02/10/2023
October is Down Syndrome awareness month, in which we can be inspired to learn more about this topic and to celebrate people born with Down syndrome and the medical advancements that increasingly improve their quality of life.
Bea joined our Oz Tots family in April 2023 and is the first Tot we've had with this diagnosis. Like all our children, she is an absolute delight to have, with a smile that quite literally lights up the room. She has encouraged the more frequent use of Makaton, and as a result her "Acorn" peers are taking these signs home and using them in their daily routines.
Upon joining, Bea's parents were very keen to spread the word on Down syndrome, raising awareness to others, so we have taken this opportunity to share Bea's story.
Words from Mummy, Lucy - Prior to Bea being born, I had never met anyone with Down’s Syndrome and knew nothing about it. When we got her diagnosis at birth it was a big shock and I was very upset. Over the past 2 years I have come to learn that it was nothing to cry over. Bea takes a little longer to learn things and is ‘behind’ developmentally, but she is also the cheekiest, funniest and happiest child. She adores bubbles and crisps, she claps herself a lot because she knows she is awesome, she has eyes that sparkle, and a wide happy smile. She can sign over 15 makaton signs and just said her first words ‘mama’, ‘dada’ and ‘bubble’! Being different makes her special and unique but isn’t a bad thing. Kids her age don’t even realise she has Down’s Syndrome and play with her without any judgement and I hope she can continue through her life as happy and care free as she is today, helping to break negative stereotypes of the syndrome. From Lucy, Tom, Beatrice and little sister Francesca
Our focus book this month will be "This is Me!" by George Webster - CBeebies presenter with Down syndrome and is a beautiful depiction of inclusivity and the differences between us being quite frankly, magic.
