Series focusing on Down syndrome returns to A&E
The Emmy-winning docuseries Born This Way returns for Season 4 at 7 p.m. Wednesday on A&E. If you haven’t tuned in to see what makes this series so special, now’s a good time.
Born This Way follows a group of seven young adults born with Down syndrome as they, their families and friends navigate life in Southern California.
Here’s the cast: Rachel Osterbach is described as “a bit boy crazy” and works at an insurance company. She hopes to find a serious romantic relationship of her own.
Sean McElwee is athletic and fancies himself “a ladies’ man.” He is the subject of three books written by his mother and hopes to one day live on his own.
John Tucker is a rapper who expresses himself through music, dancing and writing. He hopes to take his music to the next level.
Steven Clark has a rare form of the condition known as mosaic Down syndrome, meaning he doesn’t have all the typical Down syndrome characteristics. Consequently, Steven strives to fit in.
Cristina Sanz and her family come from Spain. She has been in a relationship with her boyfriend, Angel, for six years and is planning an independent life with him.
Megan Bomgaars attends the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, and is a motivational speaker spreading the message of inclusion. Megan and her mother, Kris, are inseparable.
Elena Ashmore is the daughter of a Japanese mother and Australian father and, A&E notes, “has often struggled with accepting herself and her disability.”
As with any typical group of young people, these seven have passions and dreams, romantic relationships and work. They, however, face special challenges and societal expectations.
Their willingness and courage to share their stories is inspirational and not something we often see on television.
Equally educational and inspiring are the voices of their families and parents, who show as much joy and pride in their children as any parent as they work to help them live as independently as possible.
A&E notes that “honesty, humor and heart” are at the center of the series which will be evident in tonight’s episode, “Pursuit of Happiness.” In it, Cristina and Angel announce their wedding date; Rachel asks Megan to be her roommate; John takes steps toward getting his driver’s license; and Sean is determined to get a tattoo.
A second new episode, “Till Dress Do Us Part,” will follow at 8. In this one, things get emotional when Cristina picks out her wedding dress; Elena wants to take her relationship with William to the next level, but an embarrassing family dinner threatens her plans; Megan and John visit the Chopra Center. Raising Tourette’s premieres at 9 p.m. Wednesday on A&E to continue the evening of inspirational programming.
In this six-part documentary, adolescents with Tourette syndrome (the official spelling of the Tourette Association of America) “experience challenges and triumphs as they and their families navigate life with the often misunderstood disorder.”
What, exactly, is the disorder? According to the association, “Tourette Syndrome is one type of tic disorder. Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations and are the defining feature of a group of childhood-onset, neurodevelopmental conditions.”
The series will follow five Tourette families “with resilient and thriving children” ranging in age from 11 to 17. They are Kristen, Charlee, Kaden, Sam and Colton.In the first episode, “No More Hiding,” high school senior Kristin prepares for homecoming mindful of past traumatic experiences; new kid Kaden reveals his syndrome to classmates; and Charlee faces “a teen rite of passage.” Guilty pleasure returns.
Here’s yet another inspirational series. Well, I’m certain it’s inspirational to somebody. The Real Housewives of Dallas is back for Season 3 at 8 p.m. Wednesday on Bravo and begins with former beauty queen LeeAnne Locken complaining that her enlarged amygdala is making her “sour.”
Yeah, I had to look that up. It’s pronounced uh-MIG-duhla.
Your amygdalae are two almond-shaped masses in the brain associated with memory, decision-making and emotional responses, including fear, anxiety, and aggression. It’s handy to have something on which to blame being sour.
The others in the cast are nurse Cary Deuber, outspoken Stephanie Hollman, socialite Kameron Westcott, former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader Brandi Redmond and Highland Park queen bee D’Andra Simmons.
In the first episode, Brandi adopts a baby boy; Kameron’s husband gives her an ultimatum; Cary and LeeAnne arrange a summit; and D’Andra throws an anniversary party.