What is Down syndrome?

Summary

Brains On! Science Podcast for Kids: "What is Down Syndrome?" Episode Summary

Release Date: January 21, 2025
Host: Molly Bloom
Produced by: American Public Media

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1. Introduction and Overview

In this heartfelt episode of Brains On!, Molly Bloom revisits a beloved episode dedicated to understanding Down syndrome. She sets the stage by promising listeners an engaging exploration of chromosomes, a visit to a Down syndrome-inclusive ranch, and a fun mystery sound segment. Molly emphasizes the importance of curiosity and empathy, inviting both kids and adults to dive deep into the topic.

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2. Friendship and Diversity: Peter, Noah, and Max (00:35 - 02:09)

Molly introduces listeners to Peter, Noah, and Max—three friends from New Haven, Vermont. They share common interests such as reading, playing ball, and, notably, a love for pizza. However, their differences, like Noah's fondness for asparagus versus Max's dislike, showcase the beauty of diversity in friendships.

Notable Quote:
Max (00:55): “Noah likes asparagus and I do not. Do you like asparagus?”
Molly Bloom (02:09): “Peter and Noah have Down syndrome.”

These differences stem from biological factors, specifically their chromosomes, with Peter and Noah each having an extra chromosome, leading to Down syndrome.

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3. Understanding Chromosomes and Down Syndrome (02:09 - 07:15)

Molly delves into the science of chromosomes, explaining that most people, like Max, have 46 chromosomes, while Peter and Noah have 47 due to an extra chromosome 21, a condition known as Down syndrome or trisomy 21.

Notable Quote:
Max (02:09): “I have an extra chromosome.”

Molly highlights how these extra chromosomes contribute to both the uniqueness and the common traits among individuals with Down syndrome, such as distinct physical features and potential health challenges.

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4. Expert Insights with Dr. Brian Skotko (07:29 - 10:40)

To provide a deeper understanding, Molly brings in Dr. Brian Skotko, co-director of the Down syndrome program at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr. Skotko explains Down syndrome using an analogy of baking a cake, where an extra egg (chromosome) alters the final product slightly but still results in a wonderful outcome.

Notable Quote:
Dr. Brian Skotko (07:49): “People with Down syndrome have an extra chromosome... it turns out to be wonderful humans.”

Dr. Skotko discusses the biological mechanisms behind Down syndrome and touches on the variability of medical conditions among individuals with the condition, indicating that while all share an extra chromosome, their experiences can differ widely.

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5. Addressing Treatment and Support with Linda Smarto (11:05 - 12:35)

Molly continues the conversation by addressing whether Down syndrome can be "fixed." Linda Smarto from the National Association for Down Syndrome clarifies that there is currently no way to alter the chromosomal condition. Instead, the focus is on providing support and fostering an environment where individuals with Down syndrome can thrive.

Notable Quote:
Linda Smarto (11:11): “Providing them with a lot of support, with a lot of friendship, helping an individual with Down syndrome... letting them soar to their full potential.”

Smarto emphasizes acceptance and assistance over attempts to change the fundamental aspects of individuals with Down syndrome.

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6. Mystery Sound: Farm Animals (12:35 - 17:23)

To add an element of fun, the episode features a mystery sound segment. Listeners are challenged to guess the sound, which turns out to be horses eating grain at the Down Home Ranch in Texas—a community where many residents have Down syndrome and work closely with animals.

Notable Quote:
Molly Bloom (17:10): “They're eating grain to make them feel healthy.”

The segment not only entertains but also highlights the therapeutic and empowering environments provided by such ranches.

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7. Life at Down Home Ranch (17:23 - 21:07)

Molly takes listeners on a virtual tour of Down Home Ranch, showcasing the daily routines and chores performed by its residents. Characters like Kyleer and Travis share their experiences, emphasizing the joy and challenges of farm life. The ranch serves as a model of inclusivity, where individuals with Down syndrome engage in meaningful work and community living.

Notable Quote:
Travis (18:12): “My grandfather was raised on the ranch too. My favorite thing is to ride horses, but the least thing is how heavy the hay is.”

The ranch combines work with life skills training, demonstrating the potential for independence and fulfillment among its residents.

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8. Speech Therapy Insights (15:18 - 17:00)

Fiona, one of the co-hosts, shares her experiences with speech therapy under the guidance of Sarah Bowman, a speech pathologist. The therapy focuses on improving specific sounds and speech clarity, illustrating the supportive measures that help individuals with Down syndrome enhance their communication skills.

Notable Quote:
Molly Bloom (16:25): “We are targeting some specific speech sounds... to help her overall speech clarity.”

Fiona demonstrates progress by accurately producing targeted sounds, highlighting the effectiveness of consistent therapeutic interventions.

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9. Advice for Inclusivity and Friendship (21:03 - 23:37)

Annie Defrain, a program aide at Wing Lake Center and a woman with Down syndrome, shares inspiring advice about persistence, positivity, and kindness. She underscores the importance of believing in one’s goals and maintaining patience and understanding when interacting with others.

Notable Quote:
Annie Defrain (21:07): “Never give up on anything. Once you put your mind into it, you will succeed in everything you do.”

Ezra and Fiona add their perspectives, encouraging listeners to engage with and befriend individuals with Down syndrome without prejudice.

Notable Quote:
Max (23:07): “If you meet someone with Down syndrome, or any difference really, don't be afraid to reach out and get to know them. You might make new friends.”

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10. Closing Remarks and Community Acknowledgments (24:01 - 26:45)

Molly wraps up the episode by reiterating that having Down syndrome is just one aspect of an individual’s identity. With the right support and understanding, people with Down syndrome can achieve remarkable things and form meaningful relationships.

The episode concludes with heartfelt thanks to contributors, guests, and the extensive Brains On! community, recognizing the collective effort that brings such informative and inspiring content to life.

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Key Takeaways:

• Down Syndrome Basics: Caused by an extra chromosome 21, leading to diverse physical and cognitive traits.
• Support Over Alteration: Emphasis on providing support and fostering environments where individuals can thrive.
• Inclusivity in Communities: Programs like Down Home Ranch demonstrate the positive impact of inclusive communities.
• Personal Growth and Potential: With proper support, individuals with Down syndrome can pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society.
• Empathy and Friendship: Encouraging open, patient, and respectful interactions fosters meaningful friendships and inclusivity.

This episode of Brains On! serves as an enlightening resource, promoting understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals with Down syndrome, while also highlighting their unique strengths and contributions to the community.

Transcript

[Molly Bloom]

Hi, friends. This week we're playing one of our favorite episodes from the past. It's one we put a lot of heart and effort into, and it's one we still think about a lot. The episode is about down syndrome and you'll learn about chromosomes, visit a ranch, and of course, get to guess a sneaky mystery sound. Okay, on with the show.

[Max]

You're listening to Brains on, where we're serious about being curious. Brains on is supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation. I can't get again.

[Molly Bloom]

Meet Peter, Max and Noah.

[Max]

Well, we're buddies.

[Molly Bloom]

These pals are all about the same age. They go to the same school in New Haven, Vermont. They like a lot of the same things, like reading, playing ball. And of course, he likes pizza and I like pizza.

[Max]

Noah, do you like pizza? Oh yeah, pizza.

[Molly Bloom]

Agreed. Pizza is life. Max says they have their differences too.

[Max]

Noah likes asparagus and I do not. Do you like asparagus? We are asparagus. Really? Another difference is that I do not like chicken and Noah does.

[Molly Bloom]

So they probably shouldn't order an asparagus chicken pizza. But that's not really going to get in the way of their friendship. If we were exactly the same as our friends, that would be kinda boring. Differences offer surprises and let us learn about things we might never even know existed or didn't think were that cool in the first place. Some differences come from the place you grew up in, like the language you speak or your favorite baseball team. Go, Twins. Other differences, like your hair or eye color, are biological. They come from your body, your cells and your chromosomes. Chromosomes are part of your cells and they hold the blueprints, the DNA that makes you you. Between Peter, Noah and Max is that Max, like most people, has 46 chromosomes in his cells. Peter and Noah's cells have 47.

[Max]

I have an extra chromosome.

[Molly Bloom]

That extra chromosome means that Peter and Noah have down syndrome. For Peter, it's just another thing that makes him him.

[Max]

Yeah, and I like down syndrome. I think it's cool.

[Molly Bloom]

For Max, meeting someone with down syndrome made him curious.

[Max]

When Noah came into the school, that just made me want to know the answer to this question. What causes down syndrome? And so I sent the question into brainson.

[Molly Bloom]

We'll be answering that today. Keep listening. This is brainzonn from American Public Media. I'm Molly Bloom. Here to help me answer Max's question about down syndrome is 12 year old Ezra and 10 year old Fiona from St. Paul, Minnesota. Hello.

[Max]

Hello. Hi.

[Molly Bloom]

So you guys are siblings?

[Max]

Yes, I'm a Sibling. It's my butt.

[Molly Bloom]

Do you always get along?

[Max]

No. Yeah. No. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

So Fiona says you always get along.

[Max]

That's not true.

[Molly Bloom]

Ezra begs to differ. So you both like to do sports?

[Max]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

So what is your favorite sport, Ezra?

[Max]

Baseball.

[Molly Bloom]

What is your favorite sport, Fiona?

[Max]

Swimming, biking, Running. And horses?

[Molly Bloom]

And horses. And Fiona, this is a question for you. Is Ezra a good brother?

[Max]

Yeah, my brother love play baseball. So cool and handsome and just like me.

[Molly Bloom]

Awesome. And Ezra, do you think Fiona's a good sister?

[Max]

Yeah, she's really creative and fun.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, let's get to Max's question.

[Max]

What causes down syndrome? People, down syndrome are all unique, but sometimes they have similar traits due to the extra chromosome.

[Molly Bloom]

For instance, they may have similar shaped eyes, or they might have a larger space between their first or second toes. It's also common for people with down syndrome, or ds, to have heart issues and challenges with memory and learning. This can sometimes slow their development.

[Max]

But having down syndrome doesn't define who a person is. I stay on funeral. I love running, screaming, barking and biting horses. She just happens to have down syndrome, just like I happen to have brown hair.

[Molly Bloom]

Down syndrome is named after John Langdon Down, a British doctor who first described the condition way back in 1866. It wasn't until almost 100 years later, in the late 1950s, that scientists figured out it was caused by an extra chromosome.

[Max]

That word's come up a lot so far. Chromosome. What is chromosome?

[Molly Bloom]

Here to fill us in is producer Mark Sanchez.

[Mark Sanchez]

Let's take out our handy dandy zoom ray here. And zoom right in, way in, to our cells. Cells are those little units that make up our bodies. And our bodies are made up of a practically unimaginable number of them. Many, many trillions of cells. In fact, there are more cells in just your body than there are people on Earth. There are a lot of cells. Now let's take one of those cells and zoom in again.

[Max]

Zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom, zoom.

[Mark Sanchez]

In the middle of that cell is a nucleus. Now zoom in again.

[Molly Bloom]

Zoom, zoom.

[Mark Sanchez]

Inside that nucleus are chromosomes. 46 to be exact. 23 from one biological parent and a matching 23 from the other. Now let's zoom in one more time on a single chromosome. Each chromosome is made up of one DNA molecule, DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, and a bunch of proteins called histones. Now, DNA is the blueprint for everything in your body. It tells the cells in your body what to become and what to do. DNA Molecules themselves are really cool looking. Each DNA molecule is shaped like a long, skinny double helix. Picture a ladder that twists from one end to the other. So instead of going straight up, it kind of spirals from top to bottom. DNA strands are so long and skinny, they wouldn't fit inside the cell without being part of a chromosome. In a chromosome, these DNA molecules wrap around the proteins like a thread wraps around a spool. It's a neat space saving trick. Scientists are hard at work trying to figure out what all the different sections of DNA do. These sections are called genes. Right now, for example, we know that two of the genes that affect eye color are located on chromosome 15. The gene that controls if you're lactose intolerant is on chromosome 2. Scientists still have a lot left to learn about chromosomes and DNA and genesis. So for now, I think it's time to zoom back out to Fiona, Ezra and Molly in the studio.

[Molly Bloom]

So we know that people with down syndrome have an extra copy of the 21st chromosome, which is why it's sometimes called trisomy 21.

[Max]

Try for three. Like a three wheeled tricycle. Oh, tri. So top.

[Molly Bloom]

But how does an extra chromosome lead to down syndrome?

[Max]

To find out, we talked to Dr. Brian Scottko.

[Molly Bloom]

One of his sisters has down syndrome and that inspired him to work in a field where he could help people like her.

[Max]

Now he's a doctor and the co director of the down syndrome program at Massachusetts General Hospital. Is there an easy way to explain down syndrome to my friends?

[Dr. Brian Skotko]

I heard from one sibling who has a brother or sister with down syndrome that she explained down syndrome. Like baking a cake. If you look at the recipe for most cakes, it involves two eggs. Yes. You throw the milk in there, you throw the batter in there, you mix it together and you have a great cake. But let's say we threw an extra egg in the recipe. It would still turn out to be a cake. Yes, maybe a little fluffier, but it would still be a cake. People with down syndrome have an extra ingredient. They have an extra chromosome, they have that extra egg, and that turns out to be wonderful humans, wonderful brothers and sisters, wonderful sons and daughters. But they also have an extra ingredient that makes the composition of who they are sometimes a little bit different.

[Max]

So my sister, she doesn't see herself different than anybody else. Do people with down syndrome really realize that they have down syndrome?

[Dr. Brian Skotko]

Many people with down syndrome understand what the condition is, and some people don't necessarily fully grasp it. It really depends on the age of the person and also their development. But what's important is that everyone with down syndrome realize that they're important, that they're special, and that they value to their families and to their communities.

[Max]

How does having an extra chromosome lead to down syndrome?

[Dr. Brian Skotko]

By having an extra copy of chromosome 21. The body has extra genetic material, and that's what causes down syndrome. Some people might say, well, isn't extra chromosomes good? Having extra genes, that must be a good idea. And actually, there are many advantages to having an extra copy of chromosome 21. People with down syndrome almost rarely get breast cancer. Almost rarely get solid tumors. So having those extra genes from extra chromosome 21 helps fight cancers. But we also know having those extra genes sometimes can confuse different parts of the body and can lead to health challenges. Chromosomes are really the blueprints for our body. And when you have an extra set of instructions, that could either work to your advantage, or it could confuse some of the cellular biology. And that really depends on every organ, which chromosomes they tap, which blueprints they rely on, and how often they rely on those throughout one's life.

[Molly Bloom]

So why is it that different people who have down syndrome might have totally different medical conditions that occur with it? Some people have heart conditions. Some. Why is it so different?

[Dr. Brian Skotko]

We know that everyone with down syndrome has extra chromosomal material from chromosome 21. But people with down syndrome are so varied, not only in their personalities, but in the medical conditions that they get or they don't get. Why is that? It eludes scientists right now. So researchers and scientists are trying to unravel what causes certain conditions in some people but not others. So stay tuned for good research coming down the pike.

[Molly Bloom]

So, Ezra, did anything stand out to you from talking to Dr. Skotko?

[Max]

Yeah. Like, a simple way to describe down syndrome is like a cake. Like, you usually use two eggs, but sometimes you can use three. Like, it's still gonna be a cake, but it might just be a little fluffier.

[Molly Bloom]

Yeah, that's a really good way to describe it. So now we have a picture of what down syndrome is and how it works. But Max had another question, too.

[Max]

Is there any way to, like, fix someone who already has it?

[Molly Bloom]

To answer that, we spoke with Linda Smarto from the national association for Down Syndrome. Can you fix a chromosomal abnormality? The answer is no. They're working on that to maybe try to discover ways to fix this when the baby is in utero, meaning within the womb. But as of now, there is no way. And from a parent's perspective, since my daughter has down syndrome, if you were to ask me 23 years later, as my daughter is 23 years old, if I would want to change anything about my daughter, the answer would be no. I would like to look at it more as assisting an individual with down syndrome. So let's think about what are the best ways in which we can assist somebody with down syndrome? Providing them with a lot of support, with a lot of friendship, helping an individual with down syndrome and letting them soar to their full potential. Not to put any limitations on anybody, especially those who have that extra chromosome. Okay, before we go any further, we need to do something very important. We need to hear the mystery sound.

[Dr. Brian Skotko]

Mystery sound.

[Max]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

Okay, so here it is, guys. Ready?

[Max]

Sounds like a pig eating.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, a pig eating. That's a good guess. Fiona, what is your guess?

[Max]

Cow. Eat a hay.

[Molly Bloom]

Cowing and hay. Those are both really good guesses. We will be back with the answer in just a little bit. We're making an episode all about Jupiter, the biggest planet in our solar system. And it got us wondering, if planets had personalities, what would they be like and what would their nicknames be? Maybe Jupiter would be super tough and go by Jupa Gur or Mercury would be tiny and spunky and go by Mini Merc. Think of your planet nickname and send it to [e-mail] contact questions drawings l have I are what fuels our show. We love and appreciate everything you send in. If you want to get in touch, head to brainzon.org contact. You can send us your questions like this one from Lilo.

[Max]

One morning when my mom was making me breakfast, I was wondering why the eggs were turning from clear to white when they were cooked.

[Molly Bloom]

You can find an answer to this question on our Moment of um podcast. It's a dose of facts and fun every weekday. Just search for Moment of um wherever you listen to Brains On. Brains On Universe is a family of podcasts for kids and their adults. Since you're a fan of Brains on, we know you'll love the other shows in our universe. Come on, let's explore.

[Max]

Brains On.

[Molly Bloom]

I'm their biggest fan. I also love Smashboom Best, a fun debate podcast for kids and families. Listen, I will play you smashboom Best. You will love.

[Dr. Brian Skotko]

To refresh your memory. The ugly duckling goes like this. A bunch of duck eggs hatch and the cute little ducklings go quack, quack, quack. Mother duck is super happy with her eggs when quack.

[Molly Bloom]

The last one explodes and out comes the zorp. Where did the signal go? Must find smash. Spoon bust.

[Max]

Now.

[Molly Bloom]

Listen to smashboom. Best wherever you get your podcasts. Today on Brains on, we're talking about down syndrome. I'm in the studio with siblings Ezra and Fiona. Hi, guys.

[Max]

Hi. Hi.

[Molly Bloom]

One thing we typically see in people with down syndrome is something called muscle hypotonia. It means having low muscle tone. This can make it harder for some people with down syndrome to control their muscles and do complicated movements quickly. It can even affect mouth muscles, making it harder to speak, which is why some people go to speech therapy. Fiona, you go to therapy, right?

[Max]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

What is your therapist's name?

[Max]

Sarah.

[Molly Bloom]

My name is Sarah. Sarah Bowman, and I'm a speech pathologist.

[Max]

And, Fiona, can you tell me.

[Molly Bloom]

Cheeseburger.

[Max]

Cheeseburger.

[Molly Bloom]

We are targeting some specific speech sounds, such as the ch and sh. All right. Yeah. And sh. And consonant blends. S blends like in the word snake or spot or star to help her overall speech clarity. So she helps you?

[Max]

Yeah. Butter bears are not scared. Butter bears. Butter bears circle and cuddly.

[Molly Bloom]

Polar bears.

[Max]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, can you say polar?

[Max]

Polar bear.

[Molly Bloom]

Have you ever. Well, when we're working on a specific sound, first we'll work on producing that sound in isolation, and then the word level in phrases and then in conversation.

[Max]

Bats. It can be my nose.

[Molly Bloom]

Your nose? Yeah. Have you ever seen a bat before?

[Max]

Yes, on YouTube. On YouTube.

[Molly Bloom]

Now that we've talked about talking, let's switch to listening. Here's that mystery sound again. Final guesses.

[Max]

Same thing.

[Molly Bloom]

Same guess, same thing. Sticking with a cow eating. And you're sticking with a pig. Okay, so we have a farm theme. So here is the answer.

[Max]

That's the sound of the many horses eating. They're eating grain to make them feel healthy.

[Molly Bloom]

So you guys were really close. You both guessed farm animals eating, and it was a mini horse eating a horse.

[Max]

Yeah, a horsey.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, no, that is a horse he can eat. So, Fiona, I'm guessing you've seen a horse eat before?

[Max]

Oh, yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

Because you ride horses, right?

[Max]

Yeah, my horse named Casey.

[Molly Bloom]

Your horse is named Casey?

[Max]

Yes. He's a boy. Casey has got good, awesome horse.

[Molly Bloom]

What do you do when you ride the horse? Do you go fast? Do you go slow?

[Max]

So flast.

[Molly Bloom]

You go really fast.

[Max]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

So that horse from the mystery Sound lives in Texas, near Austin, at a farm called the Down Home Ranch. It's a place where lots of people with down syndrome live and work with animals. Our producer, sand and Totten join them for their morning chores.

[Max]

My name is Kyleer. I take care of farm animals. I'm Travis Jasak. And I live at Down Down Home ranch.

[Molly Bloom]

So what's the first chore?

[Max]

We go inside and we scoop their poo, and after that, we lay out hay. Where the ranch is, it's a working community. It's a place to live. My grandfather was raised on the ranch too. Well, my favorite thing is to ride horses, but the least thing is how heavy the hay is. That's my least favorite.

[Molly Bloom]

What's next?

[Max]

What chore's next?

[Dr. Brian Skotko]

Paddle.

[Molly Bloom]

I'm Naomi, and I work with the ranchers here, helping take care of the animals.

[Max]

They're spreading out the cow cubes for.

[Molly Bloom]

The cows to eat on the grass.

[Max]

The ranchers that we have, you know, they're not interested in the city life. They love being out in the country. They like the freedom. They like the starry nights, you know, campfires, and they like animals and so cute. There's a lot of people that might not want to interact with others, but you get them with an animal, and they'll interact with the animal or talk to them.

[Molly Bloom]

They really open up.

[Max]

Hold on, big baby. Calm down. The next step is a chickens. Okay, let's do it. I've been practicing my chicken call. You guys want to hear it? I can do my whisker. And the whistler goes. That was pretty good. It takes patience with the animals to stay calm and give them space if they're wild. If you're gonna be a rancher, it's passion, it's love. It's a part of your blood.

[Molly Bloom]

Fiona, do you think you'd want to live on a ranch one day?

[Max]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

What do you want to do when you grow up?

[Max]

I'll be hair stylist.

[Molly Bloom]

Oh, a hair stylist.

[Max]

Yes.

[Molly Bloom]

What should my hair be like?

[Max]

You be as brownish red.

[Molly Bloom]

Why should get brownish red hair?

[Max]

Yeah, I like it.

[Molly Bloom]

What about you? What do you want to do when you grow up?

[Max]

I want to be a physical therapist.

[Molly Bloom]

What inspired you to want to do physical therapy? Anything particular?

[Max]

When I broke my elbow, I'd do, like, occupational therapy.

[Molly Bloom]

How did you break your elbow?

[Max]

I felt the monkey bars when I was, like, six.

[Molly Bloom]

Well, I'm glad to see your arm is all better now. And getting your dream job can be tough for anybody. But people with conditions like down syndrome are often told they can't do certain things, which can make chasing a dream even harder. Thankfully, there are people like Annie Defrain out there giving lots of encouragement. She has down syndrome, too.

[Max]

I'm a program aide at Wing Lake Center.

[Molly Bloom]

Wing Lake developmental center is a place for people with Severe developmental disabilities students anywhere from age 3 to 26 learn and practice life skills. One of her favorite parts of the job is helping students with something called occupational therapy or ot. Together they practice everyday skills students might have trouble with on their own.

[Max]

Like today is Wednesday, so Wednesday is occupational therapy. They do a lot of fine motor skills, which is mostly hands on. Like today we like the students made pumpkins and we make pumpkin faces. Sometimes we make brownies. I remember a time we made jello.

[Molly Bloom]

Annie says a lot of the students have trouble with the activities on their own, but with a little help, they get it done just fine. If they're really struggling, Annie will bust out a confidence boosting pep talk.

[Max]

I probably will say, I believe in you. You can do it. You can try again. I think one of the skills that I teach people for getting their job is probably being positive, believing in their goals in life and being able to achieve them and how to be kind and patient to other people. Never give up on anything. Once you put your mind into it, you will succeed in everything you do.

[Molly Bloom]

That was 30 year old Annie Defrain. She spreads her words of wisdom in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. She also had this advice for people meeting someone new with down syndrome.

[Max]

I wish people can be more understanding and patient to communicate face to face. Also slowing down what they're trying to say so I can hear them.

[Molly Bloom]

Being patient and slowing down your speech. That's good advice. Fiona and Ezra, do you have any advice for when we meet someone with down syndrome?

[Max]

Like, talk slow, but like, I mean like don't go fast, but like don't talk down to them either.

[Molly Bloom]

That's really good advice. So I think sometimes people meet someone with down syndrome and they notice that they look or talk different and they're not quite sure what to do. And instead of trying to figure it out, they might just ignore them. Have you seen that happen before?

[Max]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

So how.

[Max]

Yeah.

[Molly Bloom]

So what do you think they should do instead of just ignoring the person?

[Max]

Um, go up and say hi. I mean, they're no different than anybody else. Say hi so high for see if they want to play.

[Molly Bloom]

Having an extra chromosome is just one trait of many. You might think someone with down syndrome is really different from you, but you both might like shopkins or horses. And we all know some of the best friendships are founded on pizza, but maybe not with chicken and asparagus. Down syndrome is a condition where a person has an extra chromosome that can.

[Max]

Result in many different characteristics. But no two people with down syndrome are the same. We have defeated legs, interstrus and we have our own hope and fears.

[Molly Bloom]

People with down syndrome may need extra help sometimes, but that doesn't mean they can't achieve big things.

[Max]

If you meet someone with down syndrome, or any difference really, don't be afraid to reach out and get to know them. You might make new friends.

[Molly Bloom]

That's it for this episode of Brains.

[Max]

On Brain Zone is produced by Molly Bloom, Mark Sanchez and Sandon Tutton.

[Molly Bloom]

Special thanks to Shelly and Joanna Harris, Laura Goodfellow, Christine Downey, Megan Rice and Beaman Elementary School in Vermont, Sandra Baker and the Down Syndrome association of Los Angeles, Tracy Halfman with the Down Syndrome association of Minnesota, Travis, Kyle and everyone else. At the Down Home Ranch we had Punk, Duckson, Profum, John Lambert, Emily Allen, Marcus Arswold, John Kalish and Lauren D. Now it's time for the Brains Honor roll. These are the incredible kids who keep the show going with their questions, ideas, mystery, sounds, drawings and high fives. Hania from Karachi, Butterfly from Oakland, California Molly from Dallas, Texas Ellie, Rose and Everly from Ridgeville, South Carolina George from Arlington, Virginia Nicholas and Roman from Corona, California Delaney from Pembroke, Ontario Emily and Chelsea from Chattanooga, Tennessee Jocelyn from Moncton, New Brunswick Zeb from Monct, Milwaukee Sophie from Philadelphia Lauren from Atlanta Rishi from Amsterdam Shalev from Cambridge, Massachusetts Arlo from Newton, Massachusetts Celeste and Lorelei from Austin, Texas Oliver from Wellesley, Massachusetts Jack from Brainerd, Minnesota Henry from Kincardine, Ontario Penelope and Josie from Big Sur, California Ella from Denton, Texas Imogen from Victoria, British Columbia Rowan, Quinny and Kieran from Virginia Eliana from Greensburg, Pennsylvania Alessandra from San Antonio, Texas Francie from Milton, Massachusetts Beau from River Falls, Wisconsin Henry and Ada from North Carolina Harry from Rochester, New York Kaya and Ellie from Fort Collins, Colorado Hazel from Manassas, Virginia River, Reed and Ridge from Marion, Illinois Maddox from Virginia Neesa from Durham, North Carolina Jackson from Laramie, Wyoming Madeline from Louisville, Kentucky Liam and Ava from Denver Rome from Oakland, California Calder from Charlotte, North Carolina Maddie from Maryville, Tennessee Sloan from Calgary, Alberta Erin and Audrey from Los Angeles Kylan and Rosetta from Vancouver Ashlyn from Edmonton Alberto, Ito, Omri and Itai from Santa Clara, California Arlo from Camas, Washington Della from Farmington, New Mexico Johnny and Danny from California Forest from Tosin, Maryland Elias from Massachusetts Owen from Nottingham, Maryland Oliver and Esme from Portland, Oregon James and Jack from Saginaw, Texas Oscar and Lila from Grand Forks, British Columbia and Noriko from Hamilton, Ontario. We'll be back soon with more answers to your questions.

[Max]

Thanks for listening.