Boy With Down Syndrome Perseveres After Talent Agency Rejects Him For Clothing Ad Campaign

Oct 12, 2023

Some kids just have that it factor and can deliver incredible poses and emotions. Mom Meagan Nash from Georgia knew that her young son Asher was gifted with an infectious smile and all-over adorableness when he was still a baby, so she brought him to various talent agencies to get him gigs. Unfortunately, he got rejected by each one because he has special needs.

Asher was born with Down syndrome, a genetic condition that causes physical, cognitive and behavioral symptoms. However, not everyone with Down syndrome has all of the same symptoms as they differ from person to person, according to Cleveland Clinic.

One casting agent told Nash that Asher's photos weren't going to be submitted for a casting call at a clothing store. The agent did not believe that the retailer would want to use a child with Down syndrome in their advertising campaign. 

Nash had enough and went to Facebook to air her experience with her little boy's attempts to model. She set her focus on Asher eventually modeling for OshKosh B’Gosh Carter’s in the Oshkosh B’Gosh Distribution Center Carter’s Babies R Us Changing the Face of Beauty in 2016.

Young Asher's photos went viral and also appeared on pages like the Kids With Down Syndrome Facebook site. He had become a rising star in his own right, and Nash was featured on CNN News.

Nash told CBS News, “I knew when Asher was born he was destined to be great and do great things. So I am very proud to share his beauty with the world.”

Nash explained the need for awareness about Down syndrome. Nash said that using models with special needs in commercials is essential for children like hers to achieve inclusion, acceptance, and respect.

“Using people with special needs (in ads) shows the world that these people have value and worth just like any typical person does,” the mom told CBS News.

Asher's mom didn't want OshKosh B’Gosh to feature her cute son in their advertising campaign because of the attention she got on social media or for people to feel sorry for him. She hoped that the big brand would find value in Asher and how he could deliver a wonderful message to the world. OshKosh B’Gosh agreed, and Asher was a key part of their clothing company’s holiday campaign.

“Children with Down syndrome and all other disabilities are incredible human beings and we want OshKosh to help us change the world’s perception,” Nash said. The mom added, “It is time we realize they are not ‘just a trend’ that comes and goes in advertisement. They’re here to stay.”

Asher has continued to grow up and gain widespread attention. In 2020, ABC 10 celebrated the young boy’s 5th birthday with an adorable photo of Asher. The caption read, “You may remember him from his mom's viral campaign for him to become the first baby with a disability to model for OshKosh B’Gosh. He won, and is still modeling these days!”

In July 2023, Nash celebrated Asher’s 8th birthday with a Facebook post that read, “Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate this wild little boy. I cannot believe Asher is already 8 years old!🩵”

Nash has continued to post heartwarming photos of her son, and only time will tell what new opportunities await the child model!

What do you think about this story? Isn't Asher the cutest little boy ever? Let us know your thoughts, and be sure to pass this along to your family and friends.