Why This Dad Is Turning His Son With Down Syndrome Into a Social Media Star
Meet the little boy who’s helping to dispel stereotypes all around the world.
Jack Clayton, a 20-month-old toddler with Down syndrome, is currently winning over the Internet with his adorable smile and charming antics. He’s become popular thanks to his Twitter and Facebook pages, which currently have more than 12,000 followers combined.
Jack’s dad, Lawrence Clayton, started the social media pages because he wanted to show people that Down syndrome doesn’t define who his son is, Clayton told Metro. The proud father from Stockport, England, frequently posts photos of Jack playing on the swings, spending time with his parents and siblings and just being silly.
https://twitter.com/OurSonJack/status/620492405205278720/photo/1
Just swinging around in the morning sun pic.twitter.com/Cquu8DOZsd
— Dabonga.Com (@DabongaCom) July 25, 2015
I can see its going to be one of those days pic.twitter.com/HylCcXy610
— Dabonga.Com (@DabongaCom) July 28, 2015
Clayton doesn’t ignore his son’s condition in his posts, either. Jack has overcome serious health conditions over the last year, including pneumonia and acid reflux. He’s also scheduled to have an exploratory chest surgery later this year, Metro reported.
My brave boy had blood taken for tests. Did us proud! Xxx pic.twitter.com/DSanIMxYBH
— Dabonga.Com (@DabongaCom) July 15, 2015
More than anything, Clayton wants to prove that just because these complications exist doesn’t mean Jack can’t live a happy, fulfilling life.
“[Down syndrome is] just one element of his life,” Clayton told Metro. “We want to bring disability to the forefront of social media so that people can see this for themselves.”
Take a look at more photos of the adorable toddler below.
Sudocrem reaches the parts other creams can’t reach @mothercareuk @BootsUK @sudocrem @BountyUK @sudocremtube @BKidsUK pic.twitter.com/DRd6nVZdWP
— Dabonga.Com (@DabongaCom) July 12, 2015
New hat! pic.twitter.com/RvsKKvuEoF
— Dabonga.Com (@DabongaCom) July 10, 2015
Jack waiting for his sisters to finish Gymnastics.. I think jack wants ago! pic.twitter.com/R3EEP1FP6y
— Dabonga.Com (@DabongaCom) July 8, 2015
Morning world.. have a good day ye all! pic.twitter.com/oO7rUand1z
— Dabonga.Com (@DabongaCom) July 8, 2015
To keep up with Jack and his family, visit his Twitter and Facebook pages.
Rachel Kassenbrock is an Associate Editor at The Mighty. She recently graduated from the College of Wooster with a degree in English, and has previously written for the Ms. magazine blog and LifeinLA.com. She now lives in Los Angeles where she enjoys live music, being outside and all things coffee-related. You can follow her at @rkassenbrock or email her at rachel@themighty.com.
rachel-kassenbrock