TALK Down Syndrome

Today we are kicking off World Down Syndrome Day, I would say SUPER early but only because when I think of WDSD I think of John's Crazy Socks. Today's episode features father and son duo, Mark and John Cronin owners and creators of John's Crazy Socks. When I first entered this community, I remember seeing John's Crazy Socks marketed everywhere online and it has finally come full circle where they are now on my podcast! It was such a joy to discuss how their business started as well getting to know more about John as an individual and I can tell you now, him and his dad have one heck of a relationship. What they have created is what all of us parents dream about, a successful business full of happiness, love, travel, and advocacy with our children. These two are quite a pair so take a listen to today's short but sweet episode of the journey of Mark and John Cronin of none other than the best socks in town, John's Crazy Socks. If you would like to see more of John and Mark visit these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzPvxz1oUEA&feature=youtu.be John's Crazy Socks (johnscrazysocks.com) Hiring Those w/ Differing Abilities Is Good Business | John & Mark X. Cronin | TEDxLakeSuccessStudio (youtube.com) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support

Evelyn Acevedo is not only an amazing mom to her son Lincoln, but she has one empowered and determined woman. This lady found a problem with her and her city, and took the steps to make changes and to bring awareness for our down syndrome community. Take some time to listen to this episode. I guarantee you will be rushing to the computer to find ways that you can advocate in your hometown. You don’t want to miss this one as Evelyn will not only inspire me, but I’m sure she will inspire you as well. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support

Today I am introducing you guys to Courtney Sebastiano. Interestingly, Courtney’s first child Jaxon has Down syndrome. Courtney walks us through how courageous and resilient her newborn baby was as he faced aspiration issues, along with heart failure, and his first few months. Now a healthy, almost 3 years old little boy, alongside his brother, are just the most amazing and inspirational kids Courtney never knew she would be blessed with. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support

Behind this podcast, behind every life event I have ever had (including the birth our children) is my main support, my husband, Michael Holm. This podcast has now been running for a little over 3 years, and guess what, my husband has never been featured on it. So for this episode we decided to drop the kids off at the grandparents, grab a drink, and record his viewpoint of parenting both our children, being a special needs parent from a father's perspective, and how he see's the future of our family raising a child like Cheyenne and Jade. This episode is extra special to me because I hardly get to have conversations from a man's perspective on special needs parenting. We ever so often hear journeys from women. So grab a drink with us and take a listen to our shenanigan's about what is was like having Cheyenne and Jade --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support

It took 7 months for Brandy to respond to my message on Facebook when I reached out to her to be a guest. Little did I know during that time, Brandy was embarking on her own journey of being a brand new mother to Brayden (who is diagnosed with Down Syndrome) but also learning about her own neurodiversity. Brandy shares with us how she maneuvers through social media taking down “trolls” and shining her own light of advocating for her two children. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support

This episode we do have just one special guest but TWO :) Dey, a mother to Adam who has Autism and Seleste, a mother to Genesis who has a dual diagnosis of Autism and Down Syndrome. Us three moms collaborate on what our diagnosis’ mean, how we maneuver through the struggles and triumphs in motherhood, and share our personal experiences of being super moms to our babies, and we learn something more about one another’s special child. It’s so wonderful to be able to share World Down Syndrome Day with the Autistic community. Because at the end of the day, no matter what diagnosis (or no diagnosis) we are all moms just trying to do our best and we can’t be our best without this kind of support, right? (This episode is dedicated to Everett Molino (15) who passed 3/15/23. Everett has Autism & we want to sincerely send our condolences to his family during this tragic time. 💙 May his beautiful soul rest peacefully.) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support

No special guest but just your host Chantele discussing certain instances in her journey that made her have a change in mind set. One, being told that as a parent of a child with Down syndrome we must always “fight” the school system. That is not always the case. Sometimes as parents we stand in the way of our own child’s happiness and growth. It’s important to see the whole picture. What a beautiful thing it is to know the truth, speak the truth, and grow from these experiences. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support

Azaiah, only 5 months old, has much to say to the world and much to poop! Come listen to Janelle's story of her son, Azaiah, and his struggles he had with Hirschsprung's disease which effects the baby passing stool, and just overcame surgery. Azaiah, born at 3 pounds 5 ounces brings inspiration to any other families out there that may be experiencing this disease or other struggles. This tiny baby has such a huge fight and I can’t wait for you to listen to his journey. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support

We kick off Down Syndrome awareness month by interviewing Lulu who is a mom to a fun energetic girl named Maya. Lulu spends time talking to us about her journey as Maya’s mother and helps us out on ways we can navigate through the IEP process & things she did that can make your educational plan better :) --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support

Today we TALK Autism! We are switching it up a bit with today's episode. It is important to not only raise awareness on Down syndrome but to be aware of other special needs diagnosis, such as Autism. This is why I invited a friend of mine, Vanessa Gonzales (who's daughter Chloe is Autistic) to be a special guest on this episode. Vanessa shares a bit of insight on what it is like to have a child with Autism and the importance of listening to your inner mommy hunch by investigating signs that you may suspect your child may be different than other children.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/talkdownsyndrome/support