Identical Twins Who Look Nothing Alike 

Next watch "The Unconditionals," an unflinching look at parenting kids with undiagnosed special-needs.: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-CFlzCPAdKC8.html&

It’s so interesting how one got the external symptoms, and the other got the internal symptoms. Like two sides of the same coin

"You've got to live the life you've got rather than pondering on the life you wanted". Tears.

I could understand how people would look at Adam for an extra second in public but people really be out there SHAMELESSLY STARING AND TAKING PICTURES? Honestly just so disrespectful.

To state the obvious; this family is sweet, kind, and thoughtful.

Low key if I was Adam being disfigured and having a twin that looks normal would honestly make me feel depressed af thinking life is unfair but I guess Adam overcame that struggle or accepted it which is admirable.

I’ve been their family gardener for years and let me tell you, Adam is one of the nicest, driven, talented and positive people I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. I’m lucky to have him as a friend. Top man!

“It’s not a problem for me, it’s a problem for everyone else.” Powerful.

It’s got to be hard having such a significant facial disfigurement, then looking at your brother and knowing exactly what you could have looked like. He seems like an incredibly strong person.

people who make fun of someones disease or condition that they have no control over have a special place in hell

This is what unconditional love looks like. Perfect example of a mother's love and a brothers bond. This is a beautiful family.

“You got to live the life you’ve got instead of pondering about living the life you dream about.”

I’ve been paramedic for 20 years and have seen a lot of disfigured horrible things. And when you talk to these people like their human beings it literally brings them to tears because people are so cruel. It’s unbelievable what a little kindness can do to a person. And we should all remember that our lives aren’t that shitty when you see something like this.

Interesting how identical twins could have the same condition, yet experience different symptoms.

"You've got to live the life you've got rather than pondering the life you wanted" I won't forget that quote

The fact that he's got this condition and happier than most people who are perfectly fine is incredible

His ability to embrace his disfiguration makes him a better man than I. This would cripple me emotionally.

"You've got to work twice as hard to achieve half as much as other people" - Such a powerful line

I just love their mum!!! She is an Amazing woman and deserves much respect for raising her boys right!!

I met Adam when I was travelling with my disabled son, on a train in London he really went out his way to help me get to my destination he is a charming young man.👌🏼

"You gotta live the life you got, not ponder about the life you wanted ! " thank you for the video----

It's weird to say, maybe... but Adam's face has such a jovial essence to it. Perhaps it's his soul that shines through. The expression his face rests in just seems sweet. I dunno. He seems incredibly sweet. Sorry you had to endure the cruelty of the world at a higher rate than most of us. It's wonderful you have love within you and surrounding you that you recognize and exude.

Their mother is so reassuring and her voice is so calming, I want a sleep meditation narrated by her.

If i was walking down the street and saw Adam at the corner of my eye yes i would do a double take because anything that is not typical and unexpected is gonna catch your attention But constant staring? taking PICTURES?! NAME CALLING?! WHAT KIND OF GARBAGE PERSON BEHAVES LIKE THAT?!

When Adam said that he knows what he looks like through his brother, it was so heart warming and I don’t know how to explain how happy it made me feel but I wish nothing but blessings for them all ❤️

Who would be bullying him?? That would make me feel physically sick if I did that.

the reality of invisible vs. visible illness & disease

a real decent pair of guys. the family did a great job with them.

“‪You gotta live the life you got, rather than pondering over the life you wanted”

Whoever disliked this video has bigger problems than this guy.

"You gotta live the life you got rather than pondering over the life that you want" wise words

How can people be so evil, they both seem so kind hearted. I would be absolutely disgusted by my friend/family member if they bullied people like this, or anyone for that matter.

Here is the thing that I do not understand. Whenever I hear stories about people who are physically different than everybody else they always say the same thing and that is that strangers on the street will make fun of them. And that always baffles me because I can not understand how a stranger can be so rude and insensitive to another stranger right off the street.

It’s... strangely poetic that one twin got the outer symptoms and the other twin got the inner symptoms. I hope they both work together or live happy lives.

so the bullying in schools is still a big problem and schools aren't doing anything about it. yep, that sounds like a typical day at school.

I REALLY don't know how people call total strangers names. Like for what? How is that rewarding? Not even as a kid, or in retaliation, has it ever felt good or rewarding. Strange.

I always saw Adam around because his family live about 10 minutes away from me but I never spoke to him, Neil worked in the local library and was simply one of the sweetest people ever I loved talking to him. Adam is a very funny witty man and he's been a film as well. Great guys, wonderful family and it always makes me happy to see them doing well.

Be kind and compassionate. Teach your children to be kind and compassionate.

People are just horribly cruel, no need to bully, name call or be nasty to others.

Being identical twins and yet presenting differently with their genetic condition must be absolute gold for researchers studying and helping people with their condition. Thank you for sharing Neil and Adam. You're mum is fantastic!

I just don't see how anybody could bully, take unauthorized pictures of, or call Adam (and people like him) bad names. It's absolutely inhuman. Absolutely uncivilized. None of us can help how we look when we are born, or what medical conditions we might have. Everybody is valuable. Everybody has worth. Everyone wants to be loved and appreciated. "Let me be the best me I can be." Great advice, Adam.

People can be so insensitive. He is so brave. It's so nice he has the love and support from his mum and his brother.

10:00 "You've got to live the life you've got rather than pondering over the life you've wanted." You both are a class apart. Most people complain over the hand that life has dealt them but it's usually a lack of resolve and effort that has got them stuck where they are. Your story only compels me to count my blessings and never give up.

I didn't even read one rude comment I'm so glad. These brothers and the mother are so inspiring

To The Atlantic: You publish heart-warming and soul-enlightening films and articles. You are a great source of learning for me. Thank you a million times.

When he said he wanted to be normal. I literally broke down in tears. 😭😭😭

"Do you know your boys are out on the flat roof?" I too hung out on the roof growing up. Luckily my neighbors never snitched on me though 😂😂😂

This guy lives down the road from me in Croydon. I’ve seen so many idiots make fun of him at tram stops and in public mostly young teenagers but it’s so horrible

Originally, I thought “how awesome is it that Adam has Neil” then, as the story goes on, I’m seeing it’s the other way around. Its great that these guys have each other & seem to stick together.

Anyone can be infected anytime by anything. Don't make fun of people. Tomorrow, it could be you.

I don't understand what people get out of bullying or calling people names.

Those brothers are the perfect siblings. They've got each other's back through and trough. I love them so much that my eyes are sweating.

Now that I've stopped crying, just want to say that the folks at _The Atlantic_ did a commendable job with this very affecting and uplifting piece about three truly extraordinary people.

They both have the same disease but one has it on the inside and the other has it on the outside. It affects them differently but it is amazing how they had each other for support. It’s is an incredible story💐

Incredibly poetic, they really need each other in life. Everyone could learn lessons about gratitude and compassion from these twins.

Credit to both these guys and their mother. If i had the same disability i know i wouldn't be able to cope half as good and i think a lot of others feel the same way.

Man, I can't get over how strong both of these guys are. It's insane that they have such amazing attitudes towards their lives. What an inspiration!

"You gotta live the life you got, rather than pondering over the life you wanted." Beautifully said.

i have neurofibromatosis (type 1) as well and i have a very hard time accepting myself for it, even though most of my bumps/birthmarks are rather unnoticeable on me its still a struggle. watching this video really helped me out in a little a lot of ways.

So inspirational! I have a rare, incurable, untreatable genetic disorder & am in terrible chronic pain 24/7. I try not to feel sorry for myself or to let suicidal thoughts creep in, although they do, regularly, if I'm honest. Seeing what these guys live with and how they do so with such dignity and a lack of self-pity really inspires me. Thank you for sharing their story.

The twins and the mother are an inspiration to just keep going.

''Everyone has the ability to change the world in their own way''. Thanks this has meant a lot to me.

*Adam was in a movie with Scarlett Johansson, called "Under the Skin".* Why wasn't that mentioned?

Adam had a small role in Under the Skin, and also acted as a consultant for that movie. It's nice to see more of him and learn about what a cool guy he is.

I don't know if anyone else sees it, but look past the tumours. You can still totally see those lads are twins.

It's not a problem for me, It's a problem for everybody else... Just wow... 😇

its honestly amazing how clearly he can speak

Being human really sucks sometimes. I just found out in 3 years time I’ll go fully blind. This man is so strong wish I could meet him. I live in the states though.

I got on the tube in Croyden once and saw Adam. On his way to work I guess, suited and booted. Him and his brother are total inspiration and class . God bless

This just made me cry because of how beautiful it is. The connection between the family is just so strong and their love is just so well strung between them. It is just so beautiful and it really makes me and probably many other people happy.

3:05 that guy on the left made me mad.

My cousin suffers short term memory loss due to a sever accident he had when he was younger. He was lucky to survive it. He’s loaded with metal plates from his head down to his legs and he worked just fine. Some employers are just dumb, No discrimination against those with disabilities.. so they will come up with anything else in the book. My cousin was an amazing worker. It took time to teach him but after he was better then most who’d been there years longer.

"Who wants to be normal?" Thats always a good mentality too keep. everyone is normal in their own way. In their way.

He is a very charming individual and I feel inspired by his bravery and attitude towards others. I hope to see more of him.

The Pearsons stand as heroes. Let history remember Adam, Neil and their mother as uniquely powerful people and a strong family.

So glad the twins have such a happy, loving and supportive family. It makes all the difference in life.

If you look closely, they do have similar mannerisms!

The real story, mothers make the world a better place

I don’t know what to say. Just sending love and blessings from Trinidad 🇹🇹

I dont know why but I love Adam's face. Brings home the fact that we all find different things to be physically beautiful.

How others are treated tells you a lot about society.

This video shows both the unconditional brotherly love Adam and Neil have for one another, as well as the darker nature of the people they’ve faced in society. The bullying Adam encountered broke my heart, because as he put it, “It’s not a problem for me, it’s a problem for everyone else, and everyone else’s problem becomes mine.” Adam came to terms with what he isn’t able to change, but society at large has prevented him from being able to do that. This story brings up a lot of things that have very real consequences. When I finished college, I’d been struggling with Trichotillomania for some time. It’s a form of OCD that involves the obsessive pulling of hair which can, in many cases result in patches of baldness, or even damaged skin in the affected areas. As a social person, due to where it affected me, my beard area, and the level of damage it caused at its worst points, I tried to function with it normally. People would ask me if I was in a fight, or in the worst case, when giving my seat on the train up to an older woman with a young child, the lady loudly said, “Don’t sit there!” to her daughter, “That man has AIDS!” In many ways it must’ve looked like there were lesions on my face due to the damage. That’s when I hit bottom and tried to find out the name for what I had. Googling everything, there was a video that came up of a young girl who had the same condition and it made me feel like I wasn’t alone. She was very brave and spoke about how the world treated her. Her courage encouraged me to reach out to her, throughout that time, she would tell me about thing that worked temporarily. Then I made the mistake of reading the comments. One in particular stood out, “If you can’t stop pulling out your own hair why don’t you go and....” You can fill in the blanks here. After 2 years of speaking to her and talking about different things that helped at times, one day her Mom responded instead of her after her channel became relatively quiet. She told me her daughter committed suicide due the constant bullying. This is the reality we live in. The words and actions of others have real life consequences. There are amazing people in this world, and there are those who are truly heartless, and it’s unfortunate that the later can have such negative impacts on the former. Her story was one of many, and it changed my life, I spoke to her mother about how her bravery impacted my life in so many positive ways, as well as how articulate and brave her daughter was. That will always stay with me. After writing to several places, a dermatology office reached out to me and forwarded my letter to my insurance company which reviewed my photos. They agreed to laser the hair on the affected parts of my face that were routinely badly damaged. It was a struggle not to pull the hair out long enough to laser the hair away, but it helped a great deal and it healed after years and years of struggling. Then after accepting a job as an art director, a car hit me while crossing the street. While I healed after, in ways that would make most people wonder if it ever happened, the procedures couldn’t be completed due to metal plates in my jaw line other parts of my face. The hair pulling still occurs in the areas that weren’t finished being treated, but it’s become slightly more manageable, and less noticeable. What occurred to the girl who was so brave was a reminder of what Adam said in this video, “It’s not a problem for me, it’s a problem for everyone else, and everyone else’s problem becomes mine.” We all have a responsibility as people to try to be the best versions of ourselves we can be. We can be a part of the problem, or the solution, and realize that what we say to others on and offline, have real world consequences.

Next time I am having the "worst day of my life" I will remember remarkable people like this man

Brilliant. Too often documentaries on disablity and disfigurement become exploitative but this is genuinely wonderful.

Ive seen Adam on other shows and giving talks and I’m always impressed by his humor, outlook, and intelligence. Very clever and lovely man. Seems like a wonderful family all the way around.

I have NF1 and have over a 100 café-au-lait(birthmarks) across my body and was diagnosed when I was in 1st grade and the doctors told my parents that I might have some learning problems. I am now a senior with a 4.5 gpa who is going off to college next year and I’m very blessed to not have it affect me to this extreme extent(like it is invisible rn apart from the birthmarks) but it is still something that I have to keep in the back of my mind because I was told that it could change at any time. Thank you for this video. Usually the thought of growing tumors always scared me and I try to not think of nf as much as possible but this video was recommended to me and it really made me feel better and realize that it isn’t the end of the world if I do grow neurofibromas. Much Love 💕

I have the same genetic condition. I’m a brain tumor survivor!!! The condition is different for everyone. It can be very livable but very life changing.

I had the pleasure of meeting Adam whilst I was at work a few months ago. It was so nice to have a conversation with him and see how truly inspirational him and his brother are :)

I’ve been bullied and teased for a condition that I have, even by my best friends and people I loved... stay strong... thanks for sharing your story...

The bullies and people taking pictures are so obscenely rude! Blessings to this gentleman for being so pleasant and well adjusted. Blessings to his twin and Mum for being so loyal and protective. ❤️

What truly lovely self aware men. Tears when he talked about being bullied, makes me so sick. They’re such lovely souls why are we as humans so damn cruel.

I will never understand why people bully and make fun of such people. Rather, they should feel grateful that they are healthy.

I’m not trying to be mean, but it’s amazing how he can talk almost perfectly. I would have thought he would have a stutter or something

This is one of the most beautiful pieces I’ve ever seen. Thank you so much, and blessings to this precious family.❤️

They are so remarkable. After they started talking the physical part drifted away and I never noticed it anymore. I just saw a beautiful soul.

A powerful film. As an editor, I'd also like to say "great job!" to Joseph Talbot. Fantastic edit.

Thank you for such an uplifting and informative documentary. It showed these men's lives and the challenges they face without becoming overly sentimental and making their whole lives seem like tragedies.

This is one of the most powerful documentaries I have ever seen, I'm going to go call my brother now. These two are a true inspiration

I've known about Adam Pearson, from other documentaries, and the movie "Under the Skins" with Scarlet Johansson, but I never knew he had an identical twin, and knowing that in essence he would be a mirror image of his brother, I'm amazed at that, only being his external appearance. You learn something new everyday.

3 wonderful human beings - both twins and their Mom. The stamina, the energy, the courage are outstanding. Comgratulations from all my heart.