Dad Records Powerful Video About Son With Down's Syndrome: 'It's Not An Illness, It's Amazing' | HuffPost Life

Dad Shares Powerful Video About 'Amazing' Son Who Has Down's Syndrome

Amy Packham— The Huffington Post UK

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A dad who felt he had "failed" his son for not confronting a stranger about their mistaken beliefs about Down's syndrome, has received global support for his emotional video response.

Robb Scott, from Canada, whose five-year-old son Turner has Down's syndrome, spoke passionately to the camera about the stereotypes children can face.

He recorded the video in response to overhearing a child asking his dad what Down's syndrome was. The dad responded that it was "an illness of not knowing anything".

"They’re great teachers, people with Down's syndrome, it’s not an illness, it’s not an illness," Scott said to the camera in tears.

"It’s fun, it’s brilliant, it’s amazing, it’s funny, it’s kind, it’s loving, it’s cuddly."

Robb Scott thought he had "failed" his son for not standing up for him in the shop

Describing the conversation he overheard, Scott explained: "There was a father with his two sons and they were looking at movies and the father mentioned he could pick out a movie.

"I heard the son say, about a movie he picked out, 'what's Down's syndrome?' because the movie had a kid in it with Down's syndrome.

"I don't think his dad was trying to be mean, he was searching for the right thing to say and he said it was an illness and that it was an illness of not knowing anything.

"It's one of those moments where you don't know how to act or react, I didn't say anything because I'm not the type to get in people's faces and say things about it."

Scott broke down in tears as he said he believed he "failed" his son in that moment by not challenging the definition.

"Down's syndrome is the best thing that ever happened to me but I didn’t say that, I didn’t step up and that was devastating to me in that moment.

"So I just wanted to right that publicly for myself. I have to reset that button.

"Down's syndrome is literally one of the most beautiful things that’s ever happened in my life.

"Just because you read slower or don’t run as fast does not mean you have a disability to me, this is what I learn from Turner – disability is a perception.

"We’re here to learn things and a well-educated man does not have more to teach than my son, different things but not more; his knowledge is not more valuable."

Robb Scott's two sons

Scott's video, which he filmed in his car straight after hearing the conversation in the shop, has been viewed more than one million times on Facebook in five days since being uploaded on Saturday 20 February 2016.

The dad has received support from people globally, praising him for speaking out about common misconceptions and reassuring him that he had no reason to feel like he had failed his son.

"'People with Down's syndrome are teachers' I love that! I'm going to use this next time someone asks me why my son is going to a mainstream school," wrote one person.

"Thanks for sharing your beautiful thoughts."

"I would like to say thank you for sharing," another commented. "You didn't change those two people's mind but you've changed some people.

"I think you're amazing andn your son's very blessed to have you as a dad."

SEE ALSO:
Toddler With Down's Syndrome From 'Our Son Jack' Won't Let Disability Define Him
Mum Of Boy With Down's Syndrome Questions Why Mainstream Brands Don't Use Models With Disabilities
Mum's Pride As Son With Down's Syndrome Hits Catwalk: 'Children With Disabilities Can Surpass Expectations'

Down Syndrome

(01 of24)

She has a way of sensing when people need a hug . It use to freak me out when she would approach strangers . Every time she was welcomed with open arms . Every time they would share they were having a bad day, missed their child , bad news. Sometimes with tears in their eyes . Now I just roll with itsmile emoticonlast week she hugged a older man at Applebee's . He said it was the best day of his year and he needed her hug more than she would ever know . (credit:Susan Kearby Blanchard)

(02 of24)

My son, Levi, just turned six and I'd like people to know that he is intelligent! I think most people assume that people with Down syndrome aren't, but he has an amazing memory for names, places, directions etc. and if we want to teach him something new, we just focus on it and he picks it up. Just because you have a developmental delay, it doesn't mean you can't be smart! We are from Sydney, Australia. (credit:Wendy Norton)

(03 of24)

Down syndrome is nothing. We have 6 kids with Down syndrome and while our life is busy with 6 kids, it is not because they have Ds. It is because there are 6 kids. Six kids with 6 very different personalities and character traits. Six kids who want the same out of life as everyone else. (credit:Leah Lundgren Spring)

(04 of24)

I would love for people to know that there is a spectrum with Down Syndrome just like many other disorders. Just because my daughter has Down Syndrome, doesn't automatically mean that she is going to be delayed in one area or the other. Please don't write her future for her. Down Syndrome does not define who she is. She is a beautiful, spunky little girl that has the most amazing smile (credit:Fifty Shades of Mommy)

(05 of24)

Lucy may have delayed expressive communication, but her receptive language is very high! Don't underestimate what she can do and understand! (credit:Megan Kuhn)

(06 of24)

That she's more alike than not. That she's a fighter, resilient, brave, funny, smart and deserves to be treated the same as her typical peers. (credit:Carol Murray)

(07 of24)

I wish people knew Savanna has hopes and dreams and a plan for her life. She fights, argues and stands up for herself. She has a direct line to God and the truest spirituality. (credit:Nancy Heltemes)

(08 of24)

I wish people understood that Down syndrome, in and of itself, is not something that should cause sympathy. I am grateful for everything that extra chromosome has brought into our family. I have a healthy 11 year old boy who adores his older brothers (most of the time), loves going to school (where he is in a general education class with some supports) and has friends with and without Down syndrome. He has an awesome life and I have no doubt that there are great things in store for him! (credit:Dena Castellano-Farrell)

(09 of24)

What I would like everyone to know about my daughter with down syndrome is that she is just like any other 6 year old that you know. Rebekah has her strengths and weaknesses. She is beautiful, strong, smart, independent, funny, a fighter. Her smile can light up a room. She will touch the heart of anyone she meets. (credit:Tina Donaldson)

(10 of24)

I wish people knew that we are just as happy as other parents. No need to pity us & our child with special needs. We are a typical family. We actually feel so lucky & honestly wouldn't change a thing. He makes us all better & he's just happily living his life. (credit:Katie Morley)

(11 of24)

I would like you to know : Don't Ever underestimate her, She knows more than she Says, Thinks more than she speaks & notices more than you realize! Down Synrome does not Define my daughter Lilliani, Ds will not Determine what she will be when she grows up, she will! (credit:Rodolfo N Martha Padilla)

(12 of24)

My son, Dexter, is a child just like yours. He eats, sleeps, poops and pees and he laughs and he cries. Yes, he needs a little extra time and attention to hit his milestones, but nothing is stopping him! He loves bath time, music time, mealtime and family time. He loves his sister and Mommy & Daddy just like your child does. He is awesome!Seeing his excitement riding the carousel the first time brought so much joy to my heart, it could have burst. I'm proud of my son, just like you are proud of yours. (credit:Jonna Walker Stumpo)

(13 of24)

I wish people knew that my child might accomplish things your child never will and your child might accomplish things my child never will. Every child is different. That's what makes them all beautiful and special. It is simply a part of who he is but it doesn't define him. (credit:Andrea Temarantz)

(14 of24)

The one thing I want people to know about my son Charley, is that he is the one person I know who knows how to be himself 100% of the time. He doesn't know how to be fake, it's not in his genetic makeup. He is comfortable in his own skin, and is happy being who he is. With his ability to love unconditionally, he is a role model for all who know him. (credit:Sherry McCaulley Palmer)

(15 of24)

That he is SO, SO loved, just as any other child! (credit:Isabelle Gosselin)

(16 of24)

Don't underestimate her just because she happens to have Down syndrome. Cheyenne is very smart and can remember things that you and I forget...where someone lives (without seeing the house and being a few streets away) something shes seen on tv. Another thing is juat because she's mostly nonverbal doesn't mean that she is deaf and doesn't understand what you're saying to her. She also doesnt know a stranger and wants to hug everyone. She is such a blessing to our family. (credit:Tracy Kessel Bowman)

(17 of24)

Truth: When I started this journey, initially I was scared, angry and mournful, mournful for the perfect baby that I desperately wanted to bring home. Could my friends and family love her? Would she be accepted by society? If someone could have told me then, what I know now, I'd have brushed it all aside. Sometimes I feel like there may be pity coming from people when they find out she has a disability, but I wouldn't change a thing. No really. She's made me a better person. Sure, we have difficult times, but we persevere. She's changing the world little by little by teaching me, and others within my world real life lessons about important things like love, acceptance, patience, understanding, and kindness...all done in only the way she can. Initially I was disappointed that she wasn't the gift that I special ordered ordered from God, that my baby wasn't perfect...but I've come to find that she is, she's the perfect Ruby. And for that I feel blessed, and I would t change a thing.She has a place, she fills a role that only she is suited for and can fill. She is loved deeply, she is wanted more than words convey, and she is celebrated for being the best, and only Ruby. (credit:Renee Brennan)

(18 of24)

He can do everything a typical child does, it just takes him a little bit longer. (Pic of him scoring a touchdown in flag football: age 5) (credit:Kim Max's-Mom)

(19 of24)

He matters. He is a very loved and valued member of his family and community, and he has taught me that life with Down syndrome is not to be feared. Our life is more "normal" than not, and while it might not have been the life I ever would have picked for myself, I am so grateful this is the life I'm living. This precious little person has taught me more about life and love and compassion and humor and strength than all of my other life experiences combined. And I don't care if people think I'm trying to paint too saccharine a picture--this life is wonderful, even with the hard parts. (credit:Stephanie Dann)

(20 of24)

I forgot, Nick McGee loves to dance! (credit:Kim Verrichia McGee)

(21 of24)

I want people to know that he feels just like they do. He isn't some simple subhuman creature; he is my lovely, beautiful Nigel. He has a light in his heart that is bright, shimmering gold. He is very social and emotionally intelligent. Nigel makes friends everywhere he goes. He treats them with kindness, gives smiles often and hugs with warm sincerity. He's my Nigel and I wish that everyone could experience his kindness for themselves. (credit:Jeff LaFay)

(22 of24)

That she's just like any other child and is capable of amazing things. Also, she is very smart and manipulative in getting her way. Don't ever underestimate my Avasmile emoticonyeah more than one thing but I could go on for days about what I want people to know and what I'm thankful for. She is my angel baby and I'm thankful I was blessed to be chosen to be her mommy. (credit:Christie Creasy)

(23 of24)

Our babies are not genetic defects, mutations, or mistakes. She is a human being, and a gift to be shared with the world. (credit:Krystalynn Kuehn-Wilson)

(24 of24)

I wish people knew that he is an individual just like everyone else. He may have Down syndrome, but he doesn't have every single characteristic of Down syndrome. He has his own features, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses, and traits that make him unique. Down syndrome is only a fraction of who he is. (credit:Lexie Loo, Lily, Liam & Dylan Too)

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