World Down Syndrome Day

In a day where people use the word retarded all too easily it is obvious that our society could benefit from more advocacy, education and positive exposure of special needs. To that end, today – World Down Syndrome Day – I would like to tell you about my nine year old son, who has Down Syndrome. You may think because he has Down Syndrome that he’s very different from other children. In many ways he’s the same. See for yourself.
FOOD
My son likes yogurt, just like many “typical” children.

My son likes corn on the cob, just like “typical” children.

BIRTHDAY CAKE
My son likes to blow the candles out, just like “typical” children.

My son gets icing from his birthday cake all over his face, just like “typical” children.

HOLIDAYS
My son likes to trick or treat in costume, just like “typical” children.

My son likes to open Christmas presents, just like “typical” children.

CLOTHES
My son wears clothes, just like “typical” children.

PLAY
My son likes Ernie and Sesame Street, just like “typical” children.

My son likes Blue’s Clues, just like “typical” children. Ok I lie. He LOVED Blue’s Clues.

VIDEO GAMES
My son likes to play video games, just like “typical” children. (This picture isn’t great but it’s him playing his Vmotion.)

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
My son likes to ride his bicycle, just like “typical” children. Actually he LOVES that to.

WONDER
My son is amazed by certain things, in the same innocent way that “typical” children have.

NOISE AND SOUND
My son likes noisy toys, just like “typical” children.

MUSIC
My son likes music, just like “typical” children. He prefers rock and roll, like his mother. His favorite band is Hinder and if he hears it he’ll sing along with you and when you’re done say “you rock”.

SLEEP
My son falls asleep right in the middle of doing something, just like “typical” children do.

Even in the middle of a game of cards with the adults.

FUNNY
My son has his funny moments, just like “typical” children.
Ok, maybe some aren’t so typical. Some are amazing. Seriously. Not all children want to be sure the family cat wipes their ass.

My son is amazing and he’s made us better people. He represents everything we were missing and never knew we wanted before he was born. I love him with every bit of my being (as I do my typical son) and am thankful for all of the joys he has brought us. His smile can light up a room. He’s happy and loving.
In case you’re wondering why I put quotes around the word typical it’s because every child is typical. Typical for themselves. Children are children, no matter what their needs are. Society places too many labels on people and too much importance on the labels. Every child is special and has special needs – the needs of being cherished and loved and provided the opportunity to reach their full potential, whatever that may be. Children can learn from each other. Children can learn from us. We can learn from children. Everyone in this world is a person of value and deserves to be treated with respect.
There’s a great article on World Down Syndrome Day over on 5 Minutes For Special Needs, for anyone interested in reading more.