Special Books by Special Kids shares Truro family's Down syndrome story

A NovaScotianfamily's new video tribute to their son who has Down syndrome has blown past threemillion views in its first days, months after an earlier video recorded tens of millions of views.

KellyMacIntosh-Scottsaid the latest video started with aFacebookmessage from Special Books by Special Kids seeking kids like her boys for a project. The group shares stories of children with special needs from around the world.

• Truro dad's emotional defence of Down syndrome sparks outpouring of support

Founder ChrisUlmerflew to Nova Scotia and made the video on Saturday.Six-year-old Turner has Down syndrome and does a fierce monster face; seven-year-old Griffin is his steady defender when people make fun of him.

Special Books by Special Kids shared the video on Facebook July 10 and it currently has more than threemillion views on their page alone.

The Scott brothers share their brotherly bond

8 years ago

Duration 0:57

Special Books by Special Kids made this video of Turner and Griffin Scott of Truro, N.S.

"Griffin and Turner were excited. I think they were a little nervous,"MacIntosh-Scottsaid Tuesday. Once they settled in they talked about their special bond.

"I think it's how close they are, and how kind and gentle Griffin is with Turner and how much Turner loves and respects his older brother. It's palpable, and it's always been there," she said. "They just love each other and it resonates with other people."

'If Turner has Down syndrome, I have it too'

She hastenedto add they also fight and bicker like ordinary brothers. Griffin is older by 21 months. "When they were little little, Griffin used to say, 'If Turner has Down syndrome, I have it too.' He wanted to be just like his younger brother."

Their mothersaidthere's a lot of stigma attached to Down syndrome. "In years past, people born with Down syndrome and other needs were, for lack of a better word, put in a chair and said they'll never amount to anything, so why bother trying?"

But she saidwith a little extra focused work (and good school teachers) they've seen results. "He shows no boundaries he's very smart," she said. "We're not putting limits on him and I think that's key. We'll help him be the best he can be."

In February, her husband Robb Scott recorded an impromptu video in his car after he didn't correct another father he overheard describing the syndrome as a condition of "not knowing anything".

A recent repost on Upworthy added to the total, which Scott says is more than 50 million views.

Father's emotional defence of Down syndrome

9 years ago

Duration 5:10

Truro, N.S., father Robb Scott explains why he said nothing when another dad described Down syndrome as an 'illness of not knowing anything'.

"All of this because of the power of one child who uses his spirit to get others to help spread his story. And the story of every littlekid just like him," Scott wrote onFacebook this week. "He can be adorable and a brat all in the same day. Just like any other child. But for whatever reason, he's attracting the attention of the world. I remain blown away. And thankful."

Fighting back tears

Ulmer didn't make the connectionuntil after he'd flown to Nova Scotia to interview Griffin and Turner.

"At the time of the interview I did not know their father wasthe man who filmed a viral speech a few months back," Ulmerposted.

"In [the first]video he fought back tears after hearing another Dad describe Down syndrome to his son as a curse that prevents learning. Turner andGriff'sfather stated in the video, 'Down syndrome is the best thing that ever happened to me.'

"Well now the entire world can see your statement is true. I'm going to go cry now. Love you all."

KellyMacIntosh-Scottsays her family is delighted that they can reach millions of people with a positive message. People recognize Turner on the streets of Truroand stop to congratulate him.

"You have to be the change you want to see in the world," she said. "I will always participate and fight for my children and the rights of other children."