Category: Down Syndrome

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The Special End of the Spectrum… and What the World Doesn’t Believe! By Aiden Zarcone

What is the special end of the spectrum? Why doesn’t the world see anything good about special needs people? There are a lot of questions to challenge the world around us once our eyes are opened to a different perspective. Special needs people are amazingly gifted and talented people that the world just doesn’t value enough because of so many stigmas going around. The truth is, some of the most famous and wealthiest people we don’t realize have Autism and there’s lots of people with Down Syndrome that live very inspirational lives. Therefore, we should not be quick to judge.

 

The Stigma

Our world has accepted today that people with special needs like Autism, Down Syndrome and etc. don’t fit into society and are incapable of things like socialization, decision making, and independence. While life can be challenging for special needs people, this stigma is invalid and they are capable of these goals, normally, with a little assistance. People who make up these stigmas are usually very closed minded. People may have accepted those stigmas in recent years and even today, but they don’t see how people with special needs benefit our world.

 

Examples of How Autism and Others Changed The World

With Autism as one of the biggest voices in learning differences, there are lots of examples of how people with Autism and other differences changed the world. Multi-billionaire founder of SpaceX and big investor in Tesla Motors, Elon Musk, has stated in some interviews that he is on the spectrum. Also, co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates, is now a famous business magnate and philanthropist who some people have stated that he quite possibly possesses a lot of autistic traits.

There are plenty of examples of people with Down Syndrome who were famous, but remember, you don’t have to be rich or famous to live an inspiring life in general. Just work hard and be content with what you have.

Lastly, there’s one last person to mention who is on the special end of the spectrum. Can you guess? It’s Aiden Zarcone! He’s started a cocoa company and plans on starting a mobile ice cream shop and using his business as a ministry to serve God and share the Gospel.

 

Conclusion

The special end of the spectrum is the side that the world should value. Instead of stigmatizing people with learning differences, we should celebrate them. Plenty of people with Autism, Down Syndrome, etc. live inspirational lives. Even Aiden plans to start his own business and ministry. If you had a super-ability like Autism, how would you use it? Would you use it to change the world?

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Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome is defined as a genetic condition wherein a child has an extra chromosome, which in turn results in mild to moderate intellectual disability. Down syndrome occurs when the baby is conceived with two copies of chromosome 21 instead of one.

The Truth About Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome. This extra chromosome comes from their father and mother, instead of chromosome 21. Here are some facts about Down Syndrome you may not know.

Down Syndrome Is Not A Disease

Down syndrome is not a disease per se. It’s a genetic condition. It does not shorten your lifespan, and it also doesn’t mean you can’t live a happy, healthy life. In fact, people with Down Syndrome can command very productive, healthy lives, many of whom have full-time jobs, have been married, have children, and lead independent lifestyles.

Children With Down Syndrome Are Usually Early Talkers And Early Walkers

Children with Down Syndrome usually start talking between 12 and 18 months. They often begin walking on time as well. Most children with Down syndrome are fully toilet-trained by the age of five or six.

Many People With Down Syndrome Are Able To Lead Independent Lives

Many people with Down Syndrome have jobs, go to school, and live in their own homes. This is because their parents and community services help them learn how to get along in life and give them support.

Conclusion

People with Down Syndrome deserve to be treated with respect as opposed to pity. They carry the same rights, desires, and hopes as the rest of the population. However, they may face more challenges and require additional support.

That said, don’t forget that October is Down Syndrome Awareness month! Reach out to us today to learn more.

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References

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Pathak I, Bordoni B. Genetics, Chromosomes. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; April 5, 2022.

Pearce JM. Disease, diagnosis or syndrome?. Pract Neurol. 2011;11(2):91-97

Jackson M, Marks L, May GHW, Wilson JB. The genetic basis of disease [published correction appears in Essays Biochem. 2020 Oct 8;64(4):681]. Essays Biochem. 2018;62(5):643-723. Published 2018 Dec 2.

Thase ME. Longevity and mortality in Down’s syndrome. J Ment Defic Res. 1982;26(Pt 3):177-192.