Down syndrome is a common genetic abnormality. It is congenital and manifests itself in the presence of one extra chromosome. At the same time, the lifestyle of parents, the environmental situation, climate and other conditions do not affect this process in any way. And it’s no one’s fault for the appearance of an extra chromosome. Children with Down syndrome have a number of characteristics, as a result of which their development is slightly behind their peers, but practice shows that parental love and patience work real miracles and children learn to do everything that children without an extra chromosome can do.
Today people with Down syndrome are not excluded from society. They live the same life: study, work, act in commercials and films, and do charity work. They become real role models because they show that there is no need to despair and become despondent under any circumstances.
We invite you to learn the stories of 10 people with Down syndrome who proved that barriers do not exist. Perhaps, inspired by their example, you will stop blaming evil fate for your failures and will finally realize your most daring and ambitious plans!
Andrey Vostrikov
Andrey Vostrikov is a six-time Special Olympics champion. The young man is from Voronezh. He is a professional gymnast and serves as an example for young people. Andrey regularly attends international competitions and leads a very active and interesting life.
Pablo Pineda
Many people with Down syndrome find themselves in creativity. Pablo Pineda is no exception. Today he is a successful Spanish actor. In 2009, Pablo received the Silver Shell at the San Sebastian Film Festival for his role in the film Me Too, where he played a teacher with Down syndrome. Pablo lives in Malaga and works in the local municipality.
Sergey Makarov
Sergei Makarov is an actor with Down syndrome. He plays in the Theater of the Simple-minded. As a child, they didn’t want to take Sergei to school, but in 2004 the man became movie hero of the year at the international Stalker festival. He always purposefully walked towards his dream and never looked back on other people's opinions.
Maria Nefedova
Maria Nefedova lives in Moscow. Until recently, she was the only employed person with Down syndrome in Russia. Maria works at the Downside Up center. She is a teaching assistant and helps run group classes for children with Down syndrome. In her free time from work, the girl is busy in productions of the “Theater of the Innocent” and plays the flute.
Stephanie Gins
Stephanie Ginz is a famous actress. Down syndrome never stopped her from realizing herself in creativity. Even in her youth, Stephanie participated in theatrical productions and starred in commercials. At the beginning of her acting career, the girl starred in the film “Duo,” which received many awards. Stephanie is known to a wide audience for her role in American Horror Story.
Bogdan Kravchuk
Bogdan Kravchuk became the first person in Ukraine with Down syndrome to enter a higher education institution. Bogdan is very erudite: he knows English language, remembers by heart the capitals of almost all countries of the world and significant data from the history of Ukraine, owns a computer. Upon entering the university, the young man scored 160 out of 200 possible points.
Karen Gaffney
Karen Gaffney is a charming athlete with Down syndrome. Despite her left leg being paralyzed, Karen managed to swim across the English Channel and set a world record. She also became a Paralympic gold medalist. In her free time from sports, Karen is involved in charity work and runs a non-profit organization that helps children with disabilities.
Tim Harris
Tim Harris natural feature didn’t stop me from opening my own business. His restaurant “Tim’s Place” was recognized as the friendliest not only in the United States, but throughout the world. The restaurant's signature dish is Tim's Hug. During the existence of his business, the young restaurateur managed to personally hug more than 60 thousand people.
Miguel Tomasin
Miguel Tomasin is a special person. He was born with Down syndrome, but at the same time he managed to achieve success in the musical field. He is often called the guru of experimental music. Miguel plays drums in his own band, regularly performs in schools and centers for sick children, and plays covers of songs by his favorite musicians.
Paula Sazh
Paula Sage was born in Scotland. The girl leads an active social and professional life. She works as a lawyer and provides legal support to two international organizations- AnnCap and Mancap. Paula also plays netball and sometimes appears in documentaries and feature films. For her role in the film After Life, she received a BAFTA Award in the Best Film Debut category.
People with Down syndrome differ from us only by one extra chromosome. Society should do everything so that they can feel comfortable in society, and not be prejudiced against them. They can study, work and open their own business!
Find out more about the many talented actors, models, celebrities, scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs with Down syndrome and stars raising sunny children. Enjoy!
Luke Zimmerman
An actor with Down syndrome, he starred in the ABC family series " Secret life American teenager." The role of Tom Bowman as Grace's older brother brought popularity and success. Starred in the 2013 Glee episode "Movin' Out".
Lauren Potter
The blonde actress with Down syndrome gained popularity on the TV show Glee, where she played Becky Jackson.
Tommy Jessop
Star of BBC Growth Up Down's, British documentary film"Growing Down." A film about three people with Down syndrome and their daily ups and downs during the production of Shakespeare's play Hamlet. The actor has been working in television since 2007, starring alongside Nicholas Hoult in Coming Down the Mountain.
Chris Burke
Christ Burke is a Goodwill Ambassador for the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS). Used his celebrity status to raise awareness of Down syndrome around the world. He is known for his role as the beloved brother, Korcha of the Thahera family, in the popular TV show Life Goes On. A long career in Hollywood includes roles in the film Mona Lisa Smile, TV series such as ER, Touched by Angel.
Edward Barbanell
Comedian, scene stealer from The Ringer, Workaholics, The New Normal. Featuring guest "Jackass 3D" Johnny Knoxville. Starred in the indie hit Dorian Blues.
Jamie Brewer
An actress who appeared in American Horror Story: Coven, where she plays the clairvoyant witch Nan.
A model girl with Down syndrome appeared on the catwalk at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, New York's high fashion week. Fights for the rights of disabled people in Texas.
Michael Johnson
Renowned artist, exhibited work at Vanderbilt University. Created more than 500 commissioned paintings. His art has been featured on the cover of the American Journal of Public Health.
Valentina Guerrero
The youngest and most popular fashion model of the fashion world in 2012. She started her career when she was less than a year. The sweet smile went viral in a couple of days, achieving the most desired dream of any model - the cover of People magazine.
Ayelén Barreiro
Selected to participate as a dancer in one of the popular dance shows South America, hosted by renowned Argentine celebrity Marcelo Tinelli.
Eli Reimer
First person to reach Everest Base Camp, 2012. Full year training with his father showed that he has physical strength, mental focus, discipline, endurance.
Judith Scott
She was a world famous American fiber sculptor. Judith was born into a middle-class family in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1943 with her twin sister, Joyce. Unlike Joyce, Judith
The appearance of a special child in a family is a real test of humanity and tolerance, and raising such a child is a huge job that requires incredible spiritual strength.
The children of these stars were born with certain developmental problems, but their parents do not make a secret of this, but honestly talk about their experience, setting an example for many people.
On April 1, 2012, actress and presenter Evelina Bledans became the mother of a wonderful baby Semyon. Evelina found out that her child had Down syndrome at the 14th week of pregnancy. Doctors advised her to have an abortion, but the star categorically refused. And I have never regretted it. Now Sema is already 5 years old, he is an active, cheerful and very bright child. Star mom She devotes a lot of time to the upbringing and development of her baby. For example, already at 3.5 years old the boy learned to read, which not everyone can do. healthy child. The actress proudly talks about her son’s successes on social networks, inspiring hope and optimism in other people raising special children:
“We show by our own example that such children can and should be loved and adored, that they are beautiful, smart and cheerful”Irina Khakamada and Masha
Successful politician and businesswoman Irina Khakamada for a long time hid the fact that her daughter Masha, born in 1997, has Down syndrome. Masha is a late child; Irina gave birth to her at the age of 42 from her third husband, Vladimir Sirotinsky:
“This is the hard-won, very desired fruit of our love”
Now Masha is 20 years old. She is studying at college to become a ceramist and is interested in theater. The girl loves dancing and has outstanding creative abilities. And recently Maria got a boyfriend. Her chosen one was Vlad Sitdikov, who was also diagnosed with Down syndrome. Despite the illness, the young man achieved amazing success in sports: he is the world champion in the bench press among juniors.
Anna Netrebko and Thiago
Your only son Thiago, a world opera star, gave birth in 2008. At first it seemed that he was absolutely healthy and developing in the same way as ordinary children. However, when by the age of three the child had not learned to pronounce even basic words, the parents decided to show him to the doctor. Thiago was diagnosed with a mild form of autism. The opera star did not fall into despair; she found first-class specialists who had enormous experience in dealing with autistic children, and enrolled her son in one of the best specialized schools in New York.
Thiago is now 8 years old; and he is making amazing progress. There was hope that the boy would be able to fully recover. On the talk show “Let Them Talk,” Anna Netrebko addressed all mothers of autistic children:
“Believe me: this is not a sentence! There are methods that develop such children to normal standards."Colin Farrell and James
Colin Farrell's eldest son, James, has Angelman syndrome, also known as happy doll syndrome. Its symptoms: developmental delay, convulsions, causeless outbursts of merriment. As for James, water brings him particular joy. Colin Farrell says:
“He loves everything to do with water. If he gets upset about something, I just fill a bowl of water."
Despite the fact that Farrell broke up with James’ mother a long time ago, he devotes a lot of time to raising his son:
“I adore James, I'm crazy about him. He helps us all become better, more honest, kinder..."
James took his first steps at 4 years old, spoke at 7, and only began to eat on his own at 13. Despite this, Farrell claims that his son is “dragging him in his arms.”
When Diesel, Toni Braxton's youngest son, was 3 years old, doctors diagnosed him with autism. The singer blamed herself for the boy’s illness; she believed that in this way God was punishing her for the abortion she had in 2001. At first, Toni became desperate and overwhelmed with guilt. But for the sake of Diesel, she pulled herself together and turned to the best specialists who helped the boy a lot. In 2016, Toni announced that her 13-year-old son was completely cured.
Sylvester Stallone and Sergio
Sergio, younger son Sylvester Stallone, born in 1979. When the boy was 3 years old, his parents decided to take him to the doctor, as they were alarmed by the child’s isolation and inability to communicate. It turned out that the boy has a severe form of autism. For Stallone and his wife, this was a real shock. Doctors suggested placing Sergio in a special institution, but his parents didn’t want to hear about it. The entire burden of the struggle for her son fell on the shoulders of his mother. Stallone almost never showed up at home, working his ass off and earning money for Sergio’s treatment.
Sergio is currently 38 years old. He lives in his own special world, from which he never leaves. His father often visits him, but, in his own words, he is not able to help his son.
Model Jenny McCarthy showed the whole world that autism can and should be fought. She proved this with the example of her son Evan, who was diagnosed with this disease in early childhood.
WITH early childhood The best specialists worked with Evan, and the actress herself devoted a lot of time to the child. As a result, he learned to make friends and went to secondary school. This is huge progress considering that previously the boy was unable to make simple eye contact.
Jenny believes that vaccinations were the cause of the disease (although modern medicine does not confirm that vaccinations lead to autism spectrum disorders).
Jenny spoke about her experience in the book Louder Than Words. In addition, she organized a special foundation that deals with the problems of autism.
In 2009, a terrible tragedy occurred in the family of John Travolta: the actor’s 16-year-old son Jett died as a result of an epileptic seizure. Only after the death of the young man did the public learn that he had autism, as well as asthma and epilepsy. After losing his son, John Travolta fell into a long depression:
“His death was the most terrible experience of my life. I didn’t even know if I could survive this.”Danko and Agata
3-year-old Agatha, the youngest daughter of singer Danko, has been diagnosed with a very serious disease since birth - cerebral palsy. The cause of the illness was a difficult birth.
Doctors and relatives persuaded the singer to place the baby in a specialized institution or abandon her altogether, believing that he and his wife would not be able to provide the girl with professional care. However, Danko did not even want to hear about giving his daughter into the wrong hands. Now the girl is surrounded by the love and care of loved ones; They work with her a lot, and she has already begun to take her first steps.
Katie Price and Harvey
British model Katie Price is a mother of many children; she has five children. 15-year-old Harvey, her eldest son, is blind from birth; In addition, he was diagnosed with autism and Prader-Willi syndrome, a very rare genetic disease, one of the manifestations of which is an uncontrollable need for food and, as a result, obesity. The unfortunate boy has already suffered a lot of grief: his own father, football player Dwight Yorke, refused to see him, and later the child was subjected to online bullying.
Dan Marino and Michael
Michael, the son of American football player Dan Marino, was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. Thanks to timely and successful treatment, Michael, who is already 29 years old, lives an almost full life, and his parents founded a foundation to help children with autism spectrum disorder.
Konstantin Meladze and Valery
The son of music producer Konstantin Meladze suffers from autism. For a long time the boy’s parents hid this from the public, but after their divorce in 2013, Meladze’s ex-wife gave frank interview, in which she talked about how difficult it is to raise an autistic child. She also advised all parents of special children to contact doctors as early as possible, since early diagnosis plays a huge role in the successful treatment of autism.
John McGinley and Max
20-year-old Max, the eldest son of actor John McGinley, has also been diagnosed with Down syndrome. Although the “Scrubs” star divorced the young man’s mother a long time ago, he continues to take an active part in his son’s life. In one of his interviews, McGinley addressed all parents whose children were diagnosed with Down syndrome.
“You didn't do anything wrong. This is not a punishment for the mistakes of your youth. The child has 21 chromosomes. You are not the only ones to whom God sent this miracle. And love. Love works wonders"Michael Douglas and Dylan
Dylan, the eldest son of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, has some developmental problems, but his parents did not disclose the exact diagnosis. Michael briefly mentioned his son's health in 2010, admitting that Dylan has "special needs."
Neil Young and his children
By a strange quirk of fate, both sons from the Canadian musician’s two marriages have cerebral palsy. This disease is not hereditary, so the appearance of two children with this diagnosis in one family is a very rare coincidence.
Knowing firsthand the problems of disabled people, Young and his wife Peggy founded a school for special children.
Robert De Niro and Elliot
The famous actor has six children. In 2012, at a press conference dedicated to the premiere of the film My Boyfriend Is Psycho, de Niro admitted that his son Elliot, born in 1997, has autism.
Fyodor Bondarchuk and Varya
Varya, daughter of Fyodor and Svetlana Bondarchuk, was born in 2001, premature. For this reason, the girl is slightly behind in development. Parents do not consider their daughter sick, preferring to call her “special.” Varya’s mother talks about her with delight:
“Fantastic, funny and much loved child. It is simply impossible not to love her. She is very bright"
Most of the time, Varya lives away from her parents, abroad, where she receives quality treatment and education.
Sergei Belogolovtsev and Zhenya
The youngest children of actor Sergei Belogolovtsev, twins Sasha and Zhenya, were born premature. Zhenya was diagnosed with 4 heart defects, so in infancy he had to undergo a serious operation, after which the child developed cerebral palsy. At first, the parents hid this diagnosis from others and were even embarrassed about their own son. But they soon realized that by talking about their problem and sharing their experience, they could help many people.
But Zhenya is doing well: he graduated from a school for gifted children, went to college and even became a TV presenter. Now he hosts the program “Miscellaneous News” on the Raz TV channel.
A genetic abnormality in chromosome structure can be expressed in different ways. There are very difficult cases in which a sick person is unable to do almost anything. But a mild form of the disease allows you to maintain a quality lifestyle, as we are assured famous people with Down syndrome, which it makes sense to talk about in more detail.
Regardless of the causes of the chromosomal abnormality leading to a serious illness - Down syndrome, for parents the birth of a child with such a diagnosis is a real tragedy. It is impossible to be cured; congenital pathology will accompany a person throughout his life. There are only auxiliary methods through which you can teach your baby to take care of himself and develop basic skills. If the form is serious, there is no hope for a more or less quality life. But if the disease manifests itself in a mild form, then it makes sense to take care of the child from childhood and not give up. Proof that a beloved child with “child of the sun” syndrome has a great future ahead are celebrities with Down syndrome.
Madeleine Stewart - Australian model with Down syndrome
The main action of parents at the birth of a sick child is not to despair. Anyway, new life means happiness. Yes, unlike others, you will have to devote more time to the newborn, but it is worth remembering the golden rule - Down syndrome is not a death sentence.
A baby is a blessing from above, for which you need to live and enjoy this life. Famous people with Down syndrome and their grateful, happy parents repeat this many times. The latter, in turn, reap the fruits of their love and participation in the life of their beloved child and do not for a second regret that their child is a little different from others. Let us remember a few extraordinary personalities who have reached unprecedented heights in this difficult life.
Famous people with Down syndrome: the disease is not a problem for those who are focused
Few people know that there is a day when people with the diagnosis we describe are treated with special respect. March 21 is the Day of People with Down Syndrome, adopted by the international community. Some will say that there are other dates dedicated to other types of diseases. But the Down category includes great people: lawyers, actors, models, athletes, outstanding scientists, philosophers, etc.
Model with Down syndrome - Madeleine from Australia
About a few years ago, a young Australian, Madeline Stewart, made her debut on the catwalk. Her first appearance caused mixed reactions - some were delighted, others were perplexed how a girl with a serious illness managed to achieve such success. Before the talk had died down, she again conquered the podium outside her homeland. Mad's career has taken off and there is no reason to stop and complain about life. And now, a week the highest fashion in New York was marked not only by a unique show by the world's leading couturiers, but also by the appearance on stage of Mad Stewart. The girl pranced along the catwalk in tight leggings and a light top and amazed the audience with her grace and ease of movements. It is for this reason that she is trusted to parade in a sports type of clothing, directly associated with lightness and ease.
Sergei Makarov: actor with Down syndrome received a prize
Another refutation of misconceptions and monstrous myths about this disease is the vivid and instructive example of Sergei Makarov. From childhood, he was destined for an unenviable fate. It is difficult for Sergei to remember those years when no one wanted to be friends with him or accept him into school. The worst thing is that the doctors refused to treat the child and, according to them, his life would last up to 17 years at most. It would be interesting to look at the faces of these specialists when Makarov became the movie hero of the year and gained true fame as an excellent actor. This event happened already in 2004, when he, with a congenital illness, had long since crossed the threshold of a 17-year-old boy. Unfortunately, domestic cinema rarely attracts talented sunny people, and, apparently, loses a lot.
People with such a disease can express themselves vividly in rare cases, so it is necessary, no matter how rude it may sound, to use their individuality and abilities, the unusualness of the image.
Russian film actor Sergei Makarov also suffers from Down syndrome
Sunny children of celebrities
A well-known politician and simply a beautiful, smart woman, Irina Khakamada has always been distinguished by her determination. At the age of 42, she again surprised the public by giving birth to a child at such a respected age. At first she bravely endured the ordeal; her daughter Masha underwent treatment for leukemia. When the disease was over, a couple of years later, Irina and her daughter attended the premiere of a foreign film and everyone saw that Mashenka suffered from Down syndrome. In the eyes of people, Irina Khakamada has earned even more respect and honor, because no matter what, she continues to enjoy life with her children and makes every effort to make them feel maternal love and care.
Iya Sergeevna Savvina: the only joy is a sunny son
The famous actress, heroine of film adaptations of great works, Iya Savvina, raised her son with a severe form of Down syndrome all her life. They say that immediately after the birth of a sick baby, her family tried to persuade her to give him up. But the actress flatly refused. Savvina made every effort to ensure that Sergei grew up in an atmosphere of love, harmony, and care. Thanks to the efforts of his mother and grandmother, the boy has extraordinary talents: he plays the piano delightfully, masters foreign languages. Despite her national fame, she was afraid that her beloved Seryozha would find it difficult to live without her. She dreamed of only one thing - to leave with her son on the same day. Doctors claimed that Seryozha would not live long, but he managed to outlive his mother and cross the 50-year mark, which became amazing fact among specialists.
Important: Sergei is included in the Guinness Book of Records as a person with sun sickness and a long life span. According to his stepfather, the actress’s son has a light and kind disposition, is always cordial and in a great mood.
Successful people with Down syndrome
It is difficult to gain global recognition not only for a person with some kind of illness, but also for a completely healthy person. But it has already been done famous actor with a solar diagnosis, Pablo Pineda. The Silver Shell prize was awarded to him for the best male role in the film Me Too. For Pablo, cinema is not an end in itself, it’s just that a Spanish director noticed his talents. Until this moment, the actor received several diplomas, including in the field of pedagogy, art, and teaching. Pineda works in the city municipality, and received the important award “Shield of the City” from the hands of the mayor of Malaga.
Pablo Pineda is another successful actor with Down syndrome
Important: Pablo Pineda is the first, and so far, the only person to receive higher education in the University.
Roni - YouTube star
Famous people with Down syndrome also include YouTube star, American composer, and musician Ronald Jenkins. His parents did not begin to panic after the birth of a sick child and invested all their care and love into their beloved child. When Ron was 6 years old, he was given a synthesizer, and, surprisingly, he began to play on his own, without the help of teachers. At first, light, simple melodies were played. The positive thing about Ronald's life is that he always had friends and no one refused to communicate with him. It was with these friends that he began to play music group at school, playing without notes. Now Roni is a famous musician; most listeners consider him a modern genius. Since 2003, he has been performing under the name “Whig Cheese” and uploads every new composition online.
Children of the Sun - public attitude
If we continue to list the most famous people with Down syndrome, the list will be long. And what’s nice is that in recent decades, attitudes towards people with this diagnosis have become much better. Much credit for this goes to modern medicine and the caring public, who strive not only to alleviate, but also to create all the conditions for the full development of people suffering from pathology. After all, the disease can affect anyone, because the slightest pathology in the chromosome structure is enough for this. The disease has no racial or age boundaries, there are even blacks with Down syndrome, whose photos will convince every reader.
Musician Ronald Jenkins is a real Youtube star
It is important to see the baby as a full-fledged child and devote your life to him. After all, doctors still cannot establish exactly what Down syndrome is - famous personalities completely refute the claim that this is a disease, but a truly sunny state.
Down syndrome did not prevent the Spaniard Pablo Pineda from receiving higher education and also becoming a film actor: he played the main role in the feature film “Me Too” (2009).
Pablo Pineda is convincing proof that even Down syndrome is not a final death sentence for a person (like, probably, any illness or disability in general). A lot depends on the courage of the person himself, his willingness to fight for himself and his future, and also, of course, on the love and help of his loved ones.
What is Down syndrome
Down syndrome is a congenital genetic pathology in which a person has one extra chromosome: instead of 46, there are 47 of them in the chromosome set of a cell: one chromosome, namely the 21st, is represented by three copies instead of two.
This syndrome was first described by the English physician John Down in 1862, erroneously classifying it as a form of mental disorder. Signs of people with Down syndrome are a flat face with slanted eyes (this pathology was even called “Mongolism” for quite a long time), an open mouth, a small nose, a short wide neck, a flat back of the head, decreased muscle tone, etc.
At the beginning of the 20th century, with the advent of eugenics, people with Down syndrome began to be forcibly sterilized in many US states. The same thing was done first in Nazi Germany, and then they began to be completely destroyed in order to “purify the Aryan race” as part of the “T-4” killing program (“Tiergartenstrasse 4 Action”).
It is recognized that the birth of a child with Down syndrome (on average 1 in 700-800 births) may be influenced by the age of the mother. Very often such children are born to women over 35 years of age. Usually people with Down syndrome are called “children of the Sun” - for their peacefulness and kindness, the absence of any aggressiveness.
In Russia, about 2,000 children with Down syndrome are born every year, and 85% of them turn out to be superfluous in their family: their parents abandon them. In Europe and the United States, if prenatal diagnostics diagnose a child in the womb with Down syndrome, more than 90% of mothers have an abortion. Doctors have been sounding the alarm about this for a long time, but they have not yet been able to cope with the problem.
Pablo is the first
Meanwhile, it is a misconception to believe that such children are not teachable. They do have delays in intellectual and physical development varying degrees of severity. These may be problems with speech and hearing, development of fine motor skills and communication skills. However, they can still develop: learn not only to walk and talk, but also to read and write, like other children, albeit with a delay.
A striking example of the learning ability of people with Down syndrome is the Spaniard Pablo Pineda, born in 1974 in the Spanish city of Malaga. He grew up in a family where, in addition to him, his two older brothers were raised. Pablo became the first person in Europe with Down syndrome who was able to receive higher education. He graduated in 1999 from the University of Malaga with a degree in educational psychology.
The boy first learned that he was different from everyone else from his teacher at the age of seven, when he was about to go to school. "I am stupid?" – Pablo asked him. “No,” his interlocutor shrugged. “Will I be able to go to school?” He answered in the affirmative, although at that time this was unusual. Today, 85% of Spanish children with Down syndrome go to general, non-specialized schools. At the same time, Pablo became one of the very first such children who studied at regular school along with the rest of the children.
Pablo remembers the school with gratitude. In one of his interviews about his school years, he said this: “School is best time. It was a wonderful, interesting, but also tough experience that enriched my life incredibly. It was especially difficult when I was a teenager.”
Fortunately for him, his parents cared very much about his development and did a lot with it. Pablo himself says this about this: “I grew up in a cultured family, with daily newspapers and a library, curiosity awoke in me very early... In general, such a child should be raised as a child, and not as a “disabled person”: he needs to be educated. Parents should talk to him because worst enemy children with Down syndrome - silence... Parents must always be with them, must show that this is their child. Children with Down syndrome do not need to be overprotected: they should constantly receive mental and physical stimulation and learn independently.”
Another secret to Pablo's success is hard work. For example, he said that he studies 6-7 hours a day. Pablo explained that for him this is in many ways a necessity: after all, for people with Down syndrome, studying and mastering educational material are more difficult than is usually the case.
In his early youth, Pablo wanted to become a lawyer or journalist. However, in the end he chose the teaching profession at the university. For some time after graduation, Pineda worked in the municipality of Malaga. Now he is busy teaching at a school in the Spanish city of Cordoba.
At the 2009 San Sebastian International Film Festival, Pineda won the Best Actor award for Me Too, where he played a university teacher with Down syndrome. We can say that Pablo largely plays himself in the film.
We bring to your attention excerpts from one of the interviews with Pablo Pineda, where he talks about his life and how, in his opinion, society should treat people with Down syndrome.
Pablo Pineda: we should be seen as ordinary people
– What do you remember about school? Was it difficult to adapt?
– I remember my school period as quite useful for me. The difficulties I encountered were often caused by mistrust and fear on the part of senior teachers. They were full of prejudices, and it seemed to them self-evident that I would not cope with my studies. But I was lucky. Young teachers supported me. They approved of my stay at school and insisted that I stay.
From early childhood I always studied in government educational institutions. I must admit that my path was not paved with roses due to Down syndrome, and I had problems with integration.
– How do you fight for your integration? What's the hardest thing about this?
“From the very beginning until today, I have to constantly prove and show what I am capable of. It is very difficult, it is a very difficult struggle, the hardest in my life. I always have to go “one step ahead.” I have faced “no” hundreds of times, but I have learned to fight and achieve “yes.” Some things offended me. For example, I was told that my case was artificial, that it was a substitution, that I had a “mosaic” form of the syndrome (a variant of Down syndrome, in which only some, and not all, cells of the body contain the tripled 21st chromosome - ed.).
– In your opinion, are young Spaniards able to truly integrate a person with Down syndrome into society?
– I have many friends and I have wonderful memories of school. Children are more tolerant, more united. It was more difficult for me as a teenager. The guys at the institute were not so understanding... Well, oh well, in any case, the good outweighs. Everyone has their own experience. All sorts of things happened to me, but, in general, my student life was happy.
– How did you get involved in your work?
– ... I am a certified teacher in the field of special education in the field of “educational psychology.” I am the only person with Down syndrome who has managed to make a career. I consider myself lucky; I am not without work. For almost a year I worked in the social welfare department of the City Hall of Malaga, then in a project for socialization and inclusion in professional activity people on the verge of marginalization... I really enjoy working.
– Do you understand that most people suffering from Down syndrome do not have the same opportunities for a self-sufficient life?
– I feel my exceptional position and I think that several circumstances contributed to this: firstly, I myself very clearly saw myself as such. Besides, my parents helped me as much as they could. They believed in my strength and always supported me. They decided once and for all for themselves that I was absolutely normal in everything and did not make any distinction between me and my brothers. Of course, it wasn’t easy for me.
– That is, do you think that parents play a key role in the development of a person with Down syndrome?
– The most important, without a doubt. But, unfortunately, many parents who have a child with Down syndrome immediately lose hope, do not invest in him as they should, because they simply do not realize his capabilities. This is what makes me different from most guys with Down syndrome. At the same time, it is very important not to overload such children with care; they must be given the freedom to develop.
– Have you ever had moments when you wanted to give up everything, moments of complete loneliness?
– Yes, in the second year of my bachelor’s degree. That year everything was going against me. The teachers were full of prejudices, I suffered a lot from my classmates, they looked down on me, contemptuously... that was the situation. I didn't tell my parents anything. As a result, I endured everything and came to the conclusion that I was able to overcome everything on my own. In general, I moved on with my life. It's funny that in the worst moments of my life, I always meet someone who helps me and supports me. A guardian angel always appears to me.
– What is your goal for the near future?
– I have always believed and continue to believe that my goal is to fight for the liberation of society from prejudices and stereotypes. Our voice must be heard by society, we must be seen ordinary people. To this day, I sometimes ask myself whether society really understands me. It seems to me that people with Down syndrome are not yet sufficiently understood and appreciated as individuals. There is a lack of awareness and often ignorance on this topic. In general, the road ahead is long, we will have to prove a lot.
– What advice do you have for a person with Down syndrome who is having difficulty coping with their condition?
– My advice is to never lose your presence of mind, feel strength and courage, accept yourself as anyone and love yourself. Do not be afraid under any circumstances, do not envy anyone and put aside your complexes! We must fight with all our might. Surely, you have some abilities, and they need to be cultivated. For example, I manage to write well and study well, but the bear stepped on my ear. Everyone decides for themselves what to develop.
– Can you remember a day that fills you with pride? The day when you felt that your efforts were not in vain?
– I can, and not just one such day. Once, when students in a professionally oriented course were being rewarded for their success, I was awarded a special prize. I was bursting with pride when I saw the packed assembly hall in front of me, heard applause and shouts of approval. These were truly indescribable feelings. Another time I was doing an internship at a school, and they gave me an incredible celebration, they prepared a bunch of surprises and poems in my honor. I still get goosebumps when I remember... We were all crying at the end!
