Categories: Resources

NBC Nightly News Story About Ryan Langston, Target Model Born With Down Syndrome

NBC Nightly News aired a story tonight about our friend Ryan Langston; the young boy born with Down syndrome that both Target and Nordstrom used as a model in some of their adverting campaigns.

Here’s an extended edition of the NBC Nightly News’s interview with the Langston’s.  Check it out.

I’m thrilled to see all of the recent media attention about those, like our son, who are born with Down syndrome.

Ryan is even more adorable in person! 🙂

You can read the entire story here: Child Model Born With Down Syndrome Inspires Thousands

What do you think about all of the recent media attention Down syndrome?

Rick Smith

Hi, I'm Noah's Dad and I'm passionate about giving the world a window into our life as we raise our son who was born with Down syndrome. I also enjoy connecting with other families, so let's stay connected.

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  • I'm really excited for all the attention Down Syndrome is getting right now. I really hope that all this mainstream media attention succeeds in dispelling people's fear; people's hesitancy. In the past kids with DS were hidden and not talked about, and because of that there is a lot of misinformation and myths that were guessed at because no one talked about it. Even when Warren was born 6 years ago we were told at the hospital "Don't put him in an institution, kids like him can lead full lives today". It never even crossed our minds; my husband was so confused because he thought they were saying we shouldn't send Warren to college.

    I hope that this can lead to, "Congratulations, your child is here and is beautiful, and has Down Syndrome" rather than, "I'm so sorry to tell you, your child has Down Syndrome".

    I hope that we can get to a point as a society that inclusion is so natural that no one is ever told their child can't be dropped off with all the other kids, but has to be escorted to the special ed room so the aide can take the child to the classroom 5 minutes later.

    I hope that this attention changes people's approach. I don't think it's fair that because of down syndrome a child has to behave better than their typical peers before they can be included; people (even special education teachers) start with the idea that the child is excluded until they earn it.

    I think that the audiences reached by shows such as the nightly news are the most important views to change, because toddlers don't know to discriminate, it's learned from adults behavior.

    I have all sorts of hopes for this media attention, and I'm trying not to rant about it too much :)

    • Stephanie, your post is beautiful! I remember the words our doctor spoke to us after my amnio - "I'm sorry, I wish I had better news for you". To this day those words haunt me. It angers me that many people in the medical community still has a negative view of people with Ds. Doctors need to be positive or at least neutral when delivering a dx such as this. It's wonderful that society is becoming more accepting of people with Ds... now if we can just get the medical community to do the same.....

  • I think the positive publicity is great! I have a almost 12 month old grandson with DS and in Australia there seems to be very little public awareness of DS, people generally (including some medical professionals) seem to have a very outdated view of DS and have low expectations of those wtih DS - my little grandson is a great blessing and joy to us. He has had some health issues, and needed heart surgery, however through him my daughter and son-in-law have met some wonderful caring people who have given them great support. This generation of children with DS are going to totally change the outdated prejudice of people and show what they are truly capable of. Keep up the good work - you are amazing parents!!

  • What a Cutie Ryan is!! He did a Awesome job!!! I am sitting here smiling and thinking how much ours lives have changed cause of your site!!! My friends list has doubled and I can't keep up with you!! Love reading the stories and seeing how proud other parents are of their kids!!! Thank you again Rick, Abbie and Noah!!! <3

  • Watching this, I am struck by the fact that it is so clearly shown that Ryan is a typical kid! He's funny, a little narcissistic in that way only little kids can get away with, and NORMAL. His story is exactly the type that is going to change the outdated notions of Down syndrome.

  • The positive publicity is fanastic and is raising great awareness. My hope is that it results in saving lives, because our culture has bought into the idea of choosing the type of child you have, and the majority don't choose life for Downs. There is a lot of work to do, but together, we can turn this around.

  • Again, while I don't have a child with Down syndrome, I truly enjoy that all of these beautiful children are finally getting the attention they deserve! We use this site as an example to show our son of how people can be different, but, very much the same. He absolutely adores baby Noah and cheers for him as he's learning new things! Thank you for sharing him with the world!

    • @Kim

      That is awesome! I just did an interview today with a newspaper in Canada and they asked me what parents can do to help their children understand children like mine....and I said " Be Proactive...teach them that's ok to have differences...to celebrate diversity.....to celebrate life...."

      So way to go for being an epic parent. Your comment just put a huge smile on my face. I wish more parents did what you guys are doing! Give your little guy a huge hug tonight from our family to yours! :)

  • Great coverage - the interview goes a long way to break down the commonly held stereotypes - it clearly shows Ryan is a great kid first and the fact that he has Down Syndrome is only secondary!

  • Im so very glad to see this. Im new to the DS community and am very happy that I found your site Rick! It gives new parents hope, knowledge, and sets us at ease. It even gives us a sense of belonging. We are so proud of Ryan and Noah! I cant wait to see more on the news.

    P.s. I posted on FB about my dr calling me to tell us abo ut your site. My son had an appointment yesterday and he told me again. We had a pretty long conversation about that great thing you are doing and how informational it is. He highly recommended it. He loved that your wife ( being a dr.) had input on here also. ( even if you had to put a disclaimer. lol ) He couldnt stop saying how wonderful it was. :)

    • @Caleigh,

      First of all CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW BABY BOY!!

      SECOND.....I read your post and shared it with my wife the second I saw it! My wife is a pediatrician and it warms our heart that your doctor did that. You'll have to ask how he found out about us..and let him know if we can ever help him my wife (or I) would be GLAD to!

      He is doing a great thing. We are so glad you found our site, and took the time to introduce yourself!

      How is everything going with your little one health wise? And how are you guys doing? Have you seen our new parent guide?

      http://noahsdad.com/new-parent-guide/

      We are honored to be on this journey with you...PLEASE let us know any way we can ever help you guys. (Just click on that contact link above..it goes right to us!)

      -Rick

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Rick Smith

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