Downs Side Up

Award-winning, inspirational Down's syndrome blog. Down Syndrome support, media, public speaking, articles and little model Natty.

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My article urging caution and a rethink of antenatal screening programmes in this month's Royal College of Midwives Journal. 

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Natty, who has Down's syndrome, has been chosen to take part in the Sainsbury's back to school campaign this Summer. 

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The post where I understood what it feels like to be avulnerable person with a learning disability. It took a visit to Number 10...

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Young girl publishes a heartfelt book to help other children welcome a new sibling with Down's syndrome into the family.

Mia Goleniowska, 10, writes, " I love you Natty, you are the best sister in the world and so precious to me. You are so important to me and if you weren't in this world my life wouldn't be the same."

She explores her feelings when her baby sister spent time in an incubator and during heart surgery, and shows us all the fun and games they have together, as well the everyday annoyances any siblings experience.

A beautiful must-read book, complete with drawings and family photographs.

Available from Amazon priced at £5.99 + P&P

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Why I am so enormously proud to be shortlisted in 2 categories in the Britmums Brilliance in Blogging awards: Commentary and Outstanding.

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Today is the 2014 Undiagnosed Children’s Day. I have some relatively complex thoughts about the overall issue, but primarily I can emphasize at a deep level on the need for knowledge, for a framework to put your thoughts in.

In any case – it’s quite clear that everyone should watch the official video: (HT, http://ift.tt/1esMOOm)

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A fabulous video from a very talented blogger. Renata from Just Bring the Chocolate sets out to explain about Undiagnosed Children, and not in a fluffy, doe-eyed way. Please watch.

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Happy Easter from us all at Downs Side Up. Our day began with the obligatory Easter egg hunt in the garden, still wearing PJs of course. Little Natty's arms were so full that she could bearly carry her treats. Then some art and craft activities and now snuggling with poorly Daddy and big sis for a family film. 

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Last week I kissed my children goodbye and jumped on 2 planes to Belfast to see the launch of a new product that is simply nothing short of miraculous. The UPSEE (pictured above) allows children who are wheelchair users to walk with their parents.

Read about the bloggers' meeting, product info and purchasing links here on Downs Side Up. 

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A massive thank you to everyone who joined forces for World Down Syndrome Day #WDSD14 last week. Read What Did World Down Syndrome Day Achieve here for a few thoughts on awareness and those controversial funky socks... 

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Read about the highlights of World Down Syndrome Day here. The facts, the films, and the fundraising.

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World Down Syndrome Day 2014. Be the change you wish to see.

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Join us on Friday for World Down Syndrome Day fundraising online for the Down's Syndrome Association. 

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My reading for this evening via Instagram http://ift.tt/1bYdfuj

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Useful tips x

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50 likes!

Waiting to see what that means....

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Natty on the eve of her sister's 10th birthday.

"It's MY birthday."

"No it isn't"

"Yes it is. Oh Please!"

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This post originally appeared on the What to Expect When You're Expecting website.