Meet Arlo, A Movie Star In Our Midst

Kids are pretty incredible. From birth, they have their own distinct personalities. As they grow they develop their own interests and strengths. They have a way of enriching your life and rocking your world like nothing else ever could.

Every once in a while, you come across a child with a unique magnetism—something that pulls you in and simultaneously puts you at ease—that both brings a smile to your face and makes you think a little differently about your day or a little deeper about the world.

Arlo Croyle-Sheire is a kid that sticks with you. He has a dynamic personality and one of those smiles that inspires a reciprocal gesture from you regardless of what else is going on. 

At a year-and-a-half-old, he has made a name for himself on the silver screen, helped advise the City of Alexandria and advocated to Congressional representatives—all with a little help from parents, Erin Croyle and Daniel Sheire, of course. The family lives in Warwick Village. 

Arlo was diagnosed at birth with Down syndrome. Admittedly, Erin says the diagnosis was the most difficult thing she’s faced in life. However, the journey they’ve embarked on has opened their minds in the most incredible way. 

What really strikes me is how Erin, Daniel and Arlo approach life together. 

Personally, as a mom of small kids, I struggle to find the time and energy to volunteer, take on projects or pursue my own passions. I know that it is important and I do what I can, but it’s something that I work at constantly.

Erin and Daniel inspire me.

Erin has shifted from a career in the television industry to managing Arlo’s therapy and education full time. It's not a simple task.

“Before Arlo entered our world, we didn’t know much about Down syndrome," Erin says. "Inclusion didn’t really exist when I was growing up. Now we see he’s just like any other kid. He just has to work a lot harder for things that come easy to typical children.”   

Arlo remains her biggest inspiration. 

“Whenever I get discouraged, he shows me how strong he is,” she says.

That strength runs in the family. Both Erin and Daniel are active volunteers with the Down Syndrome Association of Northern Virginia, participate in the annual Buddy Walk on Washington and have become civic advocates for Down syndrome issues. 

This past week, the three of them went before the City of Alexandria’s Community Services Board to speak on the importance of early intervention programs. 

They are also putting their professional skills to work. 

“We’re working with the state of Virginia’s early intervention program to produce videos on inclusion and advocacy,” Erin says.   

With two media-savvy parents, it isn’t a huge surprise that Arlo is a natural performer.

In 2011, he was cast in the HBO movie "Game Change" as Trig Palin. The film premieres at 9 p.m. Saturday on HBO (Hot Tip: Paparazzi can typically spot Arlo at , the tot lot or walking his dogs down The Avenue).   

Ultimately, Erin and Daniel are taking things as they go. 

“Arlo has changed our world and offered us such a different perspective on life.  We’re letting him take the lead," Erin says. "So far, it’s been amazing.”