Mom Wins Fight Over School To Keep Her Son With Down Syndrome

Moms will fight tooth and nail to keep their children together, especially when it steps on their basic rights. A Queensland mom with unconventional twins--one has Down syndrome, the other is normal-- was "pushed" to separate her two kids because the state school said it did not have enough funds to keep her child with disability.

Ruth Christodoulou took to Facebook her disappointment on her son Nixon's state school. Nixon attends Peak Crossing State School at the same time with his twin brother, Bentley, and has since then, made friends with classmates, parents and school staff despite his Down syndrome condition.

"His (Nixon) speech has improved, he now plays happily with others and his motor skills improve each day. However, a school that had given the indication that they will do what it takes to support him, now have advised they can no longer (accommodate him) and special school is the only option. Even bullied to push me to special school," a part of Christodoulou's Facebook post read as reposted by Daily Mail.

As per Sunshine Coast Daily, Nixon Christodoulou, 5, was a premature baby along with his brother, Bentley. They only stayed for six months on their mom's belly with one coming out as healthy and the other as having Down syndrome. Despite the differences, the two brothers grew up close with each other and entered Peak Crossing State School just a month ago.

After the first week in school, Principal Judd Mackie has "pressured" mom Christodoulou to move her son with Down syndrome to a special school. Christodoulou refused until the principal took an immediate leave and will not be back until July.

"I think he's (Mackie) running from a lot of issues. The staff have done the best they can and I applaud them for that. But they don't have the resources and I want to know why the school management hasn't applied for funding to get those resources," Christodoulou said as quoted by Sunshine Coast Daily.

7 News reported the mom met Department of Education representatives after the mom's Facebook post drew attention. The representatives assured her that Nixon, her son with Down syndrome, and brother Bentley can stay together in school after Peak Crossing State School applies for funding.

As per Sunshine Coast Daily, Nixon is currently semi-enrolled at the said state school. He goes to campus three days a week. His mom believes that inclusion is the best for her child with Down syndrome.

According to National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), inclusion is a favorable way of educating children with Down syndrome, given that there is full and proper support and communication among parents, teachers and professionals. A 1999 NDSS study found out that students with special needs had more similarities than differences with their nondisabled friends. Teachers also claimed that students with Down syndrome show enthusiasm and eagerness for learning.

Do you agree with mom Ruth Christodoulou that students with Down syndrome should be included with nondisabled children or do you think that they should be sent to a special school? Sound off your thoughts in the Comments section below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.