Caroline White, mum to Seb, 8, who has Down’s Syndrome, says a child is shaped by their upbringing and life experience, not their diagnosis.

Caroline describes how life experience is shaping Seb in her new book ‘The Label: A Story for Families’.

Hearing the diagnosis of Down’s Syndrome was the worst day of her life, but her reaction then was coloured by outdated ignorance.

Caroline says: “On reflection I realise it was one of the best things to happen to me. Seb has enriched my life beyond measure and I wouldn’t swap him for anything. I hope the book helps others, maybe faced with a diagnosis, to see beyond disability and realise it is not what defines a person, their upbringing and life experience is what shapes them.”

Seb, who made history as the first individual with Down’s Syndrome to appear in a retail advertisement – it was the Marks and Spencer Christmas campaign in 2012 – is bright and witty and mad about football. Caroline says. “He has a high emotional intelligence. If either of his siblings has been upset or if his younger sister is getting a telling off, he often stands up for her as a mark of solidarity, support and loyalty.”

Caroline, who lives in Bath and has two younger children, says that inclusion is vital. She says: “Nothing fills me with more happiness than when Seb enters the playground and is welcomed into a game of football.

“When a doctor delivered those two words, Down’s syndrome, all the aspirations I had once held for my son, and our family life, were shattered. Suddenly, I faced a future of unknowns. Eight years later and I look back and laugh at the ridiculousness of it all.”
The Label: A Story for Families, (£6.99), published by Ivy Press and is available from Amazon.

Photo: Hanry van Wyk