If we are in public with Ava, we are guaranteed to be asked this question.
I can easily understand why.
When most people think of someone with Down Syndrome, their first thoughts are of an individual with a sunny, friendly disposition and a positive attitude.
Ava's no exception. Her default mode is a quick-breathed, open-mouthed smile, usually accompanied by spells of ecstatic arm flapping. When someone does this nearly every time they see you, it's easy to believe that even if they were sitting in a corner by themselves with no stimulation whatsoever, they would still be doing the same thing.
But it's important to remember that no matter what a child's disposition may be, they still experience the complex emotions that you do.
Ava may be chromosomaly gifted in the attitude department, but let me assure you that as she grows, she's learning to express both happiness.....
...AND displeasure.
It's important to remember that just because someone might smile most of the time, it doesn't mean that they don't have moments when they feel less than smiley.
Granted, some might get over the hurt faster than others.
So much for Vulcan morality.
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