Down Syndrome Acceptance–11 of 21

MYTH: Adults with Down syndrome are unable to form close interpersonal relationships leading to marriage.

TRUTH: People with Down syndrome socialize and have meaningful friendships. Some choose to date, maintain ongoing relationships and marry. (source: NDSS)

The film “Monica and David” is an award-winning documentary that follows the wedding and marriage of two adults who have Down syndrome. It also follows their parents who try to guide the couple to a life of independence. At one point in the film, Monica’s mom states, “as parents, we want people to look upon our children with special needs like anyone else…And yet because we want to protect them so much, we are typically the first ones who treat them poorly by subconsciously denying them their rights to have a normal life.”

Their story can be viewed on YouTube here.