Latest news with #Down'sSyndrome
Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
ECA Graduate Show 2025 opens on Friday
Edinburgh College of Art will be transformed on Friday into the city's biggest gallery space celebrating the work of more than 550 graduating students. The ECA Graduate Show 2025 offers students the opportunity to display their work to the public, often exploring a range of thought-provoking ideas and cutting-edge techniques. This will be an inspiring and varied showcase with a range of disciplines on show.. The work includes painting and drawing, sculpture and installation, architectural planning and modelling, animation and digital visualisation, musical composition and performance, film, photography, textiles, jewellery and interior design. A screening of Animation and Film & TV students' work and a gig from graduates in Music will feature throughout the run of the Show, which will run from Friday 30 May until Friday 6 June. Kristen Bodensiek – Sculpture PHOTO © Stewart Attwood Photography 2025. Professor Juan Cruz, Principal of Edinburgh College of Art, said: 'Our Graduate Show celebrates the incredible creative talent and ingenuity of our graduating students. Visitors can expect to encounter work that is not only visually striking but also intellectually stimulating and innovative. We have a strong history of helping to shape some of the most notable creative talents in the UK and internationally, and this year is no exception.' Fine Art – artist Libby Entwistle has created An Aftermath, A Crime Scene – featuring a fire-breathing dragon sculpture in a multi-part installation that reinterprets the legend of Saint Margaret, a piece that interrogates ideas of 'monstrosity' and the tension between victimhood and agency. Graphic Design – Katie Marsden has used LEGO to create a tool to help people with Down's Syndrome navigate consent. Working with academics who improve sex education for people with learning difficulties, the colourful bricks are used to encourage positive, independent decision-making. Fine Art – Elena Gadd explores the concept of using masks within ceremony, in this instance a funeral, an occasion where mourner's characteristics or emotions might need concealment. Her large sculptural heads can be 'worn' by visitors, who will also experience a specially created soundscape within them. Sculpture – student Kristel Bodensiek was inspired by the effects that rain and waterfalls have on the human psyche and used glass and steel to create a calming curtain using 300 pieces of glass tied together by hand with steel rings. Painting – traditional tattoos and 19th century photography provide some of the inspiration for student Amy Mclean's final showcase. Five delicate oil paintings with subtle brushstrokes reflect on shrinking attention spans and how we construct meaning in a world of constant visual input. Sculpture – student Maria McStay has created large, spindly, other-worldly ceramics, inspired by artist Louise Bourgeois' spiders and the coastal landscapes she grew up in. Intermedia – the lesser-seen, unclean side of life is exposed in student Marni Saunders' uncanny wall-mounted work, featuring dirty dishes in basins and washing machine drums overflowing with sheets. Jewellery and Silversmithing – Rosina Percorelli has created sculptural pieces inspired by brutalist buildings and decaying pylons. Architecture – MA student Ellie Wilkes' design focuses on data centres, reimagining the thermal and mechanical systems used in response to rapidly growing AI technologies. Music – student Laura Hamilton's work was also inspired by AI, exploring the ethical implications of its use in music therapy. Inspired by leading Edinburgh academic Professor Shannon Vallor, Laura wants to ensure technology enhances, rather than compromises, the human-centred therapy. The ECA Graduate Show 2025 will be open Friday 30 May – Friday 6 June, 10.00am – 5.00pm, with late opening until 8.00pm on Thursday 5 June. It is open to all and free to attend. Booking via Eventbrite is encouraged, though not essential: ECA Graduate Show 2025 Tickets. Kristen Bodensiek – Sculpture PHOTO © Stewart Attwood Photography 2025. Elena Gadd – Fine Art MA (Hons) PHOTO © Stewart Attwood Photography 2025. Katie Marsden – Graphic Design BA (Hons) PHOTO © Stewart Attwood Photography 2025. Libby Entwistle PHOTO © Stewart Attwood Photography 2025. Like this: Like Related
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Prenatal screening vs diagnostic tests explained
A screening test is carried out for a large group of low risk patients to find out if they are at high risk for a particular disease. It is not meant for those who have already been placed in the high risk category based on the existing factors such as age or racial risk group. In obstetrics, the most common screening test for chromosomal abnormalities, especially Down's Syndrome, is the Non Invasive Pregnancy Test. It is carried out after 10 weeks of pregnancy and offered by many companies and labs. Initially, it was an exclusive club of opportunity as the test used to be very expensive. But, as more samples are being sent to the lab, the cost is now more affordable. However, it is not a test for those in high risk groups. A first trimester ultrasound screening test for soft markers between 11 to 14 weeks is also a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities. This is a diagnostic test for large structural abnormalities at this gestation period. A diagnostic test is one that confirms if you have a disease or an issue. Examples in obstetrics for the diagnosis of structural abnormalities is a detail anomaly scan of the foetus between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy by an expert usually a maternal fetal medicine specialist. During this test, the structure of the foetus is looked carefully – from the head, brain, face, chest, heart, limbs, abdomen, kidneys, bladder, spine, cord and placenta are looked into for structural abnormalities. There will be some structures that will only show abnormalities later in the pregnancy. There are also some structures that function differently while the foetus is in the womb and will only change at birth, or shortly after that. When your doctor completes the examination, they would give you a report on the findings. Another one is chromosomal abnormalities. The most common of these are Down's Syndrome as these babies live until adulthood. Other common abnormalities include Potter's Syndrome, Edward's Syndrome and Turner's Syndrome. The two common diagnostic tests for these problems are Chorionic Villous Sampling (CVS) and amniocenthesis. CVS is usually carried out at 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, where the doctor will obtain a sample of the placental tissue through the abdomen or the vaginal route. However, this test is rarely carried out due to technical problems and higher risk to the pregnancy. The most common test for chromosomal abnormalities is amniocenthesis. It is advised for all high risk cases without doing any screening tests. It is a test carried out after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The simple test includes inserting a long but thin amniotic needle under the guidance of a continuous ultrasound examination. A small amount of amniotic fluid is taken out and sent to the lab. The whole procedure is carried out in the clinic within minutes and with minimal risk to the pregnancy. The sample is then sent to the lab. The most common analysis is karyotyping, where 23 sets of chromosome is examined. Any part of the chromosome that is less or more than 450–700 bph (depending on the lab) will be picked up. Microarray has many thousands of probes. It will pick up an excess or lack of these components suggesting chromosomal abnormalities, including micro deletions of the genetic material. The ultimate test is called the exome sequencing test to look for the protein coding regions of the gene. This will not only pick up chromosomal abnormalities, but also genetic diseases associated with an abnormal protein production that leads to abnormal functions in the body. However, with each added test, the cost will be much higher and not many can afford it. The choice is made on how far the patients want to go to ensure their baby is normal. This article is contributed by consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist, maternal fetal medicine Datuk Dr H. Krishna Kumar.
The Sun
6 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
Determining risk factors
A screening test is carried out for a large group of low risk patients to find out if they are at high risk for a particular disease. It is not meant for those who have already been placed in the high risk category based on the existing factors such as age or racial risk group. In obstetrics, the most common screening test for chromosomal abnormalities, especially Down's Syndrome, is the Non Invasive Pregnancy Test. It is carried out after 10 weeks of pregnancy and offered by many companies and labs. Initially, it was an exclusive club of opportunity as the test used to be very expensive. But, as more samples are being sent to the lab, the cost is now more affordable. However, it is not a test for those in high risk groups. A first trimester ultrasound screening test for soft markers between 11 to 14 weeks is also a screening test for chromosomal abnormalities. This is a diagnostic test for large structural abnormalities at this gestation period. A diagnostic test is one that confirms if you have a disease or an issue. Examples in obstetrics for the diagnosis of structural abnormalities is a detail anomaly scan of the foetus between 18 and 22 weeks of pregnancy by an expert usually a maternal fetal medicine specialist. During this test, the structure of the foetus is looked carefully – from the head, brain, face, chest, heart, limbs, abdomen, kidneys, bladder, spine, cord and placenta are looked into for structural abnormalities. There will be some structures that will only show abnormalities later in the pregnancy. There are also some structures that function differently while the foetus is in the womb and will only change at birth, or shortly after that. When your doctor completes the examination, they would give you a report on the findings. Another one is chromosomal abnormalities. The most common of these are Down's Syndrome as these babies live until adulthood. Other common abnormalities include Potter's Syndrome, Edward's Syndrome and Turner's Syndrome. The two common diagnostic tests for these problems are Chorionic Villous Sampling (CVS) and amniocenthesis. CVS is usually carried out at 11 to 14 weeks of pregnancy, where the doctor will obtain a sample of the placental tissue through the abdomen or the vaginal route. However, this test is rarely carried out due to technical problems and higher risk to the pregnancy. The most common test for chromosomal abnormalities is amniocenthesis. It is advised for all high risk cases without doing any screening tests. It is a test carried out after 15 weeks of pregnancy. The simple test includes inserting a long but thin amniotic needle under the guidance of a continuous ultrasound examination. A small amount of amniotic fluid is taken out and sent to the lab. The whole procedure is carried out in the clinic within minutes and with minimal risk to the pregnancy. The sample is then sent to the lab. The most common analysis is karyotyping, where 23 sets of chromosome is examined. Any part of the chromosome that is less or more than 450–700 bph (depending on the lab) will be picked up. Microarray has many thousands of probes. It will pick up an excess or lack of these components suggesting chromosomal abnormalities, including micro deletions of the genetic material. The ultimate test is called the exome sequencing test to look for the protein coding regions of the gene. This will not only pick up chromosomal abnormalities, but also genetic diseases associated with an abnormal protein production that leads to abnormal functions in the body. However, with each added test, the cost will be much higher and not many can afford it. The choice is made on how far the patients want to go to ensure their baby is normal.
Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sitaare Zameen Par: Will Aamir Khan's new film rewrite the script for the neurodivergent?
Rishabh Jain is in his late 20s. He loves baking cookies, enjoys spreading laughter through comedy, and most of all, he is passionate about acting. Ever since he was 7 years old, Rishabh has been the "family entertainer" at his home and dreamt of seeing himself on the big screen. His dream is finally coming true. Rishabh, who has been braving the lesser-known Fragile X Syndrome, is one of the 10 neurodivergent individuals who are making their Bollywood debut with Aamir Khan's upcoming film Sitaare Zameen Par. Disability rights advocates hope that this casting of authentic people dealing with Autism, Down's Syndrome and Fragile X Syndrome in a mainstream Hindi movie, challenges long-standing stigmas, redefines talent, and opens doors to inclusion and empathy among the country's neurotypical population. "10 faces - neurodivergent individuals play themselves redefining representation in mainstream Indian cinema. After years of stories being told about them, it's finally time for stories told with them... We hope with warmth, laughter and tender moments, this story will remind us that every mind has its own way of dreaming and shining," reads a celebratory post by the India Autism Center. Neurodivergence refers to a set of neurological conditions which make the individuals' brain function differently from what is considered 'normal' or typical. Some of these conditions include Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Tourette Syndrome, Bipolar Disorder, Dyslexia, Down's Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder among more. These can affect cognitive, behavioural, responsive and perceptive powers of an individual, impacting how they engage physically, mentally and socially. India has an estimated neurodivergent population of over 2 million. According to a Nasscomm Community whitepaper, 39 percent of 18–24-year-olds in the Indian workforce self-identify as neurodivergent. This explains the need for greater representation, inclusion and acceptance for this community at all levels. When it comes to neurodivergence in Indian cinema, few films have delved into intellectual disability. Anjali (1990), Main Aisa Hi Hoon (2005), Yuvraaj (2008), My Name Is Khan (2010), Barfi (2012), Hichki (2018) and Jalsa (2022) are some examples. Tanvi The Great, Anupam Kher's upcoming directorial which has recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2025, also touches upon autism. Sitaare Zameen Par is being touted as the spiritual sequel to Aamir's Taare Zameen Par (2017), which gave the audience a fresh perspective towards children with dyslexia, a learning disability. With his new film, the actor-producer hopes to wield that magic yet again for the intellectually challenged. One of the major differences in both the films is the fact that Sitaare Zameen Par has real people with intellectual disabilities bringing their raw energy on screen - a reason which also sets it apart from most Indian commercials films made about the community. Hindustan Times reached out to the film's team for details about the film's casting process, but they are closely guarding this information until the movie hits the theatres. ALSO READ: Autism in adults: How to cope and live a wholesome life One look at the film's trailer, and another at the debutants' behind-the-scenes lives, will tell you why the world calls them "special". Apart from Rishabh Jain, there's Aroush Dutta, who is a percussionist by passion; Gopi Krishnan Varma, who became India's first lead actor with Down Syndrome in a Malayalam film; Rishi Shahani, a gold medalist in swimming; Samvit Desai, who loves singing and dancing; Naman Misra, a software developer and model, Ashish Pendse, a poetry enthusiast; as well as Vedant Sharma, Ayush Bhansali and Simran Mangeshkar. "Rishabh dreamed of this moment since he was 7 — he wanted to be a 'comedy actor'. He has been the family entertainer for years, mimicking SRK's pose, copying Ranbir's dance moves, echoing Mr Bean's Hellos, and now donning 'AK Sir's' (Aamir Khan) glasses with pride. So here he is — 20 years later, living that dream," Rishabh's mother Sangita Jain wrote in an Instagram post. A post shared by Rishabh Jain (@rishables) Shalini Kedia, Chairperson, Fragile X Society of India, is herself a mother to a boy battling this rare syndrome - a disorder discovered globally only in 1991. She says her son was India's first child to be diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome 26 years ago. As parents, Shalini and her husband felt lost mostly because when they asked the doctor if they could meet or speak to another family dealing with the disorder, they were told: "I don't know another family." Running an awareness organization which brings together parents, children, therapists and experts to empower each other, has since been a passion project - a way of giving back to the world. ALSO READ: Autism in adults: Signs of autism spectrum disorder as you get older "Fragile X Syndrome is one of the leading inherited causes of intellectual disability and a common single-gene cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder. My son wasn't even standing independently at the age of 18 months. He achieved all his milestones with the help of therapy. So, I see Sitaare Zameen Par as a personal victory in the sense that somebody with the Fragile X Syndrome gets to be on the big screen," Shalini tells HT Health Shots. Awareness, she believes, brings acceptance and inclusion. Plus, given how DIE - Diversity, Inclusion and Equity - are becoming key pillars in corporate workplaces, it is time that neurotypical people are sensitised towards their own behaviour in neurodivergent company. Nivedita, a mother of two who is working closely with parents of children with special needs in Delhi-NCR, says there is a dire need for neurotypical individuals to change their attitude and approach towards children with special needs. "Stop feeling sorry for anyone with special needs. Start supporting them," says Nivedita. She adds: "I interact with a lot of parents with kids who are battling ADHD, Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder and more. The least we can do, as a society, is to help them feel normal, instead of distancing ourselves and dismissing them. Even schools should sensitize children and teachers towards any child with special needs because not all kids with an intellectual disability need a special school. If a neurodivergent child needs therapy to fit into a certain system, neurotypical families need fixing of their minds towards these kids. It all starts with giving them an equal opportunity - whether it is the family, school, society or the world at large." What Sitaare Zameen Par attempts to do is spread the message of inclusivity through its mantra, 'Sabka Apna Apna Normal' - every person has his or her own definition of normal. This is a message that media entrepreneur Aditi Gangrade has also been trying to spread through her media company Much Much Media, a studio and community telling original stories of neurodivergence and disability for over three years. Aditi and her journalist-turned-producer husband Aalap Deboor were drawn to the subject of neurodivergence upon their own accidental Autism diagnosis in 2022, at the age of 23 and 33 respectively. "When we looked at Indian or even Asian content around autism, it was mostly from a very pitiful or infantilizing lens. Most of the content made neurodivergent people look like they don't know what they are doing, and are very childlike. That is why we decided to start Much Much Spectrum, a content division under Much Much Media to make original content focusing solely on disability and neurodiversity," explains Aditi. As someone who appreciates cinema, she found that "Taare Zameen Par" became a catalyst in urging several parents to look closer at dyslexia traits in their child and seek early diagnosis. With the new film, since the makers are bringing intellectually challenged people into the mainstream for real, she is hoping for a bigger change. Internationally, there are shows like Heartbreak High and Geek Girl, with good representation of neurodivergence. "From the Indian perspective, we were lacking in this sense. A very desi Hindi film with humour and something which the masses in tier-1, tier-2 cities can appreciate, is more than welcome. It helps to change the perspective to the fact that a developmental disability is not a deficit," says Aditi. ALSO READ: How to identify autism early to avoid complications? That truly resonates with what some of Sitaare Zameen Par's 10 cast members feel about themselves. Rishi Shahani, the swimmer and dance-lover, for example, says, "There is no greater disability in society than the inability to see a person as more. My ability is stronger than my disability. No matter what, I know I CAN." There's Gopi Krishnan Verma who has already had a brush with cinema. In 2021, he became the first Indian with Down Syndrome to feature as a lead actor in a Malayalam film titled Thirike. Born in 1998 with Down Syndrome, ADHD and respiratory issues, Gopi never let his disability affect what he is passionate about. In a past interview with Onmanorama, his mother shared that Gopi was attracted to cinema and performing arts since his childhood. He enjoys dancing and mimicry, and getting a chance to be a part of a movie was a dream for him. Naman Misra was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder when he was around 3 years old. His speech and behaviour had regressed, leading people to treat him differently throughout his growing up years. But he grew up dreaming to do bigger things - of featuring on a magazine cover, some day. He went on to become a software developer and a model, and his dreams became bigger when he landed a role in Sitaare Zameen Par. "Honestly I would have never in a million years imagined working with The Aamir Khan and his team of young and budding workforce... My childhood dream was made and I feel a sense of euphoria and charisma inside of me," Naman writes on Instagram. Simran Mangeshkar clearly affirms her life's philosophy on her Instagram page: "Breaking barriers, one frame at a time. Born with an extra chromosome and endless magic!" While we wait to see the magic on screen, Shalini Kedia of Fragile X Society has a word of praise. "It's not easy to get neurodiverse children to act. They all come with their moods and their own set of habits. And when you're doing a movie, you will definitely want some kind of a performance. So, kudos to them!"
Daily Mirror
16-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
King Charles gives major cancer update in rare admission about his treatment
King Charles and Queen Camilla travelled to Bradford for an away day, and there, the King met a former cancer patient, who chatted to him about his cancer journey since being diagnosed 15 months ago King Charles has opened up about his cancer journey in a rare admission about his treatment. The King was on an away day in Bradford when he revealed that he would like to think he is on the "better side" of his cancer journey. His comments came as he chatted to a former cancer patient as he travelled to the West Yorkshire city with Queen Camilla to celebrate its status as the UK's City of Culture. The King has been receiving ongoing cancer care for about 15 months since he was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of the disease early in 2024. Florist Safeena Khan spoke to Charles when he visited Impact Hub Yorkshire to meet local business owners supporting diverse communities in Bradford, and she presented the King with a bouquet inspired by the garden of his Highgrove home. After chatting to Charles, Ms Khan said: "He asked me how I was, and I asked him how he was. There was some pleasantries towards the end, but it was a lovely conversation." The King undergoes regular treatment as an out-patient at the London Clinic, and the Bradford florist said he gave her the "thumbs up" when she asked about his health, and told her: "I'd like to think I'm on the better side (of my cancer journey)". The King stepped up his workload at the start of the year following positive progress with his cancer treatment, and that has continued despite the 'bump' of spending a short stay in hospital after experiencing temporary cancer treatment side effects in March. Charles will be flying to Canada for the opening of the Commonwealth country's parliament at the end of May and, after a busy summer period, will be hosting a state visit by France's President Emmanuel Macron when the royal diary is normally winding down. Earlier in the day, the King was left 'flabbergasted' by magician Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, when he turned a newspaper into £20 notes. Bradford-born Frayne impressed Charles at the start of his tour of the Yorkshire city, where he recognised another famous son, painter David Hockney, while the Queen visited the nearby home of the Bronte sisters. Teenager Florence McGrellis surprised the King with an impromptu hug when he toured the Hockney Gallery at Cartwright Hall. Florence, 15, who has Down's Syndrome, said afterwards it was 'awesome' adding, "I'm friendly and I'm very helpful, and I'm a hugger", and the King seemed to enjoy the gesture, smiling and patting her on the back. Asked what The King said to her, Florence, from Bingley, said: "He asked us what do you do? And, what will you do in the future?"And asked what her friends at Titus Salt School, in Baildon, will think, she said: "They don't know that I'm here but they will be very excited."
