T21Mom-A Down Syndrome Podcast

What happens when a viral story about Down syndrome reaches millions of people-but leaves out the voices of those who actually live it every day? In this episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary is joined by fellow rockin' mom and advocate Misty Snyder for an important conversation about a recent viral YouTube video that has sparked strong emotions throughout the Down syndrome community. Together, they discuss why this story resonated so deeply with parents, self-advocates and families; the impact of fear-based messaging and misinformation; and how language shapes public perception of people with Down syndrome. Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that people with Down syndrome are not diagnoses, statistics, or assumptions. They are individuals with dreams, personalities, relationships, challenges and extraordinary contributions to makes. Whether you're a parent, family member, educator, advocate, or someone who simply wants to better understand the Down syndrome community, this conversation offers perspective, compassion and hope. MistyCoySnyder.com

The holidays can be magical-and complicated-especially when you're parenting a child with Down syndrome. In this heartfelt and lightly funny episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary is joined once again by fan-favourite guest Ron (and his Dollar Store bells!) for the annual Christmas show. This episode explores what Christmas with a child with Down syndrome and the dual diagnosis of autism, really looks like-from changing traditions and Advent cookie calendars to headless gingerbread men and quiet Christmas mornings. Mary shares an honest look at special needs parenting during the holidays, including the joy, the grief that can quietly creep in, and how both can exist at the same time. You'll hear conversations about: Navigating holidays while raising a child with disabilities Finding joy when traditions change Quiet Christmas mornings and realistic gift-giving Community, connection, and supporting other special needs moms This episode is for anyone looking for an honest Down syndrome parenting podcast, a reminder that they're not alone, and encouragement that it's okay when your holiday season looks a little different. So grab a cookie (or three) pour yourself something festive, and join Mary & Ron for a Christmas conversation that will make you laugh, reflect and find meaning an a beautifully imperfect Christmas.

In this episode, Mary shares memories from a magical summer adventure in Prague, Czech Republic with Ainsley and Dennis. From wandering cobblestone streets to surviving the metro with a stroller, the magical scenery, the wild water slides and meeting up with an old university friend, this trip was one for the books! Join us as we chat about: Old Town magic-astronomical clocks, the Powder Tower, the John Lennon Wall and why Prague looks like a fairytale you accidentally stepped into The Beer and Beer Spa-nothing beats a cold beer on a summer day or bathing in it! Getting around-metros, trams and a little confidence Our top family moments-including what Ainsley loved most (it was a "wild" ride!) Whether you're planning your own European getaway or just listening with a cup of coffee in hand, this episode is warm, funny and honest peek into our summer abroad and travelling with our rockin kiddo and a family that loves to explore!

In this milestone 150th episode, Mary takes us on a rollercoaster of emotion, celebration, and cookie-fueled chaos as she shares all the beautiful-and bittersweet-moments from Ainsley's final days of school. From surprise awards and handmade cookie trays to an incredibly thoughtful gift from Ainsley's EA (spoiler: tears were shed), this episode is a love letter to growth, community and motherhood. Plus, Mary dishes on the epic summer BBQ for her parent support group (water balloons + gourmet burgers = perfection), and gives a sneak peek into their upcoming trip to Prague-castles, Gravol and all!

In this episode, Mary is joined by child author Jeana Atkison to talk about her new children's book How to Eat a Cupcake. They discuss the inspiration behind the story, how it subtly and beautifully includes characters with disabilities, and why representation in children's literature is so important. Jeana shares her thoughts on integrating inclusion naturally through storytelling and the message she hopes kids and families take away from the book. Order your copy of How to Eat a Cupcake at paperseedpress.com Follow T21Mom: Facebook: @T21Mom Instagram: @Trisomy21Momma X: @Trisomy21Momma

Please subscribe and leave a review! In this heartfelt episode, Mary chats with Cathy Middlestetter, mom to 27 year-old Cassie, who has Down syndrome. Cathy received a prenatal diagnosis just 11 days before Cassie was born-without the support of social media or online communities. Mary loved hearing Cathy's journey-how her strength, determination, and how she found connection in those early days. From breastfeeding to inclusion, Cathy was a true trailblazer for the Down syndrome community. Tune in to hear a story of courage, love and finding your people. Connect with Mary: T21Mom.com Follow, subscribe and leave a review to support the show!

Be sure to give a rating and leave a review! Hey friends, it's your friend Mary, and yes-I'm back! Life threw a few curveballs (because of course it did) and I needed a minute. But I missed you all, so let's catch up! In this episode, I'm sharing all the chaos, laughs, and real talk about what's been going on. From my aunt's health scare, to Dennis bravely tackling Costco (on a Saturday no less), to Ainsley's latest adventures -including her ongoing mission to break every iPad screen ever made. Tune in to hear: - Why my house feels like a circus with aging parents, Ainsley and family responsibilities -Ainsley's ever-changing vocal stims (from wailing on a plane to grunting-I'll take it) - How we accidentally joined Special Olympics and why I'm so glad we did - The very real anxiety of high school transitions (spoiler: there are zero childcare options) - Some unexpected wins-like Ainsley rocking swim physio, actually wearing goggles, and improving her reading skills! My attempts at self-care (running, reading and knitting my "Paris socks"_ Let's be real-some days are just HARD. But there are always bright spots and I'm holding onto those. Links & Resources: Book I'm reading: I Don't Do Disability and Other Lies I've Told Myself by Adele Purdham Have topic ideas or want to share your story? Leave me a message at T21Mom.com Thanks for listening-l love you all! Keep on lovin' on your rockin' kiddos and I'll see you next time!

Please leave a rating or a review on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Join Mary for another heartfelt chapter in the Down Syndrome Diaries: Diagnosis Stories. In this episode, Mary sits down with Rockin' Mom Colleen Johnson who courageously shares the raw and emotional story of her son Luke's diagnosis. Colleen opens up about the grief that consumed her in the early days-grief so profound she wondered if she'd ever be able to "not see ." But through time, love and the unwavering support of her family, Colleen found her way to an unshakable bond with her son and a profound appreciation for the joy he brings into their lives. One of the most touching moments Colleen shares is her mother's immediate acceptance of Luke's diagnosis. Her mom's calm reassurance and steadfast love became a guiding light for Colleen, reminding her that Luke was, above all else, her baby, a gift to love and cherish. Be sure to follow Colleen and her family's story on Instagram at "Our life with Luke." Thank you for tuning in to the T21Mom podcast. If this episode touched your heart, please share it with others who need a little inspiration today.

Join Mary, Ainsley and Dennis on an epic journey to the Paris Olympics! This week's episode dives into the highs (and hurdles) of making it to Paris, from battling extreme motion sickness to a last-minute dead iPad. But once they arrived, the Games were an unforgettable adventure! From the pool to the trampoline, and track to race walking, Mary covers it all! Get an insider's view on a jam-packed schedule that brought her up close with the world's greatest athletes. Hear Mary's thrilling accounts of iconic races, including the electric men's 100 metre final, Canada's unforgettable gold in the 4x100 metre relay, and cheering on Canadian stars Mo Ahmed and Marco Arop in track. When they weren't at the Games Mary, Ainsley and Dennis explored some of Paris's most iconic sights, including the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysees. Mary describes seeing the iconic Mona Lisa up close at the Louvre and other memorable moments around the city of lights.

Join Mary in today's episode as she shares her personal journey through challenging times and the importance of self-care. In this episode, Mary opens up about the struggles that she faced when Ainsley started kindergarten, managing difficult behaviours and how she found her way back to focusing on her own well-being. Discover the tools that helped Mary through her hardest moments, from therapy to her "happy pill," and hear her heartfelt message to other special needs moms-you are not alone. Mary talks about the power of connection, sharing her experience with the Rockin Moms Retreat and how it transformed her life by bonding with other moms. She shares the importance of finding your community, whether in person or online, and how it can make all the difference on this journey.

Summer is over and school is back in session! Mary shares about the return to school and Ainsley going into grade 7-her final year of elementary school. Mary talks about their wins, but also her trepidations and anxiousness over the coming school year and beyond.

Mary dives into an exhilarating conversation with John and Nicole Vester. From the very beginning, John was ready to document much of the pregnancy on his blog. Initially expecting twins, to later finding out there was only one heartbeat, the emotional rollercoaster didn't end there. As if decoding the NIPT results weren't challenging enough, they found themselves navigating the confusion that arose from Nicole initially carrying twins. Despite these issues. the odds of their baby being born with Down syndrome were low. However, when their son was 5 days old, they received the news that their son, Finn, was born with Down syndrome. For many, this might have been a turning point, but for John and Nicole, it was simply part of their incredible journey. Down syndrome didn't change their love or commitment, but rather strengthened their bond and their new resolve to give Finn the best life possible. Their story is an inspiring testament to the power of love, patience and perseverance. The Vesters show us that no matter the challenges, with a heart full of love and a spirit of determination, anything is possible

In an incredibly raw and often heartbreaking conversation, Mary sits down with Puja Mehta to delve into the story of her son Aaryav's diagnosis. Puja, who currently resides in India, spent several years in the United States, where she gave birth to both her children. She recounts the experience of a medical system that failed her long before Aaryav, who was born with Down syndrome, came into the world. From the beginning, red flags were missed. Markers on her ultrasounds, indicative of Down syndrome, were overlooked. When Aaryav was born, Puja immediately sensed something was different-he didn't resemble either her or her husband and he struggled to latch. Despite these signs, no doctor followed up on one doctor's suspicion of Aaryav having Down syndrome that was noted in his chart. Puja describes this period as an emotional time. It wasn't until a lactation consultant, four weeks after Aaryav's birth, congratulated her and remarked how beautiful Arya was, that Puja began to see a glimmer of light. This moment marked the beginning of her journey from shock and confusion to acceptance and love.