Silicon Valley Down Syndrome NetworkRecommended Books for New & Expectant parentsWoodbine House Publishers specialize in books on a variety of developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome. |
| Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother’s Guide to Down Syndrome, by Nancy McCrea Iannone and Stephanie Hall MeredithThis book is specifically written for expectant mothers who are preparing for the birth of a baby with Down syndrome. It will answer your pregnancy and birth questions, validate your emotions, provide coping advice, and give you hope for the future. Click on the book to get to the website for free download. |
| Welcoming a Newborn with Down Syndrome: A New Parent's Guide to the First Month, by Nancy McCrea Iannone and Stephanie Hall MeredithThis book offers support and accurate, reliable information to the new parents of a baby with Down syndrome. The book covers topics like breastfeeding, adjusting to a diagnosis, preparing siblings, understanding medical issues, preparing for the future, and, most importantly, it shares diverse stories about the daily lives of families whose children have Down syndrome at different ages.. Click on the book to get to the website for free download. |
| Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives, edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper This commemorative 10th anniversary edition of Gifts includes 10 new personal stories, along with where-are-they-now updates on many of the children and families featured in the first edition. Gifts is the much-loved collection of over sixty essays written by mothers who share their truths about raising children with Down syndrome. Powerful then and powerful now, it affirms over and over that a life with an extra chromosome is one worth living. Remarks: One of the contributor (Chapter 27 'Mother Nature') Danielle Rickard is our proud SVDSN member. If you would like to connect with Danielle, become SVDSN member and send your message to Danielle at SVDSN Member Only Page (post log-in) / SVDSN Member Directory. This book is one of the choices among other two books (Raising Henry, The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome) to be included in 'New & Expectant Parent Welcome Packet'. |
 | Gifts 2: How People with Down Syndrome Enrich the World edited by Kathryn Lynard SoperLike the previous book, Gifts 2 helps us see that the hopes and dreams family and friends have for a child with Down syndrome are similar to the ones we have for any child. And, more often than not, expectations are fulfilled—if not always the way we anticipated they would be. A grandparent, inspired by his grandson’s strong will, discovers the ability to persevere and not give up on a job. A brother who assumed he would be the person helping his sibling with Down syndrome describes how often it is the other way around. A young teacher remembers her first student with Down syndrome and it gives her strength and clarity when she is faced with her own child’s diagnosis. This book is one of the choices among other two books (Raising Henry, The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome) to be included in 'New & Expectant Parent Welcome Packet'. |
h | Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parents' Guide edited by Susan J. Skallerupthe trustworthy guide which has benefited thousands of families since it was first published in 1985, is completely revised and updated in a new, third edition. Covering the best practices for raising and caring for children with Down syndrome through age five, this book is invaluable to new parents who have welcomed a baby with Down syndrome into their lives. This book is included in 'New & Expectant Parent Welcome Packet'. |
| Down Syndrome Parenting 101 by Natalie Hale This book offers inspired takes on a host of important issues, from learning to recognize and celebrate your child’s personality and gifts to finding a great teacher for him, and from insisting your child pull his own weight to giving your child his space as an adult. The author—equal parts mentor, humorist, enthusiast, and realist—takes readers by the hand and walks them through the various life stages, experiences, and people they will encounter with their child including: getting to know and fall in love with your child, interacting with medical professionals, literacy, discipline, school, transitioning, and independence. |
| Raising Henry: A Memoir of Motherhood, Disability, and Discovery, by Rachel Adams A mother’s deeply moving account of raising a son with Down syndrome in a world crowded with contradictory attitudes toward disabilities This book is one of the choices among other two books (Gifts, The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome) to be included in 'New & Expectant Parent Welcome Packet'. |
| Common Threads: Celebrating Life with Down Syndrome by Cynthia Kidder and Brian SkotkoTake heart in the accomplishments of 59 persons with Down syndrome from across the U.S. and Canada, all chronicled in this unique and inspiring book. Original black-and-white photographs, research, and exclusive information from the Band of Angels survey of children with Down syndrome round out the pages. |
| The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome: Advice, Information, Inspiration, and Support for Raising Your Child from Diagnosis through Adulthood by Jennifer Jacob and Mardra SikoraAs a parent of a child diagnosed with Down syndrome, you may be feeling unsure of what to do next or where your child's journey will take you. In this book, authors Jen Jacob and Mardra Sikora share their experiences and guide you through life with Ds with expert advice from diagnosis to adulthood. Each page teaches you ways to support your child through major milestones, nurture their development, and ensure that they succeed behaviorally, socially, and cognitively. This book is one of the choices among other two books (Gifts, Raising Henry) to be included in 'New & Expectant Parent Welcome Packet'. |
 | Breastfeeding and Down Syndrome by Ella Gray CullenIf you are a new or expectant parent, you will find everything you need to know to successfully breastfeed your baby with Down syndrome, including dozens of mothers’ stories to help reassure you that babies with Down syndrome CAN breastfeed. If you are a medical professional, you will appreciate the Pro Tips designed specifically to guide you in helping your patients overcome any challenges they may face. Each chapter is written by an expert in the field using the latest evidenced-based research. |
| What I Want You To Know: Messages of Hope and Joy from your Baby, by RA HudsonThis adorably illustrated book is written as notes from a child with Down syndrome. Directed to the new parents, "What I Want You To Know (Messages of Hope & Joy From Your Baby)" brings humor and insight to what can be a confusing, stressful time. Written and illustrated by the parent of a child with Down syndrome, the simple, comforting messages and accompanying black & white illustrations are heartwarming and delightful. This book is included in 'New & Expectant Parent Welcome Packet'. |
Books for the family with siblings |
| Beauty Exposed: Captivating stories of life with siblings who have Down syndrome, by Chloe Michelle GouldingA collection of captivating stories of life with siblings who have Down Syndrome. These stories will enrich your heart and mind to hear these siblings share their stories and challenge you to look and love people with Down syndrome. Remarks: The author, Chloe Michelle Goulding is our proud SVDSN member who is one of the siblings of Charity and Neko Goulding (both have Down sydrome). If you would like to connect with Chloe, become SVDSN member and send your message to Chloe at SVDSN Member Only Page (post log-in) / SVDSN Member Directory. |
| We'll Paint the Octopus Red, author (Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen), illustrator (Pam Devito)As six-year-old Emma anticipates the birth of her new baby brother or sister, she vividly imagines all of the things they can do together. Then when the baby is born, her dad tells her that it's a boy and he has Down Syndrome. Her dad tells her that as long as they are patient with him and help him when he needs it, there probably isn't anything Isaac can't do. Emma helps her father as much as he helps her to realize that Isaac is the baby they dreamed of. |
| 47 Strings. Tessa’s Special Code by Becky CareyA children’s picture book about the remarkable lessons to be learned from a little girl named Tessa, who was born with Down syndrome. 47 Strings is a beautifully illustrated book for children of all ages. |
| My Friend Isabelle by Eliza WolosonIsabelle and Charlie are friends. They both like to draw, dance, read, and play at the park. They both like to eat Cheerios. They both cry if their feelings are hurt. And, like most friends, they are also different from each other. Isabelle has Down syndrome. Charlie doesn't. Written by Isabelle's mother, this charming tale encourages readers to think about what makes a friendship special. My Friend Isabelle also opens the door for young children to talk about differences and the world around them. |
| Views from Our Shoes - Growing Up with a Brother or Sister with Special Needs Edited by Donald J. Meyer45 siblings share their experiences as the brother or sister of someone with a disability. The children whose essays are featured here range from four to eighteen and are the siblings of youngsters with a variety of special needs, including autism, cerebral palsy, developmental delays, ADD, hydrocephalus, visual and hearing impairments, Down and Tourette syndromes. Their personal tales introduce young siblings to others like them, perhaps for the first time, and allow them to compare experiences. A glossary of disabilities provides easy-to-understand definitions of many of the conditions mentioned. |
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