Not so different

Brian Wilson (Perspective, 25 April) will not be surprised to know I share his urge to celebrate, while acknowledging that serious challenges remain. My daughter Galina, who recently celebrated her own 14th birthday, is a mainstream scholar, in all subjects, at Peebles High School (with support, as required, from additional needs assistants).

And, in a recent history exam, we were informed that she had passed by a solid margin, scoring higher than several of her classmates who are not defined as “different”.

Her actress mum’s return from performing off-Broadway brings to an end a month in which father and daughter (with some back-up from Granny) have successfully coped with homework, housework and dog-walking. Nor was she the passive bystander awaiting instructions; rather, this capable young lady frequently drew Dad’s attention to things that could be done better, taking initiatives when it made sense to do so.

These 14 years have been a fascinating journey for both parents and child. Mother had, as a teenager, worked in a community for children with special needs. I had a cousin who was in effect deemed ineducable, who never learned to speak, far less read, write, or engage in any kind of productive activities.

The common link between Galina, my cousin, Brian’s son and those others is, of course, Down’s Syndrome. I also share Brian’s concern that public attitudes, and particularly those presented through the media, are still largely unreconstructed, leading to the majority of potential identifiable Down’s pregnancies being terminated.

I know of no parent who has any regrets at having such a child. The difference they bring to our lives, for all that there may be some apprehensions, is overwhelmingly positive.

Aonghas Macneacail

Carlops

Peeblesshire