Embracing Can Be the Ultimate Present for a Family Affected by Angelman Syndrome
In the heart of Rathaus Bensberg, on September 19, 2025, at 5 PM, a unique encounter unfolded during the opening of Ramona Tunze's exhibition, "Die kleine Welt des kleinen Glück(s)". A 12-year-old girl named Juliana, who lives with Angelman syndrome, found herself in the company of two friendly toddlers.
The family was out for a day at the pool, with Juliana in the splash pool, when the encounter took place. The two toddlers, engrossed in their play, were content to stay and play near Juliana. As they played, the toddlers seemed oblivious to Juliana's differences, focusing instead on their game.
However, one of the toddlers, a 4-year-old, was curious about Juliana. She asked her small companion why Juliana was not talking, observing that Juliana was scooting after her beach ball instead of walking. The other toddler, in a simple and innocent manner, explained that Juliana doesn't talk or walk.
The 4-year-old child, intrigued but perhaps a bit scared, described Juliana as "weird and scary". Despite this, the toddler remained engaged, even going so far as to rush over to say goodbye to Juliana before they left.
Juliana, who often finds interacting with other children challenging, did not always engage readily. To ensure her safety and comfort, I stood close by to prevent any aggressive behaviour towards her. It was not until we were getting ready to leave that I learned the toddler's father was, in fact, her dad.
Children with Angelman syndrome, like Juliana, may experience anxiety due to changes in routine or unfamiliar people. The family did not explain Angelman syndrome to the 4-year-old child during the encounter. Instead, they focused on fostering a positive and inclusive environment for Juliana to learn and interact with her peers.
This encounter serves as a reminder of the power of acceptance and understanding, even in the most unexpected of places. It shows that, given the chance, children can learn to embrace differences and form meaningful connections.
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