Sader Issa is a dental student from Syria. By all accounts, he is just like any other young student his age: he enjoys spending time with friends and family when he isn’t studying, and he works hard to establish a future life in his chosen career. One thing sets Issa apart from the rest of us: he was raised by a father who has Down Syndrome.

Growing Up With A Down Syndrome Father
Issa described his upbringing by his father, Jad, in a video for the Syrian Organization for Social Development that has gotten approximately 200,000 views since March 2019.

He described his father in the video as a “father, husband, and family leader” who gave him “all the love and affection that anyone can offer.”

Jad supported his family for twenty years by working at the local wheat factory. He is well-known in his town for his generosity and selflessness, and Sader is proud to have such a father.

What exactly is Down Syndrome?
Your body contains chromosomes, which are simply small “packages” that hold your genes. Your chromosomes determine how your body operates and grows in the womb, as well as how it grows after birth.

Down syndrome (DS) babies have an extra copy of chromosome 21. This alters the way the baby’s brain grows, which can result in both mental and physical problems.

The following are common physical symptoms of someone with DS:

A face that has been flattened
Eyes that are almond-shaped and slope upwards
A narrow neck
Ears that are too small
Hands and feet are little.
Small stature

Individuals with Down Syndrome May Have Children
Issa is frequently asked about his parents’ relationship and how they can be married while his father has DS but his mother does not.

Despite their differences, Issa assures everyone who asks that his parents have a healthy, loving relationship.

“I believe that if both couples are on the same page, why not marry?” he asked. “They are academically compatible; they are really simple but kind and caring individuals.”

Individuals with DS are just as capable as anyone else of creating personal and sexual connections, and it is critical that they receive the same education and assistance.

It is possible for persons with Down Syndrome to start a family, as Issa’s family demonstrates, although it is more challenging. Because both men and women with DS have a lower fertility rate, it is considerably more difficult for them to conceive, and the pregnancy is more likely to result in a miscarriage.

If one parent has Down syndrome, their child has a 35 to 50% chance of inheriting the disorder; however, if both parents have the condition, the chances are significantly higher.

“When people Google males with Down syndrome (DS), they learn that they are infertile, so they are perplexed when they hear about us,” Issa added. “I know six additional cases of fathers with DS, and the studies that prove the fertility of men with DS are limited, so we can’t conclude these men are easily fertile.”

The video has received very good feedback. Issa claims that hundreds of parents have contacted him to express their gratitude for giving their children hope for a better future. You can keep up with Issa and his wonderful family on his Instagram page.