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Registered Charity 1119018
Kent Wide Down Syndrome Group is affiliated to the Down Syndrome Association

 Moya’s Update

Moya is now 17. Since Moya’s last story appeared on the KWDSG website, she has moved on to further education, lobbied her MP about concessionary bus passes and taken up another sport. She regularly attends a local mainstream youth group where she has fully integrated and is a great ambassador for Down Syndrome. She is very good at the dentist or when she needs to have blood tests and everyone is amazed at how calm and relaxed she is. Moya helped to get our local GP practice to set up her annual health check–up, something we should all be doing once our young people reach transition.  She has helped to prepare her own Down Syndrome Awareness powerpoint presentation, which we use to present the positiveness of the condition. She absolutely adores her new nephew Harvey, who has pushed me further down Moya’s list of her favourite people and things, somewhere between her nan’s dog and Jacob’s guinea pig.

Late last year, something that we had suspected for some time was confirmed in that Moya was diagnosed with Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. She has also now been diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. For her, it didn’t mean a thing as Moya is just Moya and enjoys life to the full whatever is thrown at her.

           In February 2009, Moya took part in a work experience programme at a local branch of The Body Shop. Although it was challenging for her, she rose to the occasion and was soon a favourite with the staff. She stacked shelves, served customers and did all variety of tasks for her two weeks. Even now she can’t pass the shop without popping in and saying “hallo” to all the staff.

        In March she was selected to go to a Children’s Rights Alliance Conference at the offices of The Children’s Commissioner for England in London. Moya took part in helping to prepare and present an issue concerning building respect and trust between young people and the police and participated fully in the process, even making her own mini presentation on the important people and pets in her life.

                  Not being one to sit back on her laurels, Moya has now started her Bronze Award for The Duke Of Edinburgh Award Scheme, which is progressing well.

            As she becomes a young adult, she is developing like any teenager. She enjoys discos and social occasions with her friends, and I am quite happy to be her chauffeur on these occasions. Her confidence and independence is growing with each day. Every Saturday she completes her Lotto and Thunderball lottery tickets without fail. Although she can never be fully independent, in regard to her health, personal safety and danger awareness, I know Moya really loves life and lives it fully. Her glass is always half full and her optimism and readiness to take on new challenges is a credit to her. Her rallying cry of “I CAN TRY” is a sure sign that there is nothing that Moya won’t attempt. The future for Moya is exciting, positive and bright and I enjoy life’s journey with her.

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