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Helen shares with us her story of raising her daughter Eleanor, who was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome at birth, and how they are raising awareness of World Down's Syndrome Day!

Happy World Down’s Syndrome Day 2022.

We’re The Manton’s (Instagram: @the_mantons) and firstly I’d like to thank Spotty Otter for inviting us to guest blog this week especially to celebrate WDSD2022.

World Down’s Syndrome Day is a global awareness day when self-advocates and their families, friends and supporters organise and participate in activities to raise awareness, advocate for rights, and promote inclusion and well-being of all people with Down’s syndrome.

World Down’s Syndrome Day occurs on the 21st day of March (21.3) each year, selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication of the 21st chromosome which is what creates Down’s Syndrome.

Often today is marked by the wearing of fun socks, as it's widely thought that chromosomes look like socks!

Our daughter, Eleanor was born in April 2018 and soon after her birth we received a diagnosis of DS, although shocked at first, I quickly started researching and found the most comfort in social media platforms and other families that were raising children with DS. Before Eleanor was born, I’d almost given up on social media but I soon found myself becoming part of the most amazing community that totally understood my thoughts and feelings. Very quickly we started raising awareness ourselves. We love to share the positives of our lives and just how we’re like any other family, but we have an added extra (chromosome!).

Some Facts;

1. Down’s syndrome is caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 inside some or all of the body’s cells.

2. There are three types of Down’s syndrome: Trisomy 21 (94%), Translocation (4%), and Mosaic (2%).

3. Approximately 700 babies a year are born with Down’s syndrome in the UK.

4. The proportion of women having a termination after a prenatal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome has decreased from 92% in 1989-2010 to 90% in 2011-2013 in the UK.

5. Children with Down’s syndrome are likely to have delays in speech and language skills which may affect their communication, interactions and education.

6. It is estimated that about 42,000 people with Down’s syndrome live in the UK.

7. People with Down’s syndrome are not always happy, they have the same feelings and moods as everyone else.

8. Many children with Down’s syndrome attend mainstream school and many adults can live independently and have jobs.

Today Eleanor is almost 4 years old, is incredibly sassy and independent with a zest for life. Her favourite things to do are to be outside and read her story books. She has lots of friends, fab communication skills and is set to join the local primary this coming September. If I could say anything to my former self or a new parent about to embark on this incredible journey it would be – enjoy your baby, you have no idea the love they will bring you and they will be your greatest teacher. We have learnt more in the last 4 years than we ever thought possible, and Eleanor has shown us a world we never knew existed which we will be forever grateful for.

So, we really hope you’ve enjoyed reading a small insight into our lives and if you’d like to follow us to learn more, please give us a follow over on Instagram @the_mantons

Happy World Down’s Syndrome Day 2022!