Big News: Toddler With Down Syndrome Stars In OshKosh Ad And More

BUFORD, Ga. (CBS) – Photos of Asher Nash went viral after a talent agency told his mom they would not send his photos to companies, because they did not specify they were looking for a special needs child.

Since then, the Nash family has proven that agency wrong, and now, Asher's contagious smile will be seen throughout the holiday season and the seasons to come.

16-month-old Asher Nash of Buford, Georgia was invited to participate in OshKosh B'Gosh holiday ad campaign that launched Friday, Dec. 2. And that is only the beginning.

Back in July, Asher's mom, Meagan Nash submitted her son's photos to a local modeling agency in Georgia after seeing a casting call for children's clothing brand, Carter's, and hoping to land her son an opportunity with OshKosh B'Gosh. After not receiving a response, Nash reached out to the agency and received a response that left her shocked and disappointed, CBS News reports.

A woman at the agency emailed Nash, stating the agency did not submit Asher's photos because the casting call criteria did not specify they were looking for a baby with special needs.

"That puzzled me and so I asked if they had said they did not want a baby with special needs," Nash told CBS News. "When she said, 'No, that they didn't specify either way,' I asked why we wouldn't always submit him then?"

Meagan Nash learned of a non-profit organization, Changing The Face Of Beauty, who's goal is to get companies to value children with disabilities as consumers in advertisement.

"They encourage families to share pictures on social media and tag brands that are not yet using kids with disabilities in hopes to change their minds," Nash said.

So, Nash took to Facebook, posting a photo of Asher on the Changing The Face of Beauty page and calling out OshKosh B'Gosh, which is headquartered in Atlanta, about 35 miles from the Nash family. Her message soon went viral when the Kids With Down Syndrome page shared Asher's picture.

The photos soon reached where the family hoped.

A week after Asher's story went viral, OshKosh set up a meeting with the Nash family on Nov. 8.

"They thanked us for bringing awareness and said they would definitely be going forward with the change," Nash said.

OshKosh invited Asher to return for their spring and summer shoot in six weeks, but Nash later received a call that same week, asking if Asher could be a part of their holiday ad campaign.

"I am happy to say he shot with them on Nov. 15 and his pictures are going to be in their advertisement on their website and emails," Nash said.

OshKosh's 2016 holiday ad launched Dec. 2. Asher's photos will be used on OshKosh's website, social channels and email blasts throughout the month of December.

Meagan Nash said she wants companies like OshKosh to see the value in using people with special needs in their campaigns.

"Using people with special needs shows the world that these people have value and worth just like any typical person does," Nash said.

Since this has all happened, Asher has been asked to work with several brands some including Oball, Ingenuity, Toys "R" Us, Safety 1st, and Happy Family Brand.

Before learning of the Carter's casting call, the Nash family was submitting Asher's photos to another agency, where he was able to participate in two photo shoots with Kids II in Atlanta. Asher will be featured on the packaging for Oball toys, the beginning of next year.

Kids II released a statement after working with Asher:

"Kids II is committed to making bright futures possible for families everywhere. We embrace championing and designing our products for real, everyday families – and that includes families with special needs children. Therefore, Asher was the perfect model for our Oball photo-shoot – the joy and realness he brings shines through in every photo. We are honored to include Asher in our Kids II family."

Asher Nash is now represented by two agents. His main agency is J Pervis Talent, in Atlanta, with his sister Addison. Asher is also represented by Gail Williamson with the KMR diversity department in LA.

Asher is scheduled to work with the A&E network, as well as the Special Olympics, NDSS, and the NDSC with advocating and spreading awareness on inclusion through social media campaigns.

"My hope is that Asher and us will get to continue to work with Down Syndrome organizations to spread awareness and end the many misconceptions about Asher and anyone else with Down Syndrome," Nash said.

To follow Asher's journey and keep up with his work, you can follow him on Facebook, at Asher's Down Right Perfect page; Twitter and Instagram @down_rightperf