Happy World Down Syndrome Day

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! 21st March every year is World Down Syndrome Day, a day all about raising awareness of Down Syndrome and promoting inclusion.

This is a day that is very important, and close, to us at Snuggle Hunny. Our little boy, Woody, has Down Syndrome and we are huge advocates for promoting inclusion and diversity. 18% of Australians have disabilities and that includes lots of babies. Approximately 290 babies are born each year in Australia with Down Syndrome.

We can all be better at celebrating all babies, promoting awareness and supporting those families who live with a disability. 

 

Tell me more about Down Syndrome

Down Syndrome, or Trisomy 21, is a genetic difference. Most of us have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 all up) but someone with Down Syndrome has an extra copy of the 21st chromosome so 47 chromosomes.

This results in physical and intellectual differences which can include:

  • some level of intellectual difference
  • some characteristic physical features eg almond shaped eyes
  • low muscle tone
  • increased risk of some health conditions (many of which are treatable)
  • some developmental delays eg speech, walking
Happy World Down Syndrome Day - Snuggle Hunny

Let's Chat Woody!

Our amazing little boy Woody is 7. We found out Woody had Down Syndrome when I (Julie) was 12 weeks pregnant. It was not an easy pregnancy and, being very open, it was very confronting news when we found out. We didn't know a lot about Down Syndrome and the support wasn't great in helping us find out more information. I am very focused on trying to change this as babies like Woody are an absolute gift. 

Woody is a beautiful soul and he is the life of any room. We are so grateful to have him in our lives every single day. If you could bottle up a ray on sunshine it's Woody. He is on a different path to his brther Alfie and it takes him a lot longer to learn but he does learn. He is very chatty and knows his numbers well. He didn't start walking until he was 5 and now he runs everywhere. he is very determined and knows his own mind! Super cheeky too. 

Woody also has an ASD (hole in the walls of his heart) so will need heart surgery at some point. Approximately 50% of babies born with Down Syndrome have congenital heart defects. He has a few other health challenges and his immune system is compromised - warlier in life this was more challenging but he's getting a lot stronger. 

To learn more about Down Syndrome and how how you can support it head to Down Syndrome Australia.

Julie Mathers
Chief Snugs