October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month, a time to talk, void misconceptions, reveal myths, and connect with others about Down Syndrome.
Down syndrome, also known as Trisomy 21, is a genetic disorder affecting approximately 1 in every 775 babies in the United States. It means that while DNA was being created for a new life, an extra chromosome was added to the 21st segment, resulting in changes in children born with DS.
Explaining differences to your child paves the way for understanding and acceptance of peers with Down Syndrome. Even better is to focus on the similarities and educate yourself and your child that they are more alike than different.
There are great resources listed below on YouTube and many children’s books to help explain the details of DS clearly and appropriately. You can explain to your child that others with Down Syndrome may have some changes in speech or appearance, but their friendship, fun, and caring are all the same as any child.
Books About Down Syndrome
My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson. Isabelle is a little girl with a best friend, Charlie. They share many great parts of friendship, like dancing, drawing, reading, and eating Cheerios together. Isabelle has Down Syndrome, and her mother writes a beautifully written and illustrated book about their friendship. It is appropriate for young children to learn about the differences and similarities of other children with Down Syndrome.
You’re All Kinds of Wonderful by Nancy Tillman. One of my favorite authors, Nancy Tillman (“Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You”), describes differences not specific to Down Syndrome. This book can help pave the way for a simple conversation with a small child about embracing what makes us all unique and wonderful.
We’ll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen is a touching story for children ages 3-7 that follows the imagination of a little girl and her father after the birth of her little brother, Isaac, who was born with Down Syndrome. The father explains all of the things little Emma can do with the baby as she grows in this touching story. The book also contains commonly asked questions about Down Syndrome, with answers appropriate for children.
Friends with Disability Series. This series of books celebrates what it’s like to have friendships with others who have differences. “My Friend has Down Syndrome” by Amanda Doering Tourville and Kristin Sorra and “Be Good to Eddie Lee” by Virgina Fleming approach Down Syndrome in a way that can help children understand and accept others.
Supporting Families of Children with Down Syndrome
Corinne Ellovich, mom of Naomi, 12, who was born with Down Syndrome, shared a story of connection with another mom that made all the difference. She shared, “When Naomi was in Kindergarten, one day I was waiting in line to pick her up from the children’s’ area at the gym. A mom, who I knew had children in the same school as mine but whom I had not met, approached me and introduced herself because her daughter wanted to invite her to her upcoming birthday party. Even though the girls were already friends in school, we did not know each other, and it meant a lot that another parent would seek me out to invite Naomi.”
“From there, the girls had a few playdates, which paved the way for more friendships. Little things like this make a big difference for families of children with Down syndrome. This seemingly small act helped connect us with other children and parents in her school and has led to meaningful friendships for our entire family. Our involvement with GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester, a local Down Syndrome Achievement Center, has also helped us connect with the community and the amazing volunteers who generously give their time.”
GiGi’s Playhouse Westchester
GiGi’s Playhouse offers free programs for children of all ages with Down Syndrome through adulthood. The community of parents comes together to support each other and their children in a safe and loving space. The playhouse always needs donations from the community to help these individuals develop and flourish.
You can also donate if you know someone who is raising money for DS awareness. A friend of mine, Matt Zatkovich, shared that he is raising money by running for Buddy Cruises this month. This charity brings families of children with special needs on a cruise each year and promotes awareness, advocacy, and inclusion for individuals with special needs.
Additional Resources
- National Down Syndrome Society Donate
- Everyone Counts: My Friend Isabelle
- Just Like You Films
- National Down Syndrome Society Facts about Down Syndrome
