First Iranian book by teen with Down syndrome published

Melika Aqaei, a writer with Down syndrome, has published a book in Iran, the first in the country.

The book titled ‘An Angel with One More Chromosome’ was published by Mehregan-e Mobin Publications, IRNA reported.

The 17-year-old writer has previously written 11 short stories.

She began playing piano when she was 12.

Melika’s father Hamid said during a ceremony on Friday, “Melika is an example of a successful person with this syndrome,” adding that the ceremony aimed to encourage the families with these children.

He argued that the success of such children is highly dependent on the family’s support and to a lesser extent to the society’s attitude toward them.