The Upside of Down Syndrome..

February 27, 2008

The upside of Down

syndrome

February 27th, 2008

From

the PBS Newshour, a personal essay by 15-year-old Sydney Ray of

Fresno, CA, about the joys and occasional frustrations of living with her

brother. Seven-year-old has Down syndrome, “a genetic condition

that affects how the body and brain develop.” Sydney’s article is

part of Speak Out, a collection of essays by students around the world. An

excerpt:

Many children with Down syndrome never get the chance to shed their light on

the world. Joni Eareckson Tada, the founder and CEO of Joni and Friends

International Disability Center, said, “over 90% of pregnant women who

are given a Down syndrome diagnosis choose to have an abortion.”

This statistic breaks my heart. While children with Down syndrome do require

extra time of the parents, the payoff is well worth it. … I am quite sure

we are all better off knowing .

… Sometimes the people around me mock those with special needs. I find

this hurtful, since my brother could very well be the person they make fun of

one day.

… Many people would get frustrated if they had to live with

everyday. However, for me, I have never known it to be anything but a blessing.

Not everyone can or should have a special needs child in their family, but

everyone should be tolerant and polite to the ones they meet. These people mean

the world to their family and friends.

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