World Down Syndrome Day (March 21, 2022)   Profile of Antoine Mathiot – Born with Down Syndrome   |21 March 2022

Antoine, Georges, Rodolphe Mathiot was born on June 21, 1990. Being the youngest and only brother in the family, it was an overjoyed moment for us the day he came to life. As a Down Syndrome person, he went through infanthood, to childhood, until now a young adult, experiencing both the life of a normal person as well as the need to adapt himself, especially with the environment outside home.

He started off Creche at Anse Etoile, at the age of five, as we, the family, together with the support of education personnel, wanted to give him the opportunity to undergo inclusive education. Like other children of his age, he was learning to talk, count, read and play but his pace was slower than that of others in his group. Eventually he was placed at the School for the Exceptional Child, where learning was more conducive for him, especially since specialised teachers were there and he also got to meet other friends, like him.

Antoine did both his First Holy Communion and Confirmation together with other students at the Anse Etoile Church and this never paused a concern for anyone, be it the other children, the teachers who prepared them or even us, at home.

At 16, he joined the Vocational Centre for the Disabled (Rehabilitation Centre), at North East Point, where he had more opportunities to engage in practical activities and further develop his life skills. Over there, he developed an interest in gardening, especially when it comes to cleaning for he simply loves picking up garbage for dumping, using the wheelbarrow.

At the age of 31 and soon to be 32, Antoine is a lovable, very proud and charming young man to be around with. He can easily make one laugh as he likes to entertain, especially when there is a gathering or any new people around. Similarly to us, other people can understand his speech most of the time though one may also need to take a little bit of time to assimilate. Of course, he enjoys his food and dancing so much and lately, he has developed a passion for drawing and painting. With Antoine around, it simply brings added joy to the family – a true God-sent son and brother!

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