Man reveals how he was raised by his father who has Down's syndrome - as he says his parent's relati

A dentistry student has revealed how his father, who has Down's syndrome, has supported him through his education.  

Jad Issa worked a grueling job as a labourer in a wheat mill factory in Syria to raise money so his son Sader could pursue his dreams of becoming a dentist.

Speaking in a video for the Syrian Society for Social Development, Sader solemnly told the camera: 'My father has Down's Syndrome'.

He was candid about the challenges of being raised by a parent with the common genetic disorder, explaining: 'This is a challenge for many people and many people cannot do this'.

However he insisted that his parents union is just like any other, even though his father has Down's syndrome, saying: 'Their relationship is natural like other couples'. 

Sader Issa has revealed how his father Jad, who has Down's syndrome, has supported him throughout dentistry school  

Sader told Metro his parents, a happily married couple, have received some scathing remarks over the years because his mother does not have Down's syndrome

Sader told Metro his parents, a happily married couple, have received some scathing remarks over the years.

The dental student said: ‘One of the concerns people have is how can a woman who doesn’t have Down’s syndrome marry a man with Down's syndrome?’

He said: ‘I believe if the two partners were on the same page then why not get married? 

'They are intellectually suitable for each other; very simple but loving and caring people'.

Sader told the Syrian Society for Social Development,: 'I'm proud when he introduces me to a new person for the first time and says "My son is a doctor".'

He continued: 'You can see the pride and joy in his eyes. It's like he's saying "I have Down's syndrome but I raised my son and did everything to help him become a doctor'.

The grateful son finished: 'I'm proud of him'.

Jad still works in the wheat mill factory near where his son was born.

What is Down's Syndrome 

Down's syndrome is a genetic condition that typically causes some degree of learning disability and certain physical characteristics.

Symptoms include:

• Floppiness at birth
• Eyes that slant down and out
• A small mouth
• A flat back of head

Screening tests can uncover Down's syndrome during pregnancy but are not completely accurate.

It is caused by an extra chromosome in a baby's cell due to a genetic change in the sperm or egg.

The chance of this increases according to the age of the mother.

A 20-year-old woman has around a one in 1,500 chance of having a baby with Down's syndrome.

Women in their 40s have a one in 100 chance.

There is no evidence women can reduce their chances of having a child with Down's syndrome.

Down's syndrome does not have a cure.

Treatment focuses on supporting the patient's development. 

People with Down's syndrome have more chance of health complications such as heart disorders, hearing problems, thyroid issues and recurrent infections.

Source: NHS Choices 

Jad (pictured left) supported his son (pictured right) both 'economically and psychologically' while pursuing his degree in dentistry

Sader explained: 'For many [in Syria] being pregnant with a child with Down's syndrome is the worst scenario. In fact many resort to abortion.

'If my grandmother was convinced of this idea, I wouldn't be here today. But for my father, it was easy. 

'A child that grows up [around] in the lap of a person with Down's syndrome can have the [same] love and tenderness anyone can offer'. 

Sader, whose father supported him through dental school both 'economically and psychologically', said he'd never dream of another father. 

He stated: 'I'm proud of him the same way he is proud of me'.

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