Overcoming the challenges

Jonathan Brunner of rural Hortonville wants everyone to know he is a "regular kid."

Like many third graders, he plays baseball and soccer, takes swimming lessons, rides his bike and enjoys activities with his older brother, Matthew. In April, he made his First Communion at Ss. Peter and Paul Parish, Hortonville.

Unlike most third graders, Jonathan has Down Syndrome, defined by the Dictionary of Medical Terms as a "congenital defect ... characterized by" developmental disabilities.

After his birth, his parents, Mary and Tom Brunner, decided "we would treat him like a normal child," Mary said. "We knew it would take him longer to achieve his milestones, but we would not treat him differently."

Jonathan began to walk at 18 months, which Mary said is borderline normal. He started speaking between ages two and three, but he still has problems talking. Often his speech isn't clear, his mother added.

The family has used American Sign Language -- the sign language used by the deaf and hard-of hearing -- with him since he was 18 months. Mary said that he started returning the signs when he was two. She still signs sometimes when she speaks to him.

While he struggles with his schoolwork, Jonathan surprised everyone by learning to read when he was a kindergartener, she said. Now 10, he should be a fifth grader.

Mary attributes his success in so many activities to his good health and the support of his family, school, church and others in the community.

"No one has ever told Jonathan no, that you can't try something you want to try," she said.

Jonathan likes doing things with his brother, Matthew, especially art, which Mary said has helped him develop his motor skills.

He also likes church. Every Sunday morning, he picks a "seat up front" for the family. He joins in the singing.

"He sings really loud and really off key, and no one cares," laughed Mary. He especially likes the "Alleluia" sung between the readings.

After Mass, he joins in parish socials. His favorite is the monthly "Doughnut Sunday."

Jonathan also attends evening religious education classes, where Mary serves as his aide and helps him with exercises in his workbook. She also helped him with the workbook he did at home in preparation for First Communion.

As his aide, Mary said, she can continually reinforce what he is learning.

"I read somewhere that, while a normal child may need to hear a new word . . . or new thought 20 times before they will repeat it or learn it, kids who are delayed have to be reminded hundreds of times," she explained.

Mary said she was surprised at how well Jonathan grasped concepts he learned in religious education. For example, as the Consecration starts during the Mass, he will whisper "Last Supper" to her.

Her major challenge in dealing with him is his unpredictability.

"I never quite know what he will do," Mary said. "That's why he needs constant supervision."

His family wasn't sure Jonathan would receive First Communion with his classmates. He refused to practice with the unconsecrated hosts Fr. David Funk, the pastor, had sent home.

At his First Communion retreat, he practiced with the wine, but not hosts.

Before First Communion day, Fr. Funk told Jonathan's classmates that he might or might not receive the sacrament with them. The Brunners told their guests the same.

As Jonathan dressed for church, Mary told him that if he chose not to make his First Communion then, he could do so when he went to church with his parents at a later date.

In the end, he decided to proceed, but since then has gone only occasionally to Communion. Then he may take only the wine.

What's next for this "regular kid"? Piano lessons, both Jonathan and Mary agreed.