited when I saw that Dave was being open and honest about living with Tourette syndrome. My biggest fear was that he was going to be a poor singer and the judges and America would then make Tourette syndrome the punchline of another bad joke. But then we heard him sing. The judges were into Dave as they nodded their heads up and down as they enjoyed what Dave had to offer.

But then, Doogie Howser M.D. stepped up to the plate. Like any other doctor, he recognized that Dave had a medical condition called Tourette syndrome. I was excited Doogie knew about Tourette’s. He even addressed it on air. I was proud of that too. Dave stood tall and accepted Doogie’s comments and explained he had TS. As many of us Touretter’s know, when we are concentrated on something, we don’t tic nearly as much. The judges were a little shocked by this.

The part that was disturbing was that the judges were actually surprised that a person with Tourette syndrome could actually be such a good singer and do it without the tics disrupting the performance. People with TS or any other disability live with this perception on a daily basis. People don’t believe in us and think we can’t do certain things.

I can already tell that Dave is similar to me. He will, and has already stepped up to the challenge. You see when someone tells me I can’t do something, or even if they “think” I can’t do something, it just motivates me more to prove them wrong. Dave now has the stage to show the world his own talents, while at the same time be a great role model for the millions of people who are a little different.

I guess you now know who I will be rooting for in this years American Idol competition, and I hope you will root for him too. Because we need to show people that we all have talents and when given the right opportunities, we are able to shine.

So what is the biggest shock? Is it that Doogie brought up the elephant in the room? Is it that Dave has a good voice? Could it be that a person with Tourette syndrome can find success when given a chance? Or could it be that dreams CAN come true when given a chance?

Step up to the plate America and turn your TV sets to this season’s American Idol on Fox. Let’s all hope that we can embrace Dave’s challenge and root for him because of his true talents. Vote the way you want, at least you know what I’ll be doing.

Get caught up with the latest news from the Brad Cohen Tourette Foundation by visiting www.bradcohentourettefoundation.com

Read the book or see the movie Front of the Class to learn more about Brad Cohen.

Cheers, Brad

Tags:


14 Responses to “American Idol Contestant, Dave Pittman, Shocks Doogie Howser Because He Has Tourette Syndrome…….But Why?”

  1. Perri Pittman Says:

    Brad,

    Hi, I am Dave Pittman’s mother and I want to thank you for this letter that you wrote regarding Dave and his American Idol journey so far. We appreciate your kind and encouraging words.

    We watched ‘Front of the Class’ when it premiered and we laughed and cried our way through the whole movie. What an inspiration you’ve been to so many!! You certainly impacted our lives.

    We have no idea what all is going to happen because of American Idol and the exposure it’s given to tourette’s and I have to say, to Dave’s voice. : – ) We’re realizing that the options are endless. We’ve always told Dave that having tourette’s can open up many doors for him. It’s now coming into fruition(?)

    We’re praying for God’s direction as doors are opening for Dave. I wish you could meet Dave in person. He is so much fun to be around. He can imitate people and do different accents very well. He also plays drums well. People love to be around him.

    Anyway, thank you again so much for what you wrote. More than that, thank you for who you are!

    Take care,

    Perri

  2. Beth Says:

    I saw that one too and like you I was surprised that Doogie knew about TS. I will be voting for Dave as well. My son and I both were born with Neurofribromatosis (NF) so I can relate to what you are saying about having a disablity and over coming it.

  3. JCR (Jeanne Radke( Says:

    I did see the Am. Idol with Dave singing. Kudos for following your Dream Dave and kudos to the panel for giving well deserved support.

  4. Stephanie Riley Says:

    Thank you so much for your courage and strength to be open about Tourettes. I watched the movie last night on CBS. Having Tourettes got a bad reputation not to long ago when South Park ran an episode on it and they portrayed the kid to ONLY spurt out obsenities. I’m glad to see a real documentry on the disability.

    I have know Dave Pittman since he was a toddler and am very proud of him πŸ™‚

  5. Jayme Moore Says:

    I have found a new hero in you, Brad. I recently went back to school in a Transition to Teaching graduate program to obtain my teaching license for Elementary Education. The stories I have learned about Erin Gruwell (sp?) and Ron Clark as well as my own mother as a teacher have inspired me to become a teacher. The struggle is, as I begin looking for a job, that I want to be a great teacher, like Erin, Ron, and now you. Your ability to reach children and motivate them to learn is amazing. You truly are inspiring…and your positive outlook on life is infectious. My children and I loved “meeting” you in the movie, and now I can’t wait to purchase your book.

    I missed the AI episode with Dave Pittman. I will be sure to keep an eye out for him and cheer him on!

  6. Janet Kruemmel Says:

    I too was so excited to see Dave. My family has enjoyed American Idol over the years and we were looking for our favorites this year. My 9 year old son was recently diagnosed with multiple conditions, Tourette’s being one of them. We are so much more aware of this condition now and it is so great for our son to see that he can and will be able to do things like other people. Watching Dave perform made me cry, because it gives me hope for my son. I also watched Front of the Class and laughed and cried my way through it like Dave’s mom said. I have recommened it to everyone and taped it and plan to give copies to anyone that wants one. Although at this point my son’s Tourette’s is not as bad as yours Brad, we don’t know how bad it will get. Again, seeing someone that has this condition suceed at their dream has given my husband, myself and our son the inspiration we needed. Hats off to you Brad & Dave!

  7. Janet Kruemmel Says:

    Brad
    Loved the movie – it was just what we needed! With Dave’s making it onto American idol and then seeing what you accomplished, we have hope for our son. He is 9 and just recently diagnosed with Tourette’s, Asperger’s & ADHD! Quite alot to digest and quite scary not knowing what he will and won’t be able to do. I am not sure that I feel like he “won’t” be able to do things now though. He was excited to see that someone with the condition he has can be a singer and a teacher! I look forward to watching Dave this season and I am so glad I found out about you too Brad! Keep up the good work πŸ™‚

  8. Janet Kruemmel Says:

    Brad
    I loved the movie – it was just what we needed! With Dave’s making it onto American idol and then seeing what you accomplished, we have hope for our son. He is 9 and just recently diagnosed with Tourette’s, Asperger’s & ADHD! Quite alot to digest and quite scary not knowing what he will and won’t be able to do. I am not sure that I feel like he “won’t” be able to do things now though. He was excited to see that someone with the condition he has can be a singer and a teacher! I look forward to watching Dave this season and I am so glad I found out about you too Brad! Keep up the good work πŸ™‚

  9. Janet Kruemmel Says:

    Brad
    I just loved the movie – it was just what we needed! With Dave’s making it onto American idol and then seeing what you accomplished, we have hope for our son. He is 9 and just recently diagnosed with Tourette’s, Asperger’s & ADHD! Quite alot to digest and quite scary not knowing what he will and won’t be able to do. I am not sure that I feel like he “won’t” be able to do things now though. He was excited to see that someone with the condition he has can be a singer and a teacher! I look forward to watching Dave this season and I am so glad I found out about you too Brad! Keep up the good work πŸ™‚

  10. Rebecca Brea Says:

    So thrilled about Dave’s advancement on American Idol. My 8 year old son has TS and is so excited to watch Dave. Since he is also interested in music (he sings in chorus and plays the piano) he identifies even more with Dave. Wishing Dave all the luck in the world and we will be watching!

  11. Jenny Allen Says:

    I just wanted to say thank you for being so open about your disorder. I am a family doc and I remember learning some about Tourette’s in neurology class but haven’t know anybody personally with it. I admire your tenacity in pursuing your dream to teaching, and appreciate your philosophy. I was a “special” kid in a different way–I was a very avid reader and got bored easily if not challenged. I had teachers who understood that well, and did a great job until I transferred into my local high school after being at a college-prep school for 2 years of high school. After 1 semester, I dropped out. I was not working to my level there, so I, like you, plowed a different path than “normal”. I had my college’s blessing and a wonderful assistant dean, Thom Harris, who directed my path via the local college the second semester of my junior year of high school so I could enter the University of Missouri in the fall of my “senior year”. I graduated a year earlier than the kids at my local high school, worked a few years to get experience in life, then entered medical school. I think dropping out was the best decision I made in my life besides accepting Christ as my Savior. Thanks so much for sharing your story with us. I was inspired and touched. I hope more people are inspired to be the teacher you are.

  12. Jessica Says:

    I love Dave! Ever since I saw him on american idol I have been wanting to meet him. I wish I had the chance. But I know it won’t happen πŸ™
    Does he have a girlfriend? I would get with him β™₯
    He seems like he has a great personality and does not let anything hold him back. Great voice!

  13. gina mccrary Says:

    Hi Brad
    Thank you for having this blog. I have to tell you that watching American Idol when I saw Dave and when he was talking about having TS I realized that was the problems my son was having and called the next morning to get my son into the pediatrician. My son was diagnosed with TS and we are adjusting as a family. I was just recently told about your book and the movie, which i will be getting very soon. My son too wants to be a teacher. He has gone through all of the bullying, teasing and everything else that comes with having TS. Fortunately so far, his school is being very good for him. We are planning on doing an IEP to get him the extra help that he needs. I just wanted to say thank you and also congrats on the new baby, he is adorable! God bless you and all the work you do for TS!

    Gina McCrary
    Turah, MT

  14. Russell Alperin Says:

    I really enjoyed the top 5 American idol group song last night. It was a pity to see Aaron Kelly got rid of but I do think the others were better so he needed to go!

To Receive Blog Updates By Email Please Enter Your Email Address

Delivered by FeedBurner


Testimonials
"Brad Cohen is a walking billboard for the idea of living positively. He is like a cold drink on a hot day--refreshing, energizing, and likely to put a smile on your face."
Tim Shriver - Chairman of Special Olympics

"I have observed the magic of Brad Cohen in the classroom. He has turned Tourette Syndrome into an asset, and his life into inspiration."
Senator Johnny Isakson, Georgia

"Brad Cohen's story is a triumph of hope, determination, will and relentless good humor."
Peter J. Hollenbeck, Ph.D., Professor and
Associate Head of Biological Sciences,
Purdue University


Join Our Mailing List