Jordan Allen LaCoss had the thrill of having his senior writing project at Kingshill School turned into a published book.
LaCoss, a St. Croix 19-years-old with Down syndrome, felt so good about self-publishing a book he is now working on illustrations for a second book he has written.
He did a book signing in October at Undercover Books in Gallows Bay, and said he feels important and proud of his accomplishment.
“I feel happy because I got to do a book signing and it was so much fun,” LaCoss said. “It makes me feel like I did something really great. Everyone told me how proud they were of me.”
The book, "Beulah and Her Puppies," was published in June and is about his family’s rottweiler, which gave birth to and cared for 12 puppies. It is available at Undercover Books.
“When my mom saw what I had done she said ‘Wow, we have to publish this,” said LaCoss.
The next book will be about how they found Beulah.
LaCoss lives with his parents, Sheldon and Michelle LaCoss. He was born on St. Croix in June 1993.
He said he likes to write and draw, but doesn’t care for reading too much. He says his mom encourages him to read because it will make him smarter. But there is one time he enjoys reading.
“I like reading my book to kids,” LaCoss said.
He said math was a challenge for him in school; it was hard to understand multiplication and dividing. His friends helped a lot by coaching him. And his dad always helped him with math and reading.
“I love geometry though,” LaCoss says.
He graduated from Kingshill in 2012.
When asked about being independent he said, “Of course, I’m 19. I’m a man and I can do most everything for myself.”
He says he believes God has influenced him and told him to work hard and always do his best and read the Bible.
Like many young people he likes playing computer and video games and watching TV. He said it’s hard to stay motivated because sometimes he likes to play games and watch TV instead of writing and drawing and doing chores. He stays active playing basketball and he hangs out with his friend, Sameka. He adds he likes going to parties with his parents.
He is looking for a job doing some sort of office work. LaCoss said he wants to be a DJ but doesn’t know how to get started with that.
“I love music and I think that would be a great job.”
He enjoys playing drums, and singing, and added he likes Michael Jackson and his music.
Down syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes lifelong developmental delays and other problems. According to the Mayo Clinic’s website, Down syndrome varies in severity, so developmental problems range from moderate to serious. It is the most common genetic cause of learning disabilities in children.
