Life with Down Syndrome is a journey filled with both challenges and incredible joy, as shown through the heartwarming story of Douglas James Dryden, affectionately known as Dougie. From the moment of his diagnosis, Dougie has defied expectations, growing into a vibrant and competitive sportsman while embracing every opportunity that life has offered him. His story, spanning childhood, schooling, and now adulthood at Sunfield Home Howick, is a testament to the power of love, community, and perseverance. This blog shares his remarkable journey, highlighting how Sunfield has been a source of stability, happiness, and personal growth for Dougie and his family.

Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that occurs due to the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. This additional genetic material affects development, resulting in intellectual differences and certain physical traits, such as distinct facial features and low muscle tone. People with Down syndrome experience a range of developmental and health challenges, but each person’s journey is unique.

Williams Syndrome (WS) is more than a medical diagnosis—it’s a unique and often challenging journey filled with love, learning, and growth. In this follow-up blog, we delve deeper into life with WS through the story of Ilz-Marie Clemitson and her daughter, Amé. Ilz-Marie shares her personal experiences, shedding light on the beautiful complexities of raising a child with WS and how Sunfield Home has provided Amé with a loving, independent community where she thrives.

In our previous blog post, we explored Williams Syndrome, shedding light on its unique characteristics and challenges. Today, we continue this conversation by sharing the heartfelt story of Judy Mackinnon and her son Scott, who was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome at a young age. Judy’s journey, filled with both challenges and triumphs, ultimately led her to Sunfield Howick—a place where Scott has found a nurturing and fulfilling life. This story highlights the importance of early intervention, community support, and finding the right environment for individuals with cognitive challenges.

Williams syndrome affects cognitive development, leading to specific learning disabilities. Children and adults with this condition often struggle with tasks that require spatial reasoning, such as understanding math concepts or reading maps.

What is an Intellectual Disability?
An intellectual disability is a condition characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. These limitations affect many everyday social and practical skills. Intellectual functioning—also known as intelligence—refers to general mental capacity, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and other cognitive processes. Adaptive behavior includes a range of practical, social, and conceptual skills needed for daily living.

If you are a parent or caregiver to someone with Trisomy 13, you know how challenging and overwhelming it can be. This disorder results from an

Comfort, care, love, and TLC. Something we all need when we are under the weather and not feeling well. At Sunfield Home we ensure that

Welcome to our latest blog post, where we take a moment to shine a light on the dedicated individuals who form the backbone of Sunfield

Nicky Coetzee, our sister, has been in the care of Sunfield Home for 40 years. She is a delightful sister who is always happy and

Members, families, and members of the Sunfield community. It is an honour for me to present my chairman’s report. When I was originally approached to

Firstly, my congratulations to David Worral on becoming Chairman of Sunfield Home I wish you everysuccess in your new role. Let us kick off with