Focus on Oliver Hellowell: Photographer with Down's syndrome

I am very excited and proud to present an interview with the supremely talented photographer Oliver Hellowell

Photo courtesy of Oliver Hellowell


At nearly 18, Oliver is already carving a reputation for himself as a respected wildlife and landscape photographer. The Oliver Hellowell website showcases his unique work which is available for sale. Oliver also has Down's syndrome.

Learn to Expect the Unexpected When You're Expecting

I firmly believe most Mums-to-be have rose-tinted expectations of what pregnancy, birth and beyond is going to be like. So what are the realities of motherhood? What did I wish I had known before our family expanded? What's it really like to have a baby...?



Being something of an eternal student, I approached my first pregnancy in much the same way as a very exciting and practical college course. Books on ovulation, conception, pregnancy, nutrition, exercise, breathing, visualisation, birth, and beyond lined my shelves. I read and devoured the facts within their pages as if memorising them would help me gain the planned top grades in the final assessment.

Natty's breakthrough moments: writing, sewing, staying dry

Does your child go through times when development stops still or even seems to regress? Are they then suddenly able to do several new skills all at once? We've just had one such Eureka moment with Natty.


She is a visual learner, as most children with Down's syndrome are, and she watches, waits, practises quietly and independently in her own time and almost seems to want to be sure of absolute success before she demonstrates any new trick. Perhaps she is afraid of getting egg on her face! Or maybe this is a trait other children and young people with Trisomy 21 share?

10 Top Speech Therapy Tips for Children with Down Syndrome



The following list of SALT ideas for young children with Down syndrome might help you and your child develop their oral motor skills.


A few of the speech therapy tools for children with Down syndrome
Every child is a unique individual.  Each one develops at their own pace, responds well to their favourite toys and has their own strengths and areas that need support. This is no less true for children with Down's Syndrome, so trust your instincts.

Getting Kids Outdoors in Winter

What's that famous Scandinavian saying? 

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothing"
by somebody who loved the great outdoors



The statistics about children sitting for hours at a school desk and then more hours in front of a pc at home scare me. I love to get the children outside when I can for so many reasons, not least:

Silent Sunday



Clever Captions Please!

Last month, Natty was invited to a very special party at the Lord Mayor of London's home. 

(Like you do!) 


Off she trotted, in fancy dress, a little ambassador for children with Learning Disabilities everywhere, and representing Mencap charity. You can read her exciting tale here in Little Red Riding Hood: A Hero with Down's Syndrome

The official photographs have just arrived, taken by Gerald Sharp Photography, London and I thought this one was simply begging to be linked up to Saturday Caption hosted by Mammasaurus


So, captions on a postcard in the comments box below please. 






Mammasaurus


Our Kids Don't Like Each Other... and that's just fine

This post was written by Sarah on her blog Things Mummy Thinks after her youngest daughter met with a little girl who has Down's syndrome and they didn't get along. I love this post, it's about how kids just take disability in their stride, and if that means not making special allowances, then so be it. 

It really is OK for children not to get along, whatever their needs and parents shouldn't worry.




Help us raise money this World Down Syndrome Day


Dearest wonderful #TeamT21
(and Paul and Tom for coining the phrase)

That’s you!

The bloggers, parents, supporters, advocates and ambassadors 
for and with Down’s syndrome.



World Down Syndrome Day 2014  #WDSD14 is fast approaching. It takes place on 21st March as you know, representing the 3 copies of the 21st chromosome, and is a chance for us all to celebrate Trisomy 21, our achievements, break down myths and spread awareness of challenges in our paths.  It’s a chance to also raise money for the charities that carry out vital medical and educational research, train midwives and other professionals, set up work programmes, speech and language therapy sessions and crucially support families where it’s needed.

Silent Sunday

Wonderful Woman: An Interview with Hayley Goleniowska by Honest Mum





Hayley Goleniowska is Mum, blogger, speaker, writer and advocate for those with Down’s syndrome. She aims to gently change perceptions of the condition from within hearts through her inspirational blog.
As well as editing the Britmums Special Needs round-up and writing a regular column for Special Needs Jungle, she can often be found giving interviews on TV and radio.
Her youngest daughter Natalia was among the UK’s first clothing models with Down’s syndrome and is a media queen and ambassador in her own right.





Update on Baby Porter: 2 months old

I'm sure you recall the post we featured just before Christmas to welcome baby Porter to the world. Kara has Down's syndrome, her parents knew before she was born and sent this nervous message brimming with love to all their friends and family to tell them of her imminent arrival.


2 months on and Mum Sara has shared how life is for them. She's tired, has baby brain, is constantly feeding, going to baby groups, meeting other Mums, swapping stories... Oh, wait a minute... just like any other mum in the land!


Kara sleeping soundly

Once, twice, three times it’s a baby!