Down Syndrome Awareness

SARAH MACKINTOSH SPOKE TO TRUDY CHETTY, MOTHER OF A SON WITH DOWN

SYNDROME AND FOUNDER OF NON-PROFIT ORGANISATION, YOU’RE MAGICAL.

Having a son diagnosed is good at almost anything “He loves his music and Down syndrome he puts his mind to, as little can sit for hours watching inspired Trudy to start a as he is. He’s very helpful, or listening to praise and non-profit organisation even with chores around worship music or watchcalled You’re Magical. the home. He is intellecing Christian preachers. He It is designed to assist tual and is the most curios enjoys walks with us on the individuals with Down one at home, with a warm beach front and his favousyndrome and their famihappy personality,” says his rite sport is swimming. He lies, aiming to create an proud mom. Joshua loves enjoys good food and loves inclusive community by fishing - his favourite hobby a good braai. He is very creating public awareness (aside from bike riding and hospitable, which even won on Down syndrome. skate boarding). him an award at school for

Trudy and her husband, Big brother Tristyn has hospitality,” says Trudy. Trevor, have two sons. Their Down syndrome and has “Tristyn really enjoys youngest, Joshua, is in the most beautiful calm, communicating with famgrade 1 and is a very enthucaring, warm and loving ily and friends. During the siastic and energetic boy – personality. He always sees lockdown, his favourite according to his mom, there the good in people and is device was his cell phone. is never a dull moment very protective over his Tristyn is extremely helpful with him around! “Joshua little brother. with household chores like

setting the table for dinner, washing and putting away the dishes. Tristyn is employed by Glenwood Super Spar, but due to the concerns surrounding COVID-19, we as his parents decided that he should take a leave of absence until further notice.”

Down syndrome is a genetic disorder caused when abnormal cell division results in extra genetic material from chromosome 21. Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured. Down syndrome causes a distinct facial appearance, intellectual disability and developmental delays. It may be associated with thyroid or heart disease. Treatment consists of therapy and self-care. Early intervention programmes with a team of therapists and special educators who can treat each child’s specific situation are helpful in managing Down syndrome.

Trudy stresses that in many important ways, children who have Down syndrome are very much like other children. They have the same moods and emotions, they like to learn new things, play, and enjoy life.

“We managed well with Tristyn though, through early intervention of various therapies. We are very protective parents, but at the same time allowed him to become an independent individual with lots of support from us.”

“It’s important to talk about all children as individuals and to focus on them as a person first, not simply a diagnosis. Individuals with Down syndrome are fully rounded individuals, experiencing all the emotions, joys and pains, excitement and depression that we all do. The only thing Tristyn does differently from us is that he lives in the moment. There is no pretence or hidden agenda. What you see is what you get with him. A valuable life lesson for us all perhaps,” Trudy explains.

“The journey of raising a son diagnosed with Down syndrome hasn’t been all fun and laughter every day,” says Trudy. “There were moments of tears, but God is our source of strength. Tristyn is supported and loved to bits by us his parents and a younger brother who wants nothing but the best for him. He has taught us many ways to look at life from a different perspective and we as a family could never imagine what life would be like without Tristyn in it.” For more information on You’re Magical, visit www.youremagical.co.za.