Harper turns 2 next month (I can’t believe I have a toddler!) and since we had an at-birth diagnosis, it also marks my entrance into all things Down syndrome. I still consider myself a newbie, but I have spent the last two years learning, listening and reading more about Down syndrome (check out my previous post on a history of Down syndrome). One of my biggest take-aways is the importance of creating a more inclusive world. By giving people with Down syndrome access and opportunity in society everyone’s lives are richer for it.
Today is World Down Syndrome Day! Trisomy 21 (more commonly known as Down syndrome) means a person has a third copy of their 21st chromosome, hence the symbolic date of 3/21. So in celebration of Harper and all those with Down syndrome worldwide, I want to share some my favorite resources that have helped me on my journey. I hope whether you parent a child with Down syndrome or not that you will take a look at a thing or two on the list. It’s about bringing awareness, so that everyone can be more intentional about creating a more inclusion society.
So without further delay, here’s my collection of Down syndrome resources.
Podcasts
Well, I only have one podcast to recommend right now. The Lucky Few Podcast is one of my favorite resources. It’s three mamas that take on all sorts of conversations in the Down syndrome community. Here are a few episodes that have been most impactful to me.
- Siblings and Special Guests: In this episode they talked with a few sisters about growing up with a brother with Down syndrome. Something I really took away from listening to this episode is how thankful I am for the parents that came before me. When their brother was born it was still commonplace for children with Down syndrome to be institutionalized, but their parents decided to bring him home. Talk about trailblazers!
- Education – So Happy to Learn with Mrs. Terry Brown: In this episode they talked with Mrs. Terry Brown who developed an innovative program to teach children and adults with Down syndrome reading, writing and math. My big takeaway from this episode is that it is never too late for Harper to learn something new. It might take longer, but she is capable!
- Mikayla Homgren on Pageants, College and Self-Advocacy: In this episode they interviewed a young woman with Down syndrome and her mom. What I loved about this episode is that Mikayla competed in a state Miss USA pageant and won two major awards. Hearing these amazing accomplishments gives me so much hope for Harper’s future and the opportunities that will be available to her.
Books
Reading other people’s stories is so helpful. Many times I would be astonished that the author captured exactly what I had been feeling or thinking. I felt less alone. To be honest sometimes I had to put the books down because it was too emotional and I wasn’t ready to face my new reality. But for the most part these were encouraging stories to take in about how Down syndrome wasn’t going to take away from life, but enrich it.
- The Lucky Few By Heather Avis
- A Good and Perfect Gift: Faith, Expectation, and a Little Girl Named Penny By Amy Julia Becker
- Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives Edited by Kathryn Lynard
- Scoot Over and Make Some Room: Creating a Space Where Everyone Belongs By Heather Avis
What started as a shocking entry into the world of Down syndrome has now turned into our new normal. Life feels great with Harper. Her joy is infectious and we are truly lucky to be her parents. Join us today in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day by wearing mismatched socks to celebrate our differences!
