An Open Letter to Law and Order SVU

Dear Law and Order,

I watched your 2010 SVU episode the other day, the one where you portrayed Noonan Syndrome. 

Now, I'm not one to cause a stir, nor do I like to cause any bad feeling. But you portrayal of Noonan Syndrome was incorrect.

I guess your intention was to raise awareness of Noonan Syndrome and give such a rare condition some acknowledgement. For that I thank you, you clearly meant well. However, there is a few things I'd like to pull you up on.

Firstly, I'd like to point out the mistake in characteristics. For Noonan Syndrome causes short stature, you cast, to be exact, a 5ft 8inch (1.73 m) actor who played Stuart, the guy who had Noonan Syndrome.

Secondly, you portrayed us as a criminal, a threat to children and who unrinates in public.

I know you are a crime programme I get that.

But here's the thing, what concerned me is that you made out that he was commiting these crimes because of his Noonan Syndrome not down to his dysfunctional, monstrous personality. 

I guess you were trying to make out that even though people live with medical conditions/syndromes/disabilities, they still can do bad things. And that's all well and good. I agree with you. They can. I've seen it. 

But please, be mindful, and try not to blame this or make an excuse for Noonan Syndrome being the catalyst for crimes. 

For this is very untrue. Noonan Syndrome does not cause us to be bad, we are not perfect by far, and if any of us were to do bad things then that would be solely down to our personality, maybe even a dysfunctional upbringing, but certainly not our syndrome. 

And for the characteristics, don't ever be reluctant in reaching out to me, or Noonan Syndrome groups asking to gain knowledge and understanding. We are more than happy to share with you and for you to highlight Noonan Syndrome. If you portray it correctly, then we are rooting for you. 

Best Wishes 

Katie