A Syrian man talks about what it was like to be raised by a father with Down syndrome.
His father, Jad, has the genetic condition in which a person has three copies of chromosome 21, instead of the usual two copies, leading to learning difficulties and delayed development.
The condition did not mean that Sadar’s childhood was devoid of love and support.
Dad Jad showered his only son with all the attention he could and made sure he focused on his studies.
The grain factory worker also became an important pillar of the community due to his altruism.
He is known for his kindness and for expressing love and admiration, without expecting anything in return.
Sader said he was “proud” to have a father like that, loved by so many. Speaking to the Syrian Society for Social Development, Sader said:
“I am proud of my father. Throughout my life, he has been the greatest support to me when I needed it.”
The pride goes both ways as Jad is also extremely happy with his son’s career choice.
Sader added: “You can see when his eyes are full of joy and satisfaction as if to express: “Yes, I have Down syndrome, but I raised this man and did everything I could to make him a doctor.”
“One of the concerns people have is how can a woman who doesn’t have Down syndrome marry a man with DS?”
“I think if the two partners were on the same page, why not get married? They are intellectually suited to each other; very simple but loving and caring people.
I know of six other cases of fathers with DS and studies showing fertility there are very few men with DS, so we cannot say that these men are fertile so easily.”
She wants other people with DS to know that while it may be rare, it is still possible to have a family.
“We truly appreciate the hundreds of parents who have reached out to me and said we have given them hope for a better future for their children.”
