T21Mom-A Down Syndrome Podcast

T21Mom - Episode 103 : Down Syndrome Grief, a Little Vacay, and Know You’re Not Alone

In this episode Mary talks about her grief and some recent challenging times. She shares some of the tips she is using for self-care, including flowers and knitting. She admits she is not a fabulous knitter, but enjoys it anyways. And she chats about her upcoming getaway that includes wine.

Although the isolation is real, know you are not alone.

T21Mom - Episode 102 : Talking About Down Syndrome and Apraxia

Mary talks with Rocking Mom, Stephanie, about Childhood Apraxia of Speech, also known as apraxia.  Stephanie shares her journey about her son Odin, who likely has the diagnosis of apraxia of speech and how she has had to fight for services for her son. Stephanie talks about what to look for if you suspect your child has apraxia, and the different types of therapies her son needs.

For more information go to ASHA.org.  

If you would like your own Characteristics of Down Syndrome picture, please contact Stephanie on Facebook at Advocate, Celebrate, Educate: Down Syndrome Awareness.

T21Mom - Episode 101 : End of School, The Down Syndrome Gap, and Summer Plans

Mary shares about the end of the school year with Ainsley and some of the challenges this past year has brought, the dance recital, and Challenger baseball. She also talks about the ever increasing gap between Ainsley and her peers, and how that has affected her, but also shares her plans for the summer (it includes wine!)

T21Mom - Episode 100 : Steve Friedman

The Essential Guide for Down Syndrome Families.
Mary chats with rocking dad and author, Steve Friedman, who wrote “The Essential Guide for Down Syndrome Families.”  This Guide, as Steve likes to call it, is an excellent resource for all families who have a loved one with Down syndrome and how to create a life of independence, regardless of how old your child is. As Steve says, it’s never to late to start!  

To order the Guide go to BeyondDownSyndrome.net

T21Mom - Episode 99 : Run Up For Down Syndrome, Boat For Hope, and End of School

Mary talks about her success at the Farmers Market selling cookies of course, and why she didn’t get a table next to Starbucks at the "Run Up For Down Syndrome". She also talks about the the Boat for Hope, an annual event, put on by Variety, the Children’s Charity, and how much they have done for Ainsley. 

T21Mom - Episode 98 : Katie De Nardi Grant - Traveling With Kids With Down syndrome

Mary talks with her friend Katie De Nardi Grant, a travel agent that specializes in creating vacations for families that have a child with special needs.  Katie travels a lot with her daughter Sloan, who has Down syndrome and some other medical issues, but this has not stopped her.  If there's a trip you want to take, do it, and Katie shares how.  Katie provides lots of tips on how to navigate flying and to make it less stressful and anxious for everyone, and also talks about the different types of trips a family can take with their child with Down syndrome, including Disneyland, cruises,resorts and even dude ranches! 
Find Katie at unlockingspecialneedstravel.com

T21Mom - Episode 97 - Mary Talks Run Up For Down Syndrome, Adaptive Dance and More Cookies!

Today is another mini episode and Mary talks about the Run Up For Down Syndrome and her cookie fundraising for the event.  She also talks about the Adaptive Dance that Ainsley has been going to since September and some of the ongoing challenges with that and her lack of participation.  And of course, there's talk about cookies!  DSRF.org

T21Mom - Episode 96 : Melissa Hart

Mary chats with Melissa Hart about her recently released book “Daisy Woodworm Changes the World”, and about growing up with a younger brother who has Down syndrome.  Melissa is a strong advocate for highlighting people with Down syndrome in various media and believes that people with Down syndrome add so much to families and friendships. And find out what happens when her brother Mark meets movie star Sandra Bullock! You can find her books at MelissaHart.com. 

This episode has some audio issues and we apologize that we can't fix them.

T21Mom - Episode 95 : Mary - What’s On My Mind

This is a mini-episode of Mary sharing what's been on her mind.  She talks about Challenger baseball, Mother's Day, some behaviour issues Ainsley is having at school, and trying to have some success gardening (Dennis is unsure of her success!).

T21Mom - Episode 94 : Brady Murray - ROD’s Heroes

Mary talks with Brady Murray of ROD's Heroes-an organization that is dedicated to helping children in orphanages that have Down syndrome and other disabilities, find their forever homes.  Hear what happens when Brady decides to do an Ironman and allowed to let miracles happen!  ROD's is an incredible organization that believes all children deserve a loving, forever home and to have the chance to sing the song they are meant to sing.  Find out how you can become an Unstoppable Advocate, and perhaps you might find it in your heart to adopt one of ROD's Heroes.  To find out more check out their Instagram at RodsHeroes and at RODS.org