Anastasia Sheremetyeva from Yekaterinburg is raising her son Misha, who has Down syndrome, alone after her husband left the family, overwhelmed by the challenges. She discovered Misha had the condition a week after his birth, despite normal pregnancy tests.

Anastasia, a defectologist who works with children with special needs, was initially shocked by the diagnosis, as were her relatives. Some relatives even suggested she give up the child.

However, her experience working with special needs children, including visits to neuropsychiatric boarding schools, solidified her resolve to care for her son. She couldn’t bear the thought of Misha ending up in such an institution, witnessing the difficult conditions and the fine line between care and necessity.

From the beginning, Anastasia dedicated herself to Misha’s rehabilitation. She learned massage and physical therapy techniques, understanding that children with Down syndrome require more intensive care due to hypotonia, or muscle weakness.

Despite her professional background, accepting Misha’s diagnosis was emotionally challenging. Anastasia admits to experiencing tears, tantrums, and feelings of shame.

Her husband ultimately left the family, unable to cope with the demands of raising two young children, one with special needs. Anastasia understands that such situations reveal a person’s true character, both strengths and weaknesses.

Drawing on her professional knowledge, Anastasia is committed to helping Misha reach his full potential. She knows that with dedicated effort, children with Down syndrome can achieve significant milestones, attend mainstream schools, and acquire skills.