Editor,

RE: "Down syndrome: Dealing with the neglected condition” (The New Times, March 20).

I have a son with Down syndrome. I live in the USA. This article was interesting from many perspectives.

I am lucky that my son who is now 28 years old is doing very well: he can take care of himself, he goes to a special programme during the day, and is healthy and happy.

He travels abroad with me, enjoys eating in restaurants, loves socialising with everyone, and is well-integrated in society both here and in Canada.

He attended regular public schools and had special education classes besides being in the regular classroom throughout his primary and secondary education.

There are many people with Down syndrome who have jobs in our grocery and department stores as well as in restaurants and in other sectors of our workforce.

Children here are taught at an early age that we are all part of the big fabric of life and that our similarities are more important than our differences.

My son has always been given the respect he deserves and for that I am grateful.

Christine B.