"I really appreciate how EastEnders have highlighted characters with learning difficulties,
autism
Autism is a disability. Autistic people find it difficult to understand what other people think and feel. They also find it difficult to tell people what they think and feel. Everyone with autism is different.
, and other conditions. It’s important because it helps people understand the real-life challenges some face. These characters raise awareness about conditions that are not widely known.
As someone with a
learning disability
A learning disability is to do with the way someone's brain works. It makes it harder for someone to learn, understand or do things.
, it’s great to see and it makes me feel seen and shows that people with disabilities belong in all communities.
I’m glad EastEnders includes these experiences, and I hope they continue to share stories about different conditions for many more years.
Happy 40th anniversary, EastEnders!"
Here a few storylines that I think have been played and done well over the years...
Down Syndrome
2006: Janet Mitchell
Janet Mitchell is a character who has
Down Syndrome
Down syndrome, also known as Down's syndrome, is a type of disability. People with Down syndrome may find it hard to learn new things and may need support. They may have more problems with their health too.
, and she has been in EastEnders since 2006.
Janet is played by Grace, who has Down Syndrome.
When Janet was a baby, she was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, and her mum, Honey, had to deal with both the challenges of raising Janet and other people's reactions. Janet was accepted, especially by her brother William, who helped their granddad communicate with her. One big moment for Janet was when she was knocked over by Tina in an accident, which showed how much it affected her family.
Although Janet does not have many storylines, she has always been a part of the Mitchell family, and having her in the show makes it feel real and shows the importance of including people with disabilities in the
community
A community is the people and places in an area.
.
2011: Craig Moon
Another character with Down Syndrome who was in the show for a few weeks, in 2011, was Craig Moon. He was the son of Eddie Moon and brother of Michael Moon.
I was pleased that anyone with a disability was in a soap but it was sad he was not in it that long.
Learning disability
2017: Riley and Chatham Taylor
Then there were the Taylor brothers, Riley and Chatham who were the sons of Karen Taylor.
They had learning disabilities and difficulties and were played by actors who are actually brothers in real life and who have the same conditions.
They weren't seen too much and were only in it for a few years from 2017 to 2022 which is a shame, hopefully they will come back soon!
Autism
2019: Ollie Carter
In 2019, Ollie, who is Mick and Linda’s son was diagnosed with autism in 2019.
Mick and Linda were worried when they found out. Mick was really shocked and felt like a bad dad for not realising, and Linda found it hard to cope at first.
I think the story line was done well and showed what it can be like for parents.
2024: Kojo Asare
It was great to see a new character with autism join last year - Kojo Asare, who is George Knight’s brother.
Kojo is played by Dayo Koleosho, who has autism in real life.
His story has been interesting because he was tricked by Cindy, George’s ex-wife, because of her affair with George Junior (George’s son) and we saw how it affected him.
Kojo fits in well with his new family, and although Elaine (Geroge’s wife) wasn’t sure at first, they all grew to accept him. He also became close friends with Jean Slater. He had an accident but seems to have recovered well.
His story is done well, and I like that his autism was shown as just part of who he is, not the whole story.
Dyslexia
2021: Tommy Moon
Tommy Moon, Alfie and Kat’s son, was diagnosed with
dyslexia
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty. People who have dyslexia can find it hard to read, write and spell.
in 2021, which is another important condition to talk about.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
2023: Freddie Slater
Freddie Slater, was diagnosed with ADHD after his old schoolteacher helped him, It has also been suggested that Bianca, his mum, might have it too. Freddie is doing his best to manage his condition and educate people, which is nice to see.
Dyscalculia
2024: Louie Branning
Louie Branning, Lauren and Peter's son, has recently been diagnosed with dyscalculia – it affects his understanding of numbers and maths.
It is good that this has been including as it raises awareness about a condition that is not well known and I think that’s important.
Disability
2024: Barney Mitchell
There is another character called Barney Mitchell who joined in 2024. He has not got a disability in EastEnders, but is acted by Lewis Bridgeman who has got autism and dyspraxia. Despite his challenges Lewis joined Mensa when he was two.
It is brilliant that actors with disabilities can play characters without one and I think and it sends a strong message about inclusion in the acting industry and beyond.