In 2011, a set of twins with Down syndrome was born to Jodi and Matt Parry. They’ve since devoted their lives to spreading knowledge about the condition breaking down stereotypes and misconceptions.
Unexpectedly Having Twins with Down Syndrome
When Jodi and Matt Parry were told they were having twins with Down syndrome, fear ran through them as the doctor told them, “I’m sorry.” The girls were born prematurely in June of 2011 and given the diagnosis three weeks later.
Jodi later disclosed that she “had bleak visions of the future.” Instead of feeling like a mother, she “felt lost and confused.” Having twins with Down syndrome is incredibly rare, with the odds of 1 in 2 million, and with a son already at home, the pair had no idea how to prepare for what was in store. “I thought we’d be carers until we dropped dead.” She said.
Coming to Terms with a Possible Dark Future
“The doctor took us off the ward, into a bare, clinical side room with three chairs,” Jodi explained. “Everything else he said that day is a blur, that ‘I’m sorry’, the first words that came out of his mouth, is the thing that stayed with us.”
The pair were left with countless questions. Such as whether or not the girls would talk or walk and wondered if they’d ever be able to attend a “mainstream school.” “How different our world looks now.” She said.
Pleasant Surprises
As it turns out, the twins with Down syndrome are thriving. While they have overcome some health-related obstacles, the girls lead lives that are full of love and excitement. “I’m looking forward to spending Mother’s Day this year with my beautiful children – I won’t be relaxing, but that’s life when you have three little ones.” She shared in 2016. “I’m happy to be able to celebrate the day as an extremely proud mum of our seven year old son, Finlay, and our twin four year olds, Abigail and Isobel.“
Moreover, in 2015, the girls celebrated their first day of school, in a “mainstream school“. The girls attended Chorley primary school with their older brother, Finlay. Now, the family has devoted themselves to offering support to other families with children who have Down syndrome.
Supporting Others
“Even though the first years of a child’s life are so important to their development, many families with a child who has a learning disability struggle to get the right support at the right time.” Jodi explained regarding her hope to be a support for other families. “We know this is true from our own experience. Luckily we met a wonderful health visitor, Barbara, our rock, who finally gave us some honest answers and encouragement.”
“If there had been a bit more understanding and listening to us as parents, then perhaps our distress would have been heard and someone could have directed us to information that told us what to expect for our daughters’ futures, not just scientific jargon about extra chromosomes!” She added.
When the twins with Down syndrome were born, the Parry’s, like most parents, worried about their daughters’ futures as well as their own. Down syndrome, like many other conditions, can leave parents worried with unanswered questions. Fortunately, there are people like the family with the twins with Down syndrome who shed a compassionate light on an otherwise uncertain situation.
Twins with Down Syndrome Break Stereotypes
The twins disprove many of the misconceptions people have about those with Down syndrome. While it’s true that symptoms and severity differ from person to person, having the right support system will more than likely be the greatest ally in ensuring a full and happy life for any child who’s been given a Down syndrome diagnosis. Their Facebook page is devoted to showcasing their action-packed lives. The page is called Twincess Girls and has an intro that’s sure to give any parent much-needed reassurance. “A place where families of those with Down’s Syndrome can connect, share, support and celebrate!”
Moreover, the page features photos and videos of the adorable twins living their best lives. Attending sporting games, outings for sweet treats, and even celebrating the holidays with their mom, dad, and older brother Finlay.
Clearing up Confusion
Seemingly, quality of life isn’t the only misconception regarding the twins with Down syndrome or the condition itself. According to the DSAGSL, people often misspell or mispronounce the condition. They emphasize that it is correctly put Down syndrome. Clarifying there is no ‘s and syndrome is lowercase. Next, they emphasize that when referring to a person with Down syndrome, it’s important to remember that they are, first and foremost, people. Their condition does not make them who they are; it’s simply something with which they’re born. Lastly, people are encouraged to speak about a person with Down syndrome in the first person, similarly to how most people would refer to anyone without the condition.
The twins with Down syndrome are rare in that not many twins are born with the condition. However, it’s not rare to find that with the right information and encouragement, many people with Down syndrome, as well as other conditions, go on to lead full and satisfying lives with some even working toward building a better world and brighter future for us all.
Keep Reading: Single mother with Down syndrome raises son with same condition. This is her story.
Sources
- “Parents of Down’s Syndrome twins: “Everyday is joyful”. BBC. March 25, 2014.
- “Adorable identical twins with Down’s syndrome celebrate their first day at school.” Mirror. Tui Benjamin. September 9, 2015.
- “Mum of 1 in 2 million Down’s syndrome twins tells doctor who was “sorry”: I wouldn’t swap them for the world. Mirror. Jodi Parry and Steve Myall. March 15, 2016.