1. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
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Awareness is achieved by means of educating others
But, what can we say to increase awareness?
- Down syndrome is neither an illness nor a disorder. Those with Down syndrome lead a worthy life
as people with integrity; they reach their goals and are passionate about things, and take advantage of
their unique abilities.
- There are no Down´s children, no Down´s communities, nor Down’s people. Those with Down
syndrome are babies, children, youths and adults that go through all the normal stages of growth at
different times and with the same goal: being able to live as independently as possible, taking full
advantage of their individual capacities.
- They are neither angels nor demons. They are people like you and me, with the same rights and
the same responsibilities. They have the right to be treated with respect and kindness, to be included in
society, be pampered and loved, just like the rest of us. They have the right to receive an education and
be given the opportunity to achieve their maximum potential.
They also have social obligations and are capable of adapting and behaving just as everybody
else (except in rare cases where there is an additional condition). They must abide by the law, contribute
to the community and just as everybody else, they have the moral obligation to become better people
every day, to help to build a better world.
- They are very loving and intense, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have mood swings, that they
don’t think, laugh, cry, suffer, fall in and out of love and face the same challenges as the rest of us. Who
hasn’t been heartbroken or criticized at some point in life? It’s happened to me. What about you?

2. October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month
www.elianatardio.com
What do we expect from society?
We expect people to learn basic concepts that will enable them to better interact with our children,
which will enable them to be socially included in all aspects.
- Many times, their language abilities are delayed and in order to improve their communication skills
they need to be listened to with respect. The fact that they aren’t as eloquent as other children of their
same age doesn’t mean that they have nothing to say or that they won’t be able to say it. Take a break
and listen to them. -
- Almond shaped eyes are not a warning. They are an invitation to a slightly different world, which is
filled with rewards and sincere hugs and smiles. Give yourself the chance to experience it!
- Intellectual Quotient or IQ is an isolated figure that does not limit them. In fact, it challenges them to
better themselves every day. If we add their IQ to their PD and LQ, we will be surprised by the results!
They are motivational beings that inspire others every step of the way, achieving things that many of us
could not dream of doing, even with a higher IQ, due to a lower PD and LQ·
IQ – Intellectual Quotient
PD- Personal Determination
CL – Love Quotient
To sum up, we shouldn’t need to elaborate so much about all this.
It should be as easy as saying:
LOOK AT THIS HUMAN BEING, EMPATHIZE AND GIVE HIM OR HER A CHANCE
This not only applies to our children with Down syndrome. We should do this every day, in every
situation. How people react towards our children’s abilities is not a reflection of our children. It is a
reflection of who those people are and it shows us their personal values.
HAPPY AWARENESS MONTH
Because being able to smile together is a blessing.