Small-Towner with Down Syndrome Ready to Spread His Wings

[@Lunchladydoyle]

Would love to see Rufus go through one of the many University programs for people with special needs. I started as a caregiver in the early 90’s when the first community group homes were taking off and we’ve come a long way in understanding how capable people with Downs are. Only one generation ago Rufus’s parents would have been heavily pressured to put him in an institutional setting. So glad us so called normies realized we were the obstacle in the way of people with special needs. You go guy. Love love love your spirit !!

[@ladylockheart85]

My second oldest son has Down syndrome, and I must say he is buy far the most coolest guy you will ever meet 🥰

[@Swoots275]

I guess you could say he is the downiest hahahaha bless him 😇🙏

[@CrownOfButch]

@@Swoots275 You are gæ.

[@Imogencoleman1]

Hello I have autism and anxiety does Rufus have social media

[@maryaustin1284]

My brother is now 52 years old ...he is bright ,funny and loving ,but he was born deaf & babies with DS did not have a hearing test in the 60’s He was put in to care when he was 6 years old because He had DS & my father was ill & mother couldn’t cope although she visited him every single day until she died. He is happy in his own flat with supervision & the help of one of my brothers who lives nearby. I live in another country & was never around for him ,but think of him most days...this is my loss, not his .. thank you for these beautiful videos , they are so appreciated

[@sheilareynolds3755]

Rufus is quite high functioning, you and he are blessed.

[@JessicaKate01]

I'd love to be friends with Rufus, what a cool, positive dude.

[@thart2]

you seem like a great person to meet someday {: i have alot of technical skills with computers haha.,

[@nessae354]

What a cutie, he seems like a awesome chill guy and his confidence is attractive. Good for him for keeping up with such a packed schedule.

[@SandiByrd]

I love the bond Rufus has with his siblings. It's really beautiful to witness.

[@SerafEnd]

He is so awesome... People are so lucky to have Rufus in their midst... And he is hilarious!!!

[@icturner23]

"Dad is my favourite father really." :-)

[@curiousgeorge6921]

😂❤️

[@curiousgeorge6921]

He also calls them by first name 😂❤️

[@ailinos]

@Justin Pullin huh?

[@Beadacut_]

Why people in Western countries, call their parents by their names? Lol. It's weird. But oh well... I've been in the US and everyone don't call their bosses Maam/Sir.

[@icturner23]

@@Beadacut_ People in Western countries don’t do that except for rare exceptions.

[@yingle6027]

The way Rufus answers the phone is legendary!

[@cutegamergrill5698]

It's amazing how confidence can shape the way you see a person.

[@vikingrobot4179]

I’m playing with my DS grandson right now. He’s 18mo old and so Much fun I can’t ever put him down. I keep wondering what he will be like when he grows up but if the DS kids we had at our school or in my town growing up are any indication I feel that everyone will love him. He has so much family Support and I feel he will thrive as much as possible. I can’t wait to show him how to do things since I’m a well rounded tradesman and I always need help. I remember we had to DS kids at our high school and literally everyone loved and supported them….I mean you take one look at a smiling DS kid and instantly melt at their kindness and innocence. It really Makes you want to be a better person and protect them from harm with your life. I know that in school if anyone picked on a DS kid there would have been 50 people right there ready to stomp the crap out of them. Precious people.

[@LessThanThree76]

A lot of guys out there could learn a thing or two from Rufus about how to be a great, kind, funny, hard working and confident man. What a guy. What a family. ❤️

[@laurennobody511]

Rufus is crack up, when he said he let the other guy win naughts and crosses :D

[@maff3]

Rufus has got his stuff together more than 40% of the population. Absolute legend!

[@lilydorn3473]

Who is cutting onions…. “Rocky is so loved and so wanted. I just love him so much!”

[@theundefeatedlife5011]

Having grown up in Kaikoura I understand you wanting to get out there and experience living in the big smoke Rufus... Kaikoura is a beautiful place with amazing people and will always be home.

[@michellehitt1976]

It looks like such a beautiful piece of Gods country 💞. Do you still love in New Zealand? I’ve always wanted to visit there.🤟

[@brandyirizarry3827]

The whole family is awesome! The world needs more genuine people in it.

[@talkin2ya]

Rufus you bloody Champion ❤️🙏❤️

[@arkcole2965]

I wouldnt mind rufus being my son or my brothèr your a super star rufus and youŕ family are so lucky to have you on board

[@lynnjackson8367]

these kids thrive at home with a loving family. a stark difference to what i saw in a nursing home.

[@northstarastrology3954]

Handsome, intelligent, hard working! And a sweet soul too! He's gonna make some young girl very happy!

[@m.r.browning2065]

Indeed. Rufus is much like every other person with DS he wears his heart on his sleeve which so darn refreshing to witness.

[@heeyou1925]

His positive mindset and strong bond with his family, especially with his mother is impressive

[@timsmith9758]

There's you boy right there he is... helping his dad.. good job young man

[@lucassanchez580sanchez7]

Rufus, you are an inspiration to people with DS and to people in general. I have a 16 year old son with DS and you've given me so much hope. You are a light in this world. May God help you make your dreams come true.

[@terciopelo]

This was so fun to watch, I have a cousin with DS who's also 23 though she's quite different from Rufus. She's soft-spoken and shy at first but with her family and friends she's super funny, always has fun activities ready and she's such a caring person. Growing up around a relative with DS is wonderful, especially being autistic since it allowed me to build a connection with someone who's as honest as me.

[@Vb-fy4sv]

What a great family and rufus a lovely young man who has the world at his feet ,GOOD LUCK RUFUS ! Hope ALL YOU’RE DREAMS COME TRUE !!!

[@jopaea]

I was having a rough day and Rufus you really turned it around. Wishing you all the best!

[@emilyann551]

I absolutely LOVE this video. Thank you for focusing on Rufus and allowing us to get to know him-- he is SO wonderful and has a lot to teach the world. Bless him and his family!

[@angelacarini95carini93]

Rufus is amazing because he was raised in an amazing family!! What a story!

[@deborahkelly1489]

My nephew has Down Syndrome. He is coming up on 17years old. He is the youngest of 5 children. He is the best thing that has ever happened to our family. He is very smart and has a wonderful since of humor.

[@notamemer7515]

how is he smart?

[@deborahkelly1489]

NotAMemer For a child with Down Syndrome his intelligence/ intellect is above average. He reads at a 5th grade level and comprehend what he reads , his mathematical ability is on about a 3rd/4th grade level. He can count change, add, subtract and do simple multiplication ( but is still learning) he loves military aircraft. His mother ( my sister) has worked very hard teaching this child. It takes phenomenal patience to work and teach a child with Downs. He is also a type 2 diabetic and takes insulin 4 times a day. When he ages out of the high school (21 year old ) he will go off to the local University where there is a program for young adults with compromising intellects . He is really excited about going to college as his 4 older siblings have. I have worked many years with children who have Down Syndrome ( nurse ) some of these children can only grasp very simple tasks and some that can actually read , understand math and can spell.

[@takethedeepestbreath1191]

@Deborah Kelly Wow, thats impressive

[@notamemer7515]

@@deborahkelly1489 alright I understand now, hope he is going to do well

[@deborahkelly1489]

Ömer Dinler Yes it is impressive. Thank you. He also works hard to be where he is intellectually.

[@mazieg7072]

This is how I always pictured how my son Jason Paul would have become like had he lived. I lost him at 4-1/2months to SIDS. He had the same beautiful straight black hair that stuck straight, up in the air with olive colored skin with shiniest deepest dark eyes! He was so damned gorgeous! And when he smiled at me his eye's sparkled, like brand new black coal!!

[@larasutherland2260]

Sorry for your loss♥️♥️

[@mazieg7072]

@@larasutherland2260 Thank you very much. I forgot to mention,my son was also Downs.

[@sonjam314]

Rufus seems quite high functioning and seems like a really great guy!!!! There is truly no love like that from someone with downs!!!! They are some of the most loving people in the world!!!!

[@angelawinnie3141]

watching this the timing was perfect last night the movie called poppy was a nice movie i love downs syndrome people,when the smile their whole face lights up

[@takethedeepestbreath1191]

Rufus you are the man!!!! You are so clever, hard-working, confident and so on. You are so lucky to have such a loving family. Sending my deepest love from Turkey. 💛💛💛💛💛

[@takapuna4]

Wow he so high functioning, is there anything he can’t do ! Well done so mature and intelligent.

[@c0rxpseb0i13]

He couldn’t go to college unfortunately it’s kinda f’d up

[@alisonlayne8214]

You are all so lucky to have each other. Just live each other. We don't get to have those people long enough. Just enjoy each other while you got them. You guys are all so awsome.

[@Kalijourneymaldives]

You are the man Rufus. Keep pumping and dominating in life. 🤗

[@caliluv4244]

What a fabulous family. Thank you for sharing your life with us Rufus!💕

[@RedMommy8885]

Aww ...... such a handsome honest and lovely boy!!! He is an inspiration! !!!!! Go boy!!!!!!

[@mrs.garcia6978]

My cousin has DS and has been married to her husband for 5 years. She also went to university in a special program, earned a certificate, and has a career. Her husband also has DS. If y’all have questions about the next steps lmk and I’ll put you in touch with her and her family. Her parents advocated for her independence and might have advice.

[@prajaktakulkarni5917]

Hello Mrs.Garcia..my son has DS..I would like to know how her parents raised her and how to build that confidence in the child..he is 1 year old

[@AlphaPoe]

You’re a great person in all ways, Rufus. I wish you the best of luck always. ❤️

[@cincingr]

Thanks for introducing us to Rufus & his family! Loved seeing how the family interacts with each other.

[@qammararshad6891]

God bless you. Amen

[@k-t2498]

Such a sweet family..

[@ekassien]

What an awesome piece on an awesomely, inspiring young man! Please share more with us, Rufus - You're amazing!!! ❤

[@Sojourner_PNW]

What a great story, thank you for sharing this glimpse of Rufus and his fantastic family.

[@trixietrog]

Oh my what a beautiful young man, adorable 😍 Wishing Rufus all the best for his future adventures, beautiful loving family ♡♡♡♡

[@christopherantonio3612]

Rufus seems like the type of person that it's impossible to have a bad mood around

[@gaynormcgowan2741]

What a great young man... best video I have watched in a long time xx your truly do have the gift of lifting the soul ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

[@theparrotrescuer3042]

Rufus is the man!

[@veraspir]

Lucky one, healthy, high functioning and great personality

[@mumstime]

Hi Rufus This video popped up in my feed and I recognised you and your family! - I was your family's house cleaner many years ago in Sumner!! I remember you were always keen to help me and would cheekily unplug it while I was vacuuming 😂 Anyway just had to say "Hi" to your family and all the best to you! 😊 Catherine

[@janeenhenderson7131]

The biggest smile came to me today as I watched Team Emirates win the America’s Cup from the UK and seen Rufus in the team NZd camp and help lift one of the team out the water. You are amazing and made my day xxx

[@elijah6269]

❤️❤️❤️ Rufus🙏🏽 I could watch you all day if you had a KZbin channel.

[@dadycreations100]

Fantastic Rufus I wish is doing greatly.

[@saramae8704]

Such a handsome guy!! Love is out there for you!! 😍

[@greekgods3399]

Such a wonderful son you have

[@50sRockChick]

This made me smile so much. What a beautiful man and family. :)

[@BarryFranks]

Rufus is one of the boys.

[@jackaroo5]

What a great guy! Awesome you were part of the ETNZ America's cup winners. Congrats.

[@amyh5872]

What an amazing family. The love and support of one another is beautiful. And Rufus Shines, he is well on his way. Bless them all

[@kellyboltonjonathan3386]

Any updates on Rufus? Has he moved to Christchurch? Still working and job and has he found a girlfriend? I LOVE this channel by the way, thanks for such amazing stories

[@georgediaz2529]

What an amazing dude!!

[@janakujawa1629]

I'm impressed! What a wonderful young man.

[@ladybingobabe]

Rufus ... you are awesome!

[@EMOTIONBIGLIFE]

What a beautiful soul,wow. ...so much love♥️

[@chulamatangi7771]

Love my weetbix too Rufus! We are True Kiwi kids! Awesome video mate🍻 Kiaora from Nelson New Zealand 👋

[@BridieMacdonald]

Fantastic guy and family. What a nice video to watch and brighten my day.

[@canoefor-one1102]

What an awesome young man! He should have a KZbin channel that chronicles his move to the city.

[@dawngale3457]

GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND THANKS FOR SHARING.

[@moniquefougere2864]

I have such in interest in watching and learning on topics such as this. This is great. I would love to know if Rufus knows how many people he's already affected in a month. Im in Boston proud to say and just got done watching this. Rock On Rufus!!!!

[@destinyschild6712]

you're awesome!! keep it up Rufus!

[@slkhu1]

He is so smart !! I will not think that he has DS if I am not told... Great cool guy !!!

[@karenk3458]

Great family dynamic

[@christinasornbutnark1208]

I ❤️ watching these videos. I wish they had them here in 🇺🇸! I wish I had a friend like Rufus, or even a brother like Rufus he seems super rad😎

[@lisaruttenberg5886]

What a lovely young man. ;)

[@bekindbehumankind8429]

If he was here in UK, then he would be stuck in the vicious cycle and he wouldn’t be where he is now: happy, confident and independent

[@ratsrule6110]

I wish he had his own tv show!

[@olivedog1880]

Great kid ❤️

[@abbdabb6219]

Love Rufus👍😁 great guy

[@fjbutchbragg8129]

Good onya Rufus !! You're a good man mate... what a great vid ..

[@juniperjane9582]

Oh Rufus, don't be in too much of a rush to move away, looks like you've got a pretty good life right where you are

[@amiecartwright7840]

Your strong clever god bless you love from England xxxxxxxxx

[@Yoongiwifie]

There shouldn’t be any dislikes he’s doing a good job!!!!! I have so many bff who have this and there funny and amazing and loving~~~~ best people ever

[@wrappedinloveboutique]

Cool character 😎

[@vickyvkusnyatina6126]

I love his confidence so much!!!!

[@hamzaroumani743]

RUFUS YOU ARE AMAZING!

[@mackenzieeagle2674]

Good stuff Rufus, proud of you

[@pherrypharry476]

I hv a 9 months baby boy with DS and he needs a heart surgery but I just wish he can be like him. Am a ugandan

[@Anonymouse85]

What an amazing family, so much love there.

[@dawngale3457]

Wow and you help is that's great. You love what you are doing is wonderful and still are beyond the stars. Anyone that gets to meet you will be beyond lucky. I glad this site.

[@julieneuharth550]

So impressive great guy loving family. I wish him all the best

[@Sunshine-w2c8v]

❤you and your family are beautiful and wonderful. Wish you all the best and much happiness. ❤❤

[@GreenAndTheToe]

I always love the editing and the music! It’s fun to watch!

[@JoseJose-sz6ww]

He is pretty normal. He needs a girlfriend and good friends he deserves to enjoy live more than almost most people

[@lucilaseverini1286]

He's so awesome! I'd love to befriend him so much!

[@cathrynbridges3105]

I love how this story went from wanting to move to Christchurch for a bigger life to being part of Emirates Team NZ and drinking champagne out of the America’s Cup on a world stage 😂 absolute champ

[@lynndodson248]

Rufus your a Wonderful young Man, and so lucky to have the Awesome family and siblings you have, I hope you can achieve your dreams, just seeing your strength is Amazing. Good luck 👍

[@uppclubadministrator319]

UP Club really enjoyed sharing an evening with Rufus. New Zealand UP club is a non profit organization that provides regular social and educational activities for individuals with Down Syndrome in Christchurch and Dunedin. Need more information? Check out our Facebook pages facebook.com/nzupclub facebook.com/search/top?q=up%20club-%20dunedin or contact our office at [e-mail] or 021 127 8762