As a parent of a child with Down syndrome, it’s important for me to tell others about my life and my son’s life. Not because we’re all that interesting, but because he is no different than anyone else!
For some reason people like to assume that those with Down syndrome are all alike. Even worse, that folks with DS are always happy. Boy is that wrong! My son has every emotion and feeling, same as everyone else.
Having DS only means that you have an extra 21st chromosome. They are not lacking one! I have seen a meme using picture of young child, dressed in a cowboy outfit and money bag, with the caption “Put the chromosome in the bag!” If you found that even remotely funny, then YOU are part of the problem!
People with DS have EVERY emotion, EVERY feeling and EVERY right to live in this world. They can do wonderful things with their lives just like anyone else. Many are able to go to college, learn needed life skills, get jobs and live fulfilling lives. Well, I should say “fulfilling” as determined by society, which is not anyone’s place to do so. Others are held back by our own assumptions and misunderstanding. People with DS are many times dealing with enough problems on their own, they don’t need anyone else keeping them from their full potential.
My son, Gray, has dealt with muscular issues, chronic sickness and other issues I may talk about at a later time. He had heart surgery at 4 years old to fix a hole in his heart. He’s already been through so many trials at his young age, and he doesn’t need a society that holds him back as well!
I hope I’ve made it clear that society and culture are the problem here in my opinion. Don’t let your ignorance of Down Syndrome shape the way you act
