Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome awareness month. Over the last 3 years I pride myself in giving my all to raise awareness about what is Trisomy 21.

Ive shared facts, videos, photos, and stories.

This year I have been slack, not because I dont want too, because I think about it everyday, I'm reminded by it every day, but because to a mother with a child who has down syndrome, the truth is each month is down syndrome awareness month.

Mums, dads, carers and gaurdians know all too well the lengths we go too to advocate for our children on a daily basis.

To some that looks like arguing with a doctor and feeling as if you need to justify your decision around KEEPING your unborn baby because their genetic make up is different to the "norm"

And too others its as simple as smiling at a stranger who is smiling at your child, as if too say, "I see you."

Down syndrome awareness month is the socially acceptable way of raising awareness about down syndrome.

Because its a month dedicated to awareness people in the wider community, people that dont have children with down syndrome, or know someone with down syndrome use it as a way to speak up about down syndrome and teach acceptance.
But...
Shouldnt it be like this always?
Shouldn't down syndrome be as normal in our society as someone with brown hair walking down the street?

If you know me, im sure you have heard me say this but ill say it again.
If anyone asked me what I can change about down syndrome do you know my answer?
Its people's perceptions!
How people respond to, react, and talk about down syndrome.

If i could wish for one thing in this world, it would be that at some point in my lifetime, when my son is a grown man and holding his wifes hand while walking through the park, that a doctor, nurse, midwife, business man, dentist, accountant, sees him and insteading of thinking, "Oh he has down syndrome." They think "What a happy couple."

The day that down syndrome is a "normal" part of society is the day that "Down syndrome awareness month" is no longer needed and I know I have done my job as Olivers Mother.

So untill then, I ask you this.
Share videos about down syndrome, share facts, photos, talk in the community, correct medical professionals, smile about down syndrome, dont whisper about down syndrome and most importantly dont be afraid of down syndrome.

Take the time from your lives to do this to help support mums like me, just trying to give her child a brighter inclusive future and do it each and every moment that arises, not just October.

Loads of love, Bianca xo