WBOC-TV 16, Delmarvas News Leader, FOX 21 - Child With Down Syndrome Touches Local Author's Life

Child With Down Syndrome Touches Local Author's Life

SALISBURY- When many people look at Alex Whitehead they see a child with Down Syndrome. Paige Hurley of Salisbury sees more than that.

"Not only was I his mentor in the classroom but out of the classroom as well," Hurley said. "We just became best friends. I love him to death, he's touched me in more ways than one."

To show how much Alex means to him, Paige wrote "Mighty Max," a book about their special friendship. It is a friendship he hopes others can learn from.

"There's not that many children's books, just picture books that maybe the young first, second graders can read about Down Syndrome and being aware about Down Syndrome. In the book, it shows he's not as different as you may think."

And the truth is, Alex really is not that different or shy. In fact after taking this reporter's microphone, he looks like he may even have what it takes to be a future reporter.

Parents of Down Syndrome children say this book is a huge step in the right direction...

"It helps people understand what the kids have to go through," said Grant Ardis, a father of child with Down Syndrome. "It's a blessing to people that deal with it."

And other children are learning an important life lesson from the book: acceptance.

"They don't look at differences as being a problem," said Judy Laird Price, an illustrator and teacher. "They look at, 'Oh he's my person to share toys with, it's my friend so it doesn't matter the differences.'"

Alex and Hurley's friendship proves once and for all that you can never judge a book by its cover.

Every year more than 5,000 children are born with Down Syndrome. It is the most common genetic disorder in newborns.

Anyone can have a child with Down Syndrome but older women have a higher chance of it. Scientists say new research is putting them close to identifying the genes that cause Down Syndrome.

You can find the "Mighty Max" book at the Educational Supply store in Salisbury and at the Web site at the left.