Down Syndrome Limits Her Communication Skills, But Its Clear Animals Make Her Happy

Angelina Lopez with her brother Nicholas Lopez. He was born with severe Down syndrome and was recently diagnosed with autism. She has relationship issues, but it's clear she loves being a singer and loves riding horses this Friday, December 23, 2022 at Happy Farm in Davie.

© Pedro Portal / El Nuevo Herald / TNS Angelina Lopez with her brother Nicolas Lopez. He was born with severe Down syndrome and was recently diagnosed with autism. She has relationship issues, but it's clear she loves being a singer and loves riding horses this Friday, December 23, 2022 at Happy Farm in Davie.

Angelina Lopez-Videts, 10, sits on a farm bench in Davie, her arms twisted at odd angles. Sometimes he has a strong temper. If you call him by his name, he will sometimes stretch his neck and look at you. It's unclear if Angelina is happy. Parents don't always know either. They say they are learning more about how to express their needs and wants every day.

Angelina Lopez is pictured with her parents, Glenda and Ronnie Lopez, and her brother, Nicholas Lopez, at Happy Farm. He was born with severe Down syndrome and was recently diagnosed with autism. She has relationship issues, but it's clear she loves being a singer and loves riding on Friday, December 23, 2022 in Davie.

© Pedro Portal / El Nuevo Herald / TNS Angelina Lopez is hiking with her parents, Glenda and Ronnie Lopez, and her brother, Nicholas Lopez, at Happy Farm. He was born with severe Down syndrome and was recently diagnosed with autism. She has relationship issues, but it's clear she loves being a singer and loves riding on Friday, December 23, 2022 in Davie.

But put on your velvet riding hat and stand on top of Sampson, a giant six-foot half-horse half-mule, and Angelina will become calm. Smiling through the muddy streets, Sampson greets family and friends and makes comments.

"As soon as she arrived, we knew this was her happy place," said Glenda Lopez, Angelina's mother.

Angelina Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that occurs when a child is born with an extra chromosome. This often has unusual features, such as a flat face or hands and feet, and often causes learning and communication problems. Angelina was recently diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

According to his mom and dad, in his first year of life, he hit all the typical developmental milestones and made progress in many developmental skills, such as toilet training at six months. But when he was 1 year old he started having seizures and they went back.

"She was trained for emergencies. Glenda Lopez, an emergency room nurse, was not there at the time. Her husband, Ronnie Lopez, runs construction.

The following years were difficult, but with the help of friends and older brothers it was easier. Angelina goes to school but takes intensive courses at Silver Ridge Elementary School in Davie. He also does psycho-physical therapy at home three times a week. After the family set up a small playground in the backyard, they recently became isolated.

Ronnie Lopez holds his daughter Angelina Lopez as she rides her horse Sampson at Happi Ranch. "When he first arrived, we knew right away that was his happy place," said his mother, Glenda Lopez.

© Pedro Portal / El Nuevo Herald / TNS Ronnie Lopez holds daughter Angelina Lopez with her horse Samson at Happi Ranch. "When he first arrived, we knew right away that was his happy place," said his mother, Glenda Lopez.

According to his parents, the siblings were very fond of spending time with his brother and sister. At the ranch this past week, her 16-year-old brother Nicholas has been constantly by her side, trying to keep Angelina focused and comfortable with Sampson.

"It's a constant learning curve for us," Ronnie Lopez said. "Bringing him here creates a sense of structure. If he comes here, he knows he has to act the same way."

The family said the pandemic years have been particularly difficult for Angelina, especially the newness and discomfort of wearing a mask. He would often get angry and lash out, throw things or attack people or animals.

Angelina was brought to Happi Farm by Davey when she was seven years old. The nonprofit Animal Education Center (Farm Horse and Petting Pal Interaction) is Angelina's agency of choice for the Wish Book, the Miami Herald's annual series of articles about people in need. in our society

"I was scared at first," said Mary Lim, the animal's owner and handler. From chickens to turtles, oxen, donkeys, ostriches and even horses are plentiful. After a few minutes, he knew they liked him.

Last week, on top of Samson's big hips, Angelina held the horn in her spare saddle and clapped her hands. When my father tried to take her, she refused at first. In a moment she was in his arms. He kissed her too.

"He couldn't communicate," Ronnie Lopez said. But I think you understand everything. He played the piano when he was young. It was even better. It has been more difficult."

Angelina's parents said they could use a little help paying for private therapy sessions. But when necessary, they want to give you a new iPad; Tell the family that this is an important way for doctors to communicate.

However, Angelina wants to visit the Happi farm and seems to like it very much. He was asked there last week if he liked animals.

"Wah," he said, clapping his hands. Then there's something else, like, "Yes."