AUTISTIC, DOWN’S SYNDROME: DIFFERENT, SO WHAT? | M6 | Zone Interdite

“Your child suffers from a handicap.”All parents fear hearing these words one day. Every year, between 6,000 and 8,500 children are born with Trisomy 21 or autism. Hitherto it has seemed unthinkable that they should lead a “normal” life. But what if things are changing? We have followed these children and young adults fighting to find their place in society and be happy… All those who have crossed Jordan’spath say so. What is so apparent is his contagious good humour. At 26, this young Down’s syndrome sufferer is an accomplished man. A job, a car, a girlfriend… and dozens of medals! This young man from Nice is a top-level athlete. His disciplines: judo and swimming. Amongst others… This year he is taking part in the special Olympics in Abu Dhabi devoted to the mentally handicapped. 7,500 athletes from more than 170 countries are expected. He is hoping to shine and add to his haul of titles.

At 25, Romain, is becoming a famous fashion design. At first sight, nothing suggests he has anything special about him. However, Romain has Asperger syndrome. This is a mysterious form of autism that does not lead to any intellectual incapacity. Those suffering from it may possess quite abnormal gifts. For them however, communicating with others or coping with everyday life sometimes present insurmountable complexities. Since he was a child, Romain has been spending nights creating and expressing on paper the things he struggles to put into words. Today, his talent is recognized: he is working with a major French brand, but is still fighting, with humour and courage, to create social relationships and become independent. For him, a skiing holiday with friends is as big a challenge as organizing a fashion show!

When managing emotions is complicated, having a romantic relationship might appear unimaginable. And yet… In Lyon, Gwenaëlle¾Asperger autistic¾has been part of a couple with Laurent¾”neuro-typical”¾for 7 years. They even decided to work together and quit their respective jobs to launch their food-truck. The young woman struggles with her anxieties and her fatigue; her partner accepts her differences. And between them, it works: they’ve just decided to get married!

When you suffer from trisomy or a trouble within the autistic spectrum, the battle begins in childhood. With the experience of all her ten years, Sarahembodies joie de vie. A personality trait that is probably due to her history and the love of her adoptive parents. Every day, they fight to maintain a bond with other children. A bond that is essential to her development and her happiness. Piano, classical dance, even scout camp… this little girl never stops. Nor do her parents… Changes in staff at her school forces them to seek a new establishment willing to take her.

A battle to be won! That is one of the common features of all these everyday “heroes”. Behind each of their successes often lie admirable parents. Parents who wish to prepare and protect their children as best they can for the afterwards, when they are no longer there… And so, in Roncq, in the Nord, a structure has been created that is unique in France: Habited, a block of 10 independent apartments reserved for the autistic. They are aged between 20 and 30, are Asperger, medium or severe autistic, and live in their own apartments. Instructors teach them how to cook, shop, but, above all, support them in their professional integration. Behind the initiative is Fabienne, mother of Louise. “Medium” autistic, Louise has started a training course with a cleaning company. At the end of her trial period, she hopes to obtain a permanent post. A challenge that could transform the life of this young autistic.

What are the recipes for the happiness of these “normal” (or nearly so) handicapped people? What are their lives like? We plunge into their world, which is not so very different from our own and yet unique.