A SYRIAN student who is training to be a dentist has revealed what it’s like to have been raised by his dad who has Down’s Syndrome.
Sadar Issa says he had a “loving” childhood in which his father Jad supported him and encouraged him to focus on his school work.
Jad’s condition, caused by a chromosome abnormality, means he suffers from learning difficulties.
However, the wheat factory worker’s loving and supportive personality means he is admired within his local community in Syria.
Sadar, whose mother does not have the condition, told the Syrian Society for Social Development: “I’m proud of my father.
“Throughout my life, he has been the greatest support for me when I needed it.”
Sader added that his choice of profession has made his dad incredibly happy.
He said: “It’s possible to see when his eyes are filled with joy and satisfaction as if to express: ‘yes, I have Down’s syndrome, but I raised this man and did everything in my power to make him become a doctor and help others’.”
According to the Down’s Syndrome society, a child has a 35 to 50 per cent chance of inheriting the condition if one parent has it.
The condition is caused by a genetic change in the sperm or egg.
And while many men with Down’s Syndrome cannot have children – this is not always the case as Jad has proved.
Sader admits people are curious about his parents’ relationship.
He told the Metro: “One of the concerns people have is ‘how can a woman who doesn’t have Down’s Syndrome marry a man with DS?’
“I believe if the two partners were on the same page then why not get married?
“They are intellectually suitable for each other – very simple but loving and caring people.”
