What does it really look like to honor the autonomy of adults with Down syndrome—not just in theory, but in everyday life?
Today we’re joined by our former producer, occupational therapist, sibling, friend, and advocate Dr. Val Schlieder for a conversation about autonomy, infantilization, and the dignity of risk.
Val shares how her experiences alongside adults with Down syndrome have shaped the way she thinks about adulthood and independence. We talk about the subtle ways people with Down syndrome are often treated as younger or less capable than they are, why protecting someone from every possible risk can actually limit their life, and the important difference between risk and genuine danger.
We also get practical: How do we support our loved ones in making their own choices while still helping them stay safe? From choosing their clothes and ordering food independently to staying home alone, going to concerts, relationships, and life after high school, Val challenges us to start from a place of assuming competence rather than assuming limitation.
Because autonomy doesn’t mean removing support. It means using support to help people with Down syndrome have more ownership over their own lives.
In this episode, we discuss:
Infantilization and how it shows up at every age
The “dignity of risk” and why failure is part of a full life
The difference between protecting someone and limiting them
How parents and caregivers can examine their own fear
Practical ways to build autonomy into everyday routines
Preparing adults with Down syndrome for risk instead of automatically saying “no”
Why adulthood services need to offer more choice and self-determination
Helping our loved ones identify trusted people who will listen, respect, and support their decisions
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Here’s to shifting the narrative for people with Down syndrome.
Learn more from Val Schlieder
Listen to privious episodes with Val Schlieder:
Episode 43 — Back to School & All Things Best Buddies w/ Val Schlieder & Allison Covell Listen / Episode Page
Episode 162 — What Happens After High School? (Ft. Val Schlieder — OT + Producer) Listen / Episode Page
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