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Five Keys to Success: Thoughts About Some Down Right Amazing People
In honor of Down Syndrome Awareness Month, I would like to share some thoughts about people with Down syndrome and commonalities I have noticed about those with Down syndrome who seem to flourish. First, it is Down syndrome, not Downs, because it was first described in 1866 by a British physician named John Langdon Down. There are three types of Down syndrome: Trisomy 21(the most common), Mosaicism and Translocation. Early physical, occupational, and speech therapy intervention can significantly improve development. Individuals with Down syndrome, like everyone else, have unique gifts, interests, and talents that vary greatly.
In my experience in the classroom and writing several of these blogs, I have noticed a pattern of success. Here are my top five traits that make them Downright Amazing People.
1. They have been treated with responsibilities and accountability like any other family member. In other words, they have been made to feel like part of something and not the center of it all. When people feel like the world revolves around them, they feel entitled. Children in a group understand that everyone must do their part to be successful.
2. They have the natural ability to make connections with others. They listen to others, ask questions of others, and have conversations with others. They have great social skills.
3. They have a great sense of humor. People with Down syndrome who can see humor and laugh at situations make others laugh too. Laughter is a great gift and a great way to connect with others.
4. They find ways to give back to others. They might do some volunteer work, be helpful to other people, and think of others when they go about their daily lives.
5. People with Down syndrome have unique interests and passions, just like everyone else. These can include hobbies, collections, favorite books or shows, drawings, puzzles, and much more. They can be a starting point for conversations and a way to connect with others.
On February 12, 2024, I published a blog titled “Down Right Amazing: Embracing Diversity”. It is a blog about Wil, an amazing young man with Down syndrome. His mom, Christie Taylor, also writes a blog about him at www.WILingness.com. Read her blog, it is well-written and heartfelt. She wrote a book, available on Amazon, titled Stories of Wil: Puberty Part 1, How Wil, Who Has Down Syndrome, Entered His Teenage Years. Here is the link to read my blog about WIL if you missed it the first time:
Wil is now a high school senior with all of the above-described traits. In the book Christie wrote, she describes her journey as a parent of someone who has Down syndrome. Her words are authentic and give real-life examples of living with someone with Down syndrome. I highly recommend reading the book. It is an easy read and written with the true heart of a mother navigating her path from the early days of fully accepting what it is to raise and embrace the life of a person with Down syndrome, to the next surprise that arrived: puberty. This is a fun and enlightening read with great insights for all parents. It is filled with stories that raise awareness of the joys and challenges of raising someone with Down syndrome.
Outside of school, you can find Wil listening to music, singing, golfing, and playing his guitar. He has many friends and being around him brings out the best in everyone. His mom says that he helps us all readjust our perspective about things. You can get her book on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/s?k=stories+of+wil%3Apuberty+part+1&crid=35VKDIC8I9945&sprefix=%2Caps%2C139&ref=nb_sb_ss_recent_1_0_recent
People with Down syndrome bring incredible value to our communities in so many ways. People with Down syndrome teach us the value of inclusion and by celebrating their accomplishments, we foster a more accepting and supportive world. Take the time today to read a blog, podcast, or book about someone with Down syndrome. You will be inspired and glad you took the time to read and learn.
