People born with Down Syndrome miss human contact stymied by COVID precautions

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Masks, social distancing, working from home, online school are all difficult for anyone, but it is especially hard on people with special needs.

Scott Lewis, president of the board of directors of Down Syndrome of South Central Kentucky and the father of 10-year old Asher, who was born with Down Syndrome, said his son wants to see friends and have human contact at the Buddy House but COVID precautions now prevent that.

“They want to see their friends. They want to communicate. They want to hug and kiss and whatever it is that they want to do as far as, that’s their life is their group. They get together at the Buddy House. They do all kinds of things together and suddenly, that was just broken completely apart,” said Lewis.

Many people born with Down Syndrome love to hug and hold hands and even give kisses.

But, with a pandemic going on, those physical touches are being restricted substantially.

For one man, Alan Wells, the social distancing and small gathering sizes have made him sad.

“I love all my Barren County friends and Bowling Green friends. I miss everyone right now, everyone. I miss them all and I know all of them miss me,” said Wells.

While virtual get togethers are still happening to try to help give affection to people with special needs, it isn’t the same, according to Stephanie Morton, the executive director of Down Syndrome of South Central Kentucky.

“Having to be socially distanced and not get to be with their friends and families like they are used to is really hard because they do not grab the concept of abstract things. They can’t see or touch it and so they are still questioning why they have to keep this social distance and wear their mask,” said Morton.

Some people born with down syndrome also are struggling to fully understand masks and why they are supposed to wear them.