Latest news with #Down
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Challenges of raising special needs children
PETALING JAYA: For most parents, raising a child is a journey of joy and discovery. But for mothers like Hardarshan Kaur and Cecily Andrews Fourrier, it is also a path paved with resilience, heartbreak and an extraordinary kind of love. Both are mothers to neurodivergent daughters, and have found a renewed sense of hope at Spectrum Heroes Care Centre, an inclusive learning space that has helped transform their children's lives and theirs. 'I prayed very hard for my second child,' said Hardarshan, 71, a former teacher. 'When Shandeep was born, we were overjoyed. But the next day, when the doctor said my child has Down syndrome, my world came crashing down. 'We didn't tell anyone she was different. I couldn't bring myself to. But my husband was the strong one. He told me, 'take this as a challenge from God'.' Now 31, Shandeep is thriving and has come out of her shell after attending Spectrum Heroes. 'She's happier now. She washes her own plate and helps younger students at the centre. She's non-verbal but understands everything. She just chooses not to speak unless necessary,' said Hardarshan with pride. 'She paints beautifully. Our staircase wall at home is her 'wall of fame', filled with framed artwork.' Cecily shared a similar story, but one shaped by adoption and advocacy. Her daughter Cassandra, seven, is autistic, non-verbal, developmentally delayed and epileptic. She was abandoned by her drug addict birth mother, and adopted at the age of one. 'Her development is that of a three-year-old. She used to go into sudden bad seizures until she started medication three years ago, and fortunately it's been under control. And her meltdowns? Her screams could be heard from outside the building,' Cecily recalled. Cecily, an emotional intelligence practitioner and anti-baby dumping advocate, said finding the right intervention centre was an uphill battle. 'We tried so many places. Nothing worked. Progress was minimal and the methods weren't up to standard, until we found Spectrum Heroes. It's been four months, and the change is unbelievable. 'They truly love the children. This place isn't profit-driven. It's community-based, affordable and built on passion. I finally feel safe leaving her here.' Cecily said Cassandra's challenges were intense. 'She has severe separation anxiety. I couldn't leave her anywhere without her melting down for hours. 'Even now, she's obsessed with gadgets. If she doesn't get her tablet in public, she'll scream, lie on the floor and people stare. 'But she's improving. She's expressing more. She's bonding better with her little sister. I know there's more progress to come.' Both mothers urge parents of newly diagnosed children to focus on acceptance and early intervention. 'You must first accept your child as he is. Only then can you move forward. Don't hide them. Take them out, let people see them. Family support matters too. My younger daughter helped Shandeep learn toilet training just by example,' said Hardarshan. Their stories are not just about the children, but about the mothers who never gave up, who adapted, fought for inclusion and found beauty in difference.
The Sun
11 hours ago
- Health
- The Sun
Mothers find hope, healing at inclusive centre for kids
PETALING JAYA: For most parents, raising a child is a journey of joy and discovery. But for mothers like Hardarshan Kaur and Cecily Andrews Fourrier, it is also a path paved with resilience, heartbreak and an extraordinary kind of love. Both are mothers to neurodivergent daughters, and have found a renewed sense of hope at Spectrum Heroes Care Centre, an inclusive learning space that has helped transform their children's lives and theirs. 'I prayed very hard for my second child,' said Hardarshan, 71, a former teacher. 'When Shandeep was born, we were overjoyed. But the next day, when the doctor said my child has Down syndrome, my world came crashing down. 'We didn't tell anyone she was different. I couldn't bring myself to. But my husband was the strong one. He told me, 'take this as a challenge from God'.' Now 31, Shandeep is thriving and has come out of her shell after attending Spectrum Heroes. 'She's happier now. She washes her own plate and helps younger students at the centre. She's non-verbal but understands everything. She just chooses not to speak unless necessary,' said Hardarshan with pride. 'She paints beautifully. Our staircase wall at home is her 'wall of fame', filled with framed artwork.' Cecily shared a similar story, but one shaped by adoption and advocacy. Her daughter Cassandra, seven, is autistic, non-verbal, developmentally delayed and epileptic. She was abandoned by her drug addict birth mother, and adopted at the age of one. 'Her development is that of a three-year-old. She used to go into sudden bad seizures until she started medication three years ago, and fortunately it's been under control. And her meltdowns? Her screams could be heard from outside the building,' Cecily recalled. Cecily, an emotional intelligence practitioner and anti-baby dumping advocate, said finding the right intervention centre was an uphill battle. 'We tried so many places. Nothing worked. Progress was minimal and the methods weren't up to standard, until we found Spectrum Heroes. It's been four months, and the change is unbelievable. 'They truly love the children. This place isn't profit-driven. It's community-based, affordable and built on passion. I finally feel safe leaving her here.' Cecily said Cassandra's challenges were intense. 'She has severe separation anxiety. I couldn't leave her anywhere without her melting down for hours. 'Even now, she's obsessed with gadgets. If she doesn't get her tablet in public, she'll scream, lie on the floor and people stare. 'But she's improving. She's expressing more. She's bonding better with her little sister. I know there's more progress to come.' Both mothers urge parents of newly diagnosed children to focus on acceptance and early intervention. 'You must first accept your child as he is. Only then can you move forward. Don't hide them. Take them out, let people see them. Family support matters too. My younger daughter helped Shandeep learn toilet training just by example,' said Hardarshan. Their stories are not just about the children, but about the mothers who never gave up, who adapted, fought for inclusion and found beauty in difference.
South Wales Argus
16 hours ago
- Health
- South Wales Argus
Barratt David Wilson Homes awards £4,500 to three charities
Barratt David Wilson Homes South Wales awarded £1,500 each to Cure EB, Bowel Cancer UK and 21 Plus through its Community Fund, which supports organisations near its housing developments. Richard Lawson, sales director at Barratt David Wilson Homes South Wales, said: "At Barratt, we are proud to support the communities where we build – not just through our homes but by supporting the people and causes that hold those communities together. "Our Community Fund gives us the opportunity to help where it's needed most – whether that's by supporting children and families through times of difficult diagnosis or funding much-needed moments of joy and connection." Since 2022, the fund has donated more than £2.5 million nationwide. Cure EB supports research into treatments for Epidermolysis Bullosa, while Bowel Cancer UK raises awareness and funds research into bowel cancer. 21 Plus supports children and young people with Down's syndrome across south-east Wales.
Daily Record
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Inspirational North Lanarkshire garden takes shape at new home
The Down's Syndrome Scotland garden will be located at the Watch US Grow charity within Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld. Work has started to give an award-winning garden from the RHS Chelsea Flower Show a permanent home in North Lanarkshire. The Down's Syndrome Scotland garden will be located at the Watch US Grow charity within Palacerigg Country Park, Cumbernauld. This has been funded by Project Giving Back, a unique grant-making charity that supports cause-driven gardens at RHS Chelsea, ensuring their legacy continues by relocating them to community sites across the UK. Watch US Grow supports young adults with Additional Support Needs with gardening and life skills, and they will be involved in recreating and then maintaining the garden, which will be open to the public from next year. Designed by Nick Burton and Duncan Hall of Burton Hall Garden Design, the garden takes visitors on a journey through the life of someone with Down's syndrome. It highlights their many unique qualities while also challenging visitors to appreciate and understand the barriers that people with Down's syndrome still face as they strive to live their best lives. It was inspired by Duncan's eight-year-old nephew, Liam, who has Down's syndrome and is supported by Down's Syndrome Scotland. The garden was awarded a Silver Gilt medal for small show garden and the People's Choice for Best Small Show Garden. North Lanarkshire Council Leader Jim Logue and Convener of the council's Environment and Climate Change Committee Councillor Helen Loughran visited the garden site to meet the team involved. 'The garden is truly inspirational, creating a picture of the qualities of people with Down's syndrome as well as the challenges and barriers they face on a daily basis,' Councillor Logue said. 'The young people from Watch US Grow will benefit hugely from being involved in planting and looking after the garden and we're proud to have the garden here at Palacerigg Country Park for visitors to enjoy for years to come. 'We also hope it raises awareness of and sparks discussion about the issues faced by people with disabilities in our communities.' The double award-winning garden will officially open in May 2026 when it will be in full bloom, recreating the stunning garden that was seen by the thousands of visitors to RHS Chelsea last month. 'For a charity like Watch Us Grow, who use gardening to educate and improve people's lives, there is no greater opportunity than this,' said Tom Harten, General Manager at Watch US Grow. 'The Down's Syndrome Scotland Garden will now become an integral part of Watch Us Grow and the work we do. It will be maintained by adults with Additional Support Needs, which will include Down's Syndrome but also Autism and a range of other learning disabilities. 'This is so great for so many including the two charities, Watch Us Grow and Down's Syndrome Scotland, and the garden designers but also for North Lanarkshire, Palacerigg Country Park, the local community and garden lovers all over Scotland who may like to visit. I would like to thank Down's Syndrome Scotland for recognising the work we do and choosing to partner with us to look after this amazing garden.' Eddie McConnell, who is the Chief Executive of Down's Syndrome Scotland and who lives locally in Cumbernauld, joined the Leader and the Convener in their recent visit to the garden at Watch US Grow. He said: 'We are thrilled to bring our Chelsea Garden to Palacerigg Country Park and to partner with Watch US Grow and North Lanarkshire Council who have been so supportive of our efforts to create this unique public space for everyone to enjoy.'
RTÉ News
a day ago
- Sport
- RTÉ News
'It will be a right battle' - Galway's John Maher wary of Meath
Galway midfielder John Maher insists the Connacht champions won't take Meath lightly in their All-Ireland SFC quarter-final clash at Croke Park. The Tribesmen take on the Royals on Sunday with the bookmakers, at least, installing them as the heavy favourites to progress. After a rocky patch, Maher and his team-mates have found form, claiming a two-point victory away to Down in the preliminary quarter-finals, following a win on the road against Armagh. Meath have upset the form book on a consistent basis, getting the better of Kerry, Cork and Dublin so far this year. Galway are eager to ensure that they don't become the next big scalp on the Royals' list and Maher insists his side are taking nothing for granted in Croke Park. Analysing Meath's strengths, he said: "They have strong defenders, good one-on-one defenders, they're tenacious in the tackle. They've a strong midfield and up top we think everyone could be a threat. "From back to front, they have a balanced team. If we're all focused on this, we wouldn't be looking at odds or looking at underdogs. We know what to focus on for the weekend and we're taking this one as serious as any game." Meath are likely to be further strengthened by the return of star forward Mathew Costello, who missed their clash with Derry but has now shaken off a hamstring injury. This will be the first time that Maher and Costello meet on the pitch and the Galway man is looking forward to facing him " I haven't (played against him before), but I've seen him play plenty of times," he said. "He's a very impressive player and he had a great Leinster final. That will add to their forward line greatly. "The fact that they got past Kerry by nine points missing a key player like him, along with other key names, just shows the strength of their team, so it will be a right battle on Sunday. Galway are hoping to welcome back a key player of their own but Shane Walsh's return from a shoulder injury appears to still be in doubt. "Shane is taking it day by day," Maher said. "I think he's talking with the medical team. We're training again this evening, so we'll know more. "But yeah, he got a bit of a knock on the weekend and he's taking it day by day." The congested nature of the season and the quick turnaround when it comes to matches seems to be playing a part in the injuries that the likes of Costello and Walsh are suffering. Maher admitted that the hectic schedule is taking a toll on players, not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. "There's no doubt that it is taxing on the body, and it's not just physical. It's definitely mental in terms of getting up for games and traveling all over the country. "It certainly is a tough schedule, especially having the fixtures that we've had last year. "I think we were away to Westmeath, which was a journey we could do on the day and then we had a home preliminary match. "Compare that that to an away trip to Derry and an away trip to Down it is quite different in terms of, in terms of traveling. So that all takes emotional and mental energy as well as physical. " I'm looking forward to next year where it is a slightly altered schedule where it's in one less game. I think that might work a bit more. "You want all your best players fresh and, available for games and for supporters as well… The Galway support has been incredible. They've followed us all around us over the month. But we do ask a lot of players and a lot of everyone." Those Galway supporters will be hoping for another big couple of days out this campaign and while the journey from the west is not insignificant, it's one they'll be eager to make another couple of times this summer.
