What do you know about Down’s Syndrome? Today is Down’s Syndrome Day

Down’s syndrome happens when you are born with an extra chromosome. The extra chromosome causes developmental and physical changes.
down syndrome

It’s not caused by something you did, or didn’t do, in pregnancy. It happens by chance and usually does not run in families.

One in every 920 babies born in the UK has Down’s syndrome

What’s it like to have Down’s syndrome?

People with Down’s syndrome will have some level of learning disability, although the severity can vary.

Some people will be more independent and can live on their own and get a job, whereas others might need more regular care.

But, like everyone, people with Down’s syndrome have:

  • Their own personalities
  • Things they like and dislike
  • Things that make them who they are

George Webster is the first CBeebies presenter to have Down’s Syndrome

In September 202, George Webster joined CBeebies as a new presenter. George has Down’s Syndrome.

He got the job after he did a video for BBC Bitesize about the ‘5 myths of Down’s Syndrome’ (https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p09kyydg ), which went viral. He had his first filming day in August 2021, and the rest is history.

In a recent interview with Disability Horizons, George explained that he ‘didn’t feel different’ when he was growing up, as he was ‘included in everything’. However, he did state that he feels that ‘there’s a lot of prejudice and old fashioned thinking about disability, especially Down’s Syndrome’.

You can read the full interview with George here: https://disabilityhorizons.com/2021/10/george-webster-first-cbeebies-presenter-with-downs-syndrome/

Tell us your story about living with Down’s Syndrome here