Maxwell was born on World Down Syndrome Day 2014. Now as he turns five on March 21, his mum Molly tells us about Maxwell starting school and his journey into the next stage of his life. As this year’s WDSD theme is #LeaveNoOneBehind, Molly particularly talks about how Maxwell’s school makes sure every single student […]
By Harps Kaur When Saajan entered this world, much to our surprise, he came with a little something extra – he had Down’s syndrome. To say we were devastated is an understatement. The grief and sheer shock that washed over me bought with it a wave of deep devastation as my mind was clouded with […]
By Debbie Austin My 10 year old daughter Lucy has a dual diagnosis of Down’s syndrome and autism and when stressed, has behaviours that can be described as challenging. The ‘Leave No-one Behind’ theme for this year’s World Down Syndrome Day is most welcome. As the years go by and it becomes clear that autism […]
Denise Humberstone’s daughter Kathleen is 19 and has just started college in London. Here, her mum talks about her flying the nest and starting the next chapter in her life… My husband is driving. Kathleen is in the back seat behind him, happy as Larry and totally engrossed in her phone. Thankfully, I’m in the […]
You may remember Aaron who told us about his love for free running a few months ago…he’s now made a great video for Awareness Week! My name is Aaron and I am 14. My dad helped me make a video for World Down Syndrome Day about what I get up to. Check it out… I […]
Margaret Hogan was horrified when teachers told her that 9 year old Shauna, her daughter who has Down’s syndrome, was a “health and safety risk” and not allowed to learn to swim like the rest of those in her class. Horrified, Margaret fought the decision and now 17 years later, Shauna has represented Great Britain […]
By Liz Arriens “You remember when you had the blood test for Down’s syndrome at 12 weeks, that was just a guide; it looks like your baby is exhibiting characteristics of Down’s syndrome. There are worse things.” This was how we learned Coraline had Down’s syndrome, two hours after she was born, from a paediatrician and […]
Christopher Diedo says photos do the talking for him. His first major public exhibition was seen by more than 3,000 visitors at the Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford, and he’s since shown off his skills at various galleries in London – including at the OXO Tower – as well as taking his talent overseas, showcasing […]
Lucia’s family got in touch to tell us about her life and this blog has been written from Lucia’s perspective. Hello, I’m Lucia and I have just turned two. I love signing Makaton to my brothers and sisters, and I know what I want! My family is Italian, and I am bilingual because I can […]
By Magdalena Sztechman My name is Magdalena. I am a passionate photographer and I have a sister with Down’s syndrome. Ania is now 38 and lives in Poland so naturally this cause is very close to my heart. I grew up watching my mum running a parent-led, local, non-profit organisation in our hometown in Poland […]
