Brazilian man looks at things a little differently

You've never heard of Claudio Vieira de Oliveira, but he's about to turn your world upside down.

Now 37, Claudio was born with congenital arthrogryposis which, without all the science-speak, means he suffers from extreme deformities that limit use of his arms and legs and leave his head permanently craned backwards.

The Brazilian native is largely independent and has obtained an accounting degree alongside his work as a public speaker.

"Since I was a child I've always liked to keep myself busy and work — I don't like to depend totally on other people," he told TLC for their show Body Bizarre.

"I have learned to turn on the TV, pick up my cell phone, turn on the radio, use the internet, my computer — I do it all by myself."

Doctors were so perplexed by Claudio's condition at birth that their advice to his mother was simply to let him die.

"Some people would say, 'Don't feed him, he is already dying'," she told TLC.

And it's good thing she didn't listen. These days Claudio doesn't feel hindered by his condition.

"Throughout my life I was able to adapt my body to the world. Right now, I don't see myself as being different. I am a normal person," he said.

Author: Kristen Amiet. Approving editor: Paul Stock.