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Little Boy With Down's Syndrome Nicknamed 'Smiley Riley' Has Landed Modelling Job

Little Boy With Down's Syndrome Nicknamed 'Smiley Riley' Has Landed Modelling Job

Riley's parents feared that people would see his disabilities rather than is abilities and, thankfully, they couldn't have been more wrong

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Riley Baxter might only be four years old but he's already made an almighty impression on the world. Known as 'Smiley Riley', the youngster has melted the hearts of people who have seen his image thanks to modelling jobs for the likes of Mothercare and the Jools Oliver Little Bird range.

The four-year-old, from Rochester, Kent, has never let his Down's Syndrome set him back even when his parents initially worried about how his life would pan out.

Dad Stuart, 40 and mum Kirsty, 42, feared their son would be treated by the world after being diagnosed, their main concern being that people would see his disabilities rather than his abilities.

But since joining support groups, they have been amazed - not only by little Riley's progress, but society's too. It seems everyone adores their son and it's very easy to see why.

Smiley Riley is incredibly photogenic.
Caters

After it was suggested that he should start modelling, he joined Zebedee Management, who showcase the little boy's poses, natural charm and heartwarming smile.

Living up to his nickname, Riley has perfected adorable smiles that have gotten him modelling contracts, while at school fellow classmates swarm around him.

Stuart, a sales manager, said: "After we were told he had Down's Syndrome, I cried - not for the case that I would love him any less, but just knowing how cruel the world can be.

Parents Kirsty and Stuart say their son has a better life than most children his age doing modelling, horse riding, acting, and more.
Caters

"That was the first thing that went through my mind but obviously my perceptions were wrong - and wow, how wrong I was! There was the fear of the unknown and why this had happened to us, but if I knew then what I know now, I wouldn't have been upset at all.

"Riley is getting so much out of life and whenever he accomplishes something it seems that little bit extra special knowing how much harder he had to work for it.

"We have called him 'Smiley Riley' from a young age, because he makes people really happy, and seeing his smile gives people a pick-me-up on a bad day.

Smiley Riley has already featured in shoots for Mother Care and also Little Bird by Jools Oliver.
Caters

"Now he's modelling with Zebedee, he loves the camera - you say pose and he will make this little pout followed by sticking his tongue out. In the photo-shoots they want the children to act natural and naturally he's a very happy little boy, so it's brilliant.

"He enjoys everything he does and does it all with a smile, whenever people see him, they don't see his disability; just him smiling."

After Stuart and Kirsty lost their first daughter, Skye, 19 weeks into the pregnancy, they spent much of their time concerned for Riley.

Photos of Riley modelling.
Caters

Kirsty, who works in customer services, said: "For the whole of Riley's pregnancy I was very anxious. The hospital were really good with us, we had more scans and consultation appointments.

"Every time I went for a scan, I couldn't look at the monitor and had to wait for Stuart to tell me it was all OK."

Kirsty sobbed with joy and relief after hearing her son's first cry, knowing they had 'got to the end' and would finally be able to hold him.

Shortly after he was born, Riley was diagnosed with Down's Syndrome, when nurses some identifying features of the condition.

Shortly after the birth of Riley, the parents were relieved to hear his first cry.
Caters

Kirsty said: "We didn't know he had Down's Syndrome until after Riley was born, we had the routine blood tests and scans, but they didn't pick anything up.

"He had some of the classic tell-tale signs, like the crease in the hand, the spacing of his big toe from the others."

After leaving hospital they joined support groups and went on to learn Makaton sign language to communicate with him.

Stuart explained: "We wanted to understand what he needed if he would be non-verbal for a longer time and to be able help him when he cried.

"Now he has such a repertoire of signs it's unbelievable, to the point where other children are learning it from him."

Smiley Riley is incredibly photogenic.
Caters

Riley is now able to speak two-word sentences, with a lexicon that includes 'Mummy' and 'Daddy', he can recite the alphabet from R to Z and count from one to ten on his own.

The parents have not had to contend with any derogatory comments about their son and normally only need to explain why Riley is less verbally communicative to other children.

Aside from that, they are amazed by his progress and have found that his fellow classmates adore him.

Stuart said: "He goes to a mainstream school, and they all love him there. Whenever he goes to parties, he is always the centre of attention.

"At one party we turned up a bit late, there were 20 children sitting around a lady dressed as a fairy. I heard them say Riley's name and then they all came running towards him. Their love for him is amazing."

Riley proudly holding up his modelling image within a store .
Caters

Far from their early concerns that Riley would be treated differently because of his disabilities, the parents have been greeted with love, kindness and curiosity from the public.

Stuart said: "If I could go back to that moment and how we felt when we first found out, I would not have been upset at all. He can do everything anyone else can, it just takes him a little longer and we have enjoyed that more.

"He has needed us more, so if anything, it's meant we could give him extra love. We were so delighted to have him, our little boy to love and bring up."

What an incredibly perfect little LAD.

Featured Image Credit: Caters

Topics: Inspirational, Down's Syndrome, Community