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

By: Russell Alperin

Russell Alperin — Thu, 06 May 2010 11:09:48 +0000

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!

By: gina mccrary

gina mccrary — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:04:41 +0000

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

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 14:31:45 +0000

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
Does he have a girlfriend? I would get with him ♥
He seems like he has a great personality and does not let anything hold him back. Great voice!

By: Jenny Allen

Jenny Allen — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 06:02:55 +0000

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.

By: Rebecca Brea

Rebecca Brea — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 03:30:33 +0000

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!

By: Janet Kruemmel

Janet Kruemmel — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:29:50 +0000

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

By: Janet Kruemmel

Janet Kruemmel — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:23:17 +0000

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

By: Janet Kruemmel

Janet Kruemmel — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:21:17 +0000

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

By: Janet Kruemmel

Janet Kruemmel — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 04:16:46 +0000

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!

By: Jayme Moore

Jayme Moore — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 19:37:22 +0000

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!