Down syndrome awareness: Gayle Ashdowne’s daughter Sophie features in video
A Wantirna mum has created a video about her teenage daughter Sophie, who has Down syndrome, to create awareness and educate the community about the condition. WATCH THE VIDEO
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Outgoing, bubbly, empathetic and loving are the words Wantirna mum Gayle Ashdowne uses to describe her teenage daughter Sophie.
From starring in a TV show to singing at open mic events, Sophie is proof that people with a disability can achieve many goals, Gayle said.
Sophie has Down syndrome, and Gayle is on mission to educate the community about the many misconceptions about the condition.
October is Down syndrome Awareness Month and Gayle has created a video about Sophie to shine a light on the abilities and dreams of those with Down syndrome.
“Down syndrome is a diagnosis, not a definition of life,” and “Friends don’t count chromosomes” are among the messages in the video.
Gayle said many think people with Down syndrome can’t achieve anything.
“I often get asked where does Sophie go to school and when I say she goes to a mainstream secondary college and people are surprised,” she said.
“I think a lot of people feel that people like Sophie can’t achieve much in life — but they can achieve anything they want to if they have the right support.”
Gayle said Sophie, who is in Year 8 at Our Lady of Sion College Box Hill, had an outward personality that endeared her to people.
“She will walk into a room and introduce herself to everyone,” she said.
Sophie has been studying dance and drama for eight years at K & C Performing Arts and just recently finished filming her third season of the ABC Me series Mustangs FC, a goalkicking comedy drama about girls who are abandoning the sidelines to start their local football club’s first all-female team.
“At school Sophie sings at open mic events; she among other things has no qualms about singing in front of her peers and in fact she embraces it.
“Sophie has a very kind heart and generous heart.
“She lives life to the full — and can be very stubborn too, just like any teenager.”
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Gayle said Sophie works hard to achieve her goals.
“Lots of people could learn from Sophie about the power of resilience,” she said.
“She just keeps going, she doesn’t tend to get upset about too many things.
“She’s amazing, really.”
Gayle urged others to see a person’s ability rather than their disability.
“It is really important to understand that no matter what, people with Down syndrome, if given the opportunity and support, can succeed; live full lives and like anyone else achieve whatever they want.”
On a mission to raise awareness
By Gayle Ashdowne
October recognises Down syndrome awareness month (DSAM).
During the month events take place not only to raise awareness but to shine a light on the abilities and dreams of those with Down syndrome. Down syndrome awareness month seeks to break down barriers and focus on promoting advocacy for people with Down syndrome.
Many people with Down syndrome today, like Sophie are proving myths and stereotypes wrong about what it means to have Down syndrome.
They can achieve great things in life.
For the past number of years in October I have posted a fun fact or common myth each day about Down syndrome. This year I have created a movie, to celebrate our daughter Sophie, to raise awareness, educate and inspire.
Sophie has achieved so much in her 15 years. She is an actor and has just finished filming her third series of Mustangs FC with Matchbox Pictures alongside Christie Whelan Browne, Pia Miranda, Jacek Koman and Fiona Choi.
Sophie attends mainstream secondary school, dance, drama and singing classes and loves to perform. She loves people, life and lives it to the full. Sophie has taught us to see the world through the eyes of unconditional love.
The innate ability to see the good and beauty in the world, to radiate joy and happiness, and to offer a unique perspective on life with the ability to change other’s perspective.
We think this sums Sophie up perfectly.
More information here.