My 12-year-old son, Jamie, who has a diagnosis of Down syndrome, wanted to play contact football in the city youth football league. The pediatrician sent us to an orthopedic specialist for an X-ray of Jamie's neck, to make sure he was okay to play. During the examination, this specialist never spoke to Jamie, and at the end of the appointment, said—in front of Jamie—that due to Jamie's disability, he didn't feel Jamie should play football. Even though the X-ray of Jamie's neck looked fine, the specialist would not give Jamie the "medical okay" to play football. This person judged my son by his disability, not his ability. He was also very rude and uneducated in the area of people with disabilities—seemed strange coming from an orthopedic specialist.

When we left the doctor's office, Jamie asked me what the doctor meant. I told him the doctor felt he might get hurt, so he would not sign the medical papers for Jamie to play. Jamie said, "Mom, I'm not going to get hurt." My husband and I were very upset by this doctor's attitudes and actions. When we got home, I called the pediatrician and told him what happened. He recommended a second opinion and sent us to another orthopedic specialist. In the meantime, Jamie attended football practice, but was not allowed to put on his pads and actually play until he had the medical authorization.

We went to the "second opinion" doctor and it was fabulous: he examined Jamie, took X-rays, and talked to Jamie the whole time. He said he felt Jamie was a very strong person, and he would sign the medical paperwork so Jamie could play. Jamie was so excited! He jumped off the examination table, shook the doctor's hand, and thanked him. The doctor was so touched by this, and my son walked out of that office a new young adult.

Later that day, Jamie went to practice and ran to his coaches asking for his pads. Jamie is not only playing football, but he's also one of the best players on the team. Thanks to the pediatrician who recommended a second opinion, and to the real professional (in more ways than one) who judged my son by his abilities. Many thanks to Kathie, too, for her timely newsletters that give me the courage and support to keep pushing forward. Playing football is doing wonders for Jamie's self-esteem and confidence!

Theresa Taylor