by Michael Arnold, Oklahoma City, OK (age 19 when written)
Down Syndrome is a "chromosomal anomaly." That means my chromosomes made a mistake when I was being made that caused a "structural" difference in my cells. Structure is the way something is made. The number of my chromosomes is different. The way they are put together in my cells is different from most other people's.
When I was born, the doctors thought I had Down Syndrome. I didn't have enough "traits" or "characteristics" for them to just look at me and tell for sure. They had to conduct a "cytogenetic investigation." That means a scientific study of cells from my blood. The doctors did a special study called a "karotype" of the chromosomes in my cells. Blood was taken from my foot to do the test. The test was done the day after I was born and still in the hospital. It took three weeks for the test answers to come back.
When chromosomes from my mom and dad came together to make me, a normal chromosome broke. The broken piece moved and stuck onto another chromosome. No one knows why. This is rare and doctors called it "spontaneous translocation." So in my cells, I have a short chromosome and the long one with the extra piece stuck on it. That is why I have Down Syndrome.
Besides my cell structure, and a few quirks we all have, I am just like everyone else! I go to school, like sports, have feelings, have different interests and things I like to do, and have lots of friends. I have some things that I need help with. I learn differently than some people do, but I am able to learn many things.
Sometimes it takes me longer to process incoming information, form my thoughts, and communicate with you. If you have introduced yourself and I know you, I don't forget who you are. Sometimes I know you because I have seen you but don't know your name. I have a great memory and will remember you!
So when you see me, don't think that I don't know who you are. Tell me "Hi" and I'll do my best to answer you! I want to be friendly! Sometimes I look away from you so I can concentrate and process what you've said to me. It doesn't mean I'm not interested or don't understand. That kind of frustrates me.
I am bashful, quiet and don't talk much unless I am very comfortable. I have a large tongue because of Down Syndrome. That makes it harder for me, than most people, to breathe and talk clearly. That's probably one reason I don't talk much. I'm afraid you won't understand me, might ask me to repeat what I said, or might make fun of me. It's frustrating, so I just don't talk a lot. Some people confuse "not talking much" with "not knowing very much." That isn't true. I know a lot!
I try to do many different things, so I am very brave. I'm in your class, aren't I? When I'm in regular classes, I learn about the subject. Also, I learn how to fit into the mainstream of life with you.
When I'm learning things or taking directions, it's easier for me if information is broken into basic tasks or chunks. Getting the answer or information back to you takes me a little longer. So sometimes it's helpful if there are different ways for me to do these things. That could mean talking, pointing, drawing, locating and showing things, selecting items or answers, or many other ways.
It frustrates me because some people think that I don't know or understand things when I do. I'm smart, too, but maybe in a different way. We just need to figure out easier ways for us to talk!
So remember my report the next time you meet or see someone who isn't like you. Everyone is different. We are all unique individuals. No two are the same. God made us that way so we would have variety and be more interesting!
Michael Arnold is a 19-year-old Oklahoma City high school student with Down Syndrome. His mother, Linda Arnold, helped him compose this report to share with classmates and teachers. As a member of the Respect Diversity Foundation's speakers bureau, Linda offers teacher/parent seminars on adapting curriculum and understanding the rights of those with special needs.
Reprinted with the generous permission of tolerance.org. Tolerance.org, a program of the Southern Poverty Law Center, is a principal online destination for people interested in dismantling bigotry and creating, in its stead, communities that value diversity. Its Mix It Up project believes in the power of youth to create and sustain real change.