Personal Narrative: My Diagnosis Of Down Syndrome

My grandfather sits across the table with his highlighter, an Egg McMuffin, and a neatly organized stack of papers - the draft of a book he’s writing on school success, and research he plans to cite on the topic. He’s asked for my feedback, which pleases me and motivates me at the same time. On my mom’s side of the family, nearly every individual is an educator, and our conversations often center around inclusion, collaboration, human development and the potential in all people.

I’m the oldest of six children, and two of my sisters have a diagnosis of Down syndrome; one also has apraxia. Along with teaching and learning, advocacy is also part of my fabric, and my family story. Since challenges or delays in communication impact four of my five