They Always Assume Good Intent
When Evan was born, I gobbled up every bit of information available on individuals with Down syndrome. It was fascinating but also overwhelming—and even a little frightening. I remember the genetic specialist listing all the things Evan would likely never do: go to college or drive a car. I felt defiant and skeptical—not convinced this stranger could predict what an infant might achieve decades later. In retrospect, I’m grateful for the glimpse this gave me into the world’s expectations for my son and the fierce protectiveness it awakened in my heart.
There was a book I received from our local Down syndrome support chapter, Manasota BUDS (Bringing Up Down Syndrome). I don’t recall the title, but I do remember the claim that Evan might not possess the same capacity for deductive reasoning as typically developing children. The author said this could be a blessing: without that sharp edge of reasoning, kids might not feel the sting of mean classmates so acutely. It struck me as both intriguing and confusing. Today, twenty-two years later, I’m infinitely grateful for the unexpected gift that Trisomy 21 brought to our lives.
From the web:
Deductive reasoning is a type of logical thinking where you apply a general principle or premise to specific cases to reach a conclusion that is guaranteed to be true if your initial premises were true. It's a “top-down” approach, moving from the general to the specific.
Regarding Down syndrome, individuals may face challenges with certain cognitive skills, including:
Cognitive impairment, often ranging from mild to moderate.
Short attention span, impulsivity, and poor judgment.
Slow learning and delayed language development.
Difficulty with deductive reasoning—struggling to infer what’s happened from observed cues or to foresee consequences before acting.
Support strategies such as visual aids, structured routines, and tailored educational approaches can make a significant difference. It’s also important to remember that cognitive profiles vary widely: some individuals excel in nonverbal reasoning, while others have stronger verbal skills.
In summary, while deductive reasoning may be challenging for some people with Down syndrome, it isn’t universally absent. Each person’s strengths and challenges are unique, and with the right support, they can thrive.
I fully admit I’m an optimist. I tend to see the good in people and situations, tuning out the negative when I can. That outlook has served me well. What I know now, after twenty-two years, is that any cognitive impairment Evan may have is overshadowed by this.
He always assumes his friends and loved ones have good intentions.
I’d love to say, as an optimist, “Me too! I always give people the benefit of the doubt.” But the truth is, I don’t. When I’m hurt or uncomfortable, I sometimes believe the other person meant to inflict that pain.
Watching Evan and his friends interact is absolutely delightful. They tease one another and sometimes get mad. But they never have to defend their intentions. They always assume—quite correctly—that love, friendship, and oneness lie at the core of their bonds. And it’s a beautiful thing to witness.