Dear stranger

I wonder what you think when you meet me for the first time? I know I look a bit different and sometimes it’s hard not to stare. Maybe you haven’t really met someone with Down syndrome before.

If I smile or wave at you, please smile back… Even say hello. It will make my day.

Please don’t grab your children away from me. Down syndrome isn’t contagious, and I love making new friends. Explain to your children I am just like them, even if I can’t talk clearly yet, I still want to play.

Take time to say hello. Me and my family love to talk to people. If you are curious about my condition we will answer your questions, but please don’t ask my parents ‘did you know before you had him’ or ‘didn’t you have the test’ because that makes me feel like a mistake and actually, I’m perfect as I am.

Don’t laugh at me. I know I’m not as skilled at certain things, sport for example. My low tone means I have to work so much harder to learn to do things you find easy. Until I master it, I might look clumsy, I would really appreciate your support when I am putting so much effort into learning a skill. I have feelings… I know the difference
between laughing at and laughing with. Believe me, take the time to get to know me and we will laugh together. I will make your soul happy.

We see the difference between “oh bless him!” and “aahh bless him!” accompanied by the little head tilt and it hurts. Please treat me age appropriately, don’t baby me. Talk to me, not over me, I understand everything you say I just need to work a lot harder on my speech. One day soon we will be able to have a real two-way conversation.
Don’t pity my family. Our lives are better than you could ever imagine. We’ll let you into a little secret…. we feel sorry for people who don’t have someone with Down syndrome in their lives… you don’t know what you are missing out on.

Signed,
Your future friend.

Lorraine Buckmaster mum to Jaxon