Julián Olmos

Age: 4 years old

Location: Farol, Tucumán, Argentina

The Diagnosis

My baby was diagnosed with Moebius Syndrome at four months old. He looked like a little doll because he didn’t move or make facial expressions—his face was rigid all the time.

Today, he smiles and is a normal child. The only limitation he has is that he cannot move his eyes. His neurologist told me that he has what they call a “frustrated Moebius,” meaning a milder presentation.

Although he had seizures when he was very young, they did not affect him long-term. He is a very capable, brave, and intelligent child.

When I received the diagnosis, I cried for several months because I didn’t know what the future would hold for us. During his first year of life, I took him to all of his medical appointments and therapies. His doctor eventually told me there was no need to continue stimulation therapy because he was a very intelligent baby.

Challenges & Triumphs

Julián is a child who seems to have a sixth sense. Because of his disability, it’s as if he developed even greater intelligence and problem-solving abilities.

He was just one year old when he stopped using diapers and began going to the bathroom on his own—without anyone teaching him. He is independent, clever, and very skillful.

He was hospitalized several times early on because he had difficulty coughing and clearing mucus, which caused multiple cases of pneumonia and bronchitis. But he always came through it successfully.

At two years old, he learned to ride a bike without any help. We are all amazed by how sharp he is. He enjoys talking with adults and has very interesting conversations with them. People grow fond of him easily. He learns anything he is taught very quickly.

Everyday Life

Julián loves fishing. He loves plants, gardens, construction, and watching how houses, machines, and things are built.

In his daily life, he learns carpentry with my father. Sometimes he helps with household tasks like cutting grass and cleaning. He also loves helping me cook—he even bakes his own cakes. He has so many ideas and creative moments. He also enjoys playing and carefully listening to songs.

What Makes Him Happy

I believe fishing and watching videos about different types of fish are his favorite activities.

Message to Others

To the community, I want to say this: don’t hold on to the belief that because a child has a syndrome, they are incapable of expressing beautiful things. It’s quite the opposite. These children shine and have their own light—and they often shine brighter than anyone else.