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Don't Let It Get You Down Syndrome
Jamie has Down’s syndrome, autistic spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. He is a beautiful, charming and lovable little boy, but he is also - how can we put this? - an exceptionally “challenging” child.
In this hilarious, heart-warming and unforgettable memoir, Jamie's long-suffering dad shares a selection of side-splitting and occasionally poignant stories from Jamie’s unconventional childhood. Find out why he can never go back to his local library, and why the staff at his local swimming pool flinch whenever he arrives. The author also offers his own witty take on all sorts of topics connected to the subject of disability, and parenthood in general.
In this hilarious, heart-warming and unforgettable memoir, Jamie's long-suffering dad shares a selection of side-splitting and occasionally poignant stories from Jamie’s unconventional childhood. Find out why he can never go back to his local library, and why the staff at his local swimming pool flinch whenever he arrives. The author also offers his own witty take on all sorts of topics connected to the subject of disability, and parenthood in general.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2014
131 people want to read
About the author
S.K. Dinning
10 books15 followersS.K.Dinning also writes as Steve Dee, and (for children's books) Paul Perro.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
May 26, 2025
At least he doesn't have red hair. Oh, wait....
If I tell you this is a hysterically funny book about raising a son who has Down Syndrome AND Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder AND autism, you'll think that I've lost my marbles or that I have a sick sense of humor. Furthermore, the author is an accountant and who ever heard of a funny accountant?
When the Dinnings were expecting their first child, they had all the plans and dreams that parents-to-be have. Their child was going to be brilliant, beautiful, and well-behaved. What they got was a pint-sized perpetual-motion machine with the attention span of a fruit fly and a diabolical ability to out-run, out-wit, and out-last parents, teachers, and bus drivers. He's the kid that NOBODY ever forgets.
These two nice people grieved (quickly) and then threw themselves into the monumental task of raising their unique son and helping him achieve his potential. It's a job that has some surprising perks - such as using the Disabled Parking spaces and enjoying the strange reactions that people have to red-headed Jamie. Is he the result of a hospital mix-up or an extra-marital affair? (This is an English obsession that affects even the Royal family, since nobody really believes Prince Harry is Charlie's kid.) Will he grow up to marry someone who fell out of a tree? (Too complicated to explain; just read it.)
This book covers the first twelve years of Jamie's very eventful life, including the birth of his younger sister. His parents know that the years ahead will present even greater challenges as their son enters adolescence and then adulthood. He will never be independent and their job as parents will never be finished. But is ANY parent's job ever finished? Should it be? When Jamie was diagnosed, his paternal grandparents retired and relocated so that they could help with his care. This is a family that's in it for the long haul.
God bless them.
If I tell you this is a hysterically funny book about raising a son who has Down Syndrome AND Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder AND autism, you'll think that I've lost my marbles or that I have a sick sense of humor. Furthermore, the author is an accountant and who ever heard of a funny accountant?
When the Dinnings were expecting their first child, they had all the plans and dreams that parents-to-be have. Their child was going to be brilliant, beautiful, and well-behaved. What they got was a pint-sized perpetual-motion machine with the attention span of a fruit fly and a diabolical ability to out-run, out-wit, and out-last parents, teachers, and bus drivers. He's the kid that NOBODY ever forgets.
These two nice people grieved (quickly) and then threw themselves into the monumental task of raising their unique son and helping him achieve his potential. It's a job that has some surprising perks - such as using the Disabled Parking spaces and enjoying the strange reactions that people have to red-headed Jamie. Is he the result of a hospital mix-up or an extra-marital affair? (This is an English obsession that affects even the Royal family, since nobody really believes Prince Harry is Charlie's kid.) Will he grow up to marry someone who fell out of a tree? (Too complicated to explain; just read it.)
This book covers the first twelve years of Jamie's very eventful life, including the birth of his younger sister. His parents know that the years ahead will present even greater challenges as their son enters adolescence and then adulthood. He will never be independent and their job as parents will never be finished. But is ANY parent's job ever finished? Should it be? When Jamie was diagnosed, his paternal grandparents retired and relocated so that they could help with his care. This is a family that's in it for the long haul.
God bless them.
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April 25, 2019Don't let it get you Down Syndrome by S.K.Dinning
I absolutely loved this book from the moment I started to read I was hooked.
Jamie is a very difficult child and the author... Jamie's father, has a wonderful way of telling the tale of some of the most difficult situations he found himself in. The book is a very heartwarming and humorous account of live with Jamie.
I recommend it to anyone
I absolutely loved this book from the moment I started to read I was hooked.
Jamie is a very difficult child and the author... Jamie's father, has a wonderful way of telling the tale of some of the most difficult situations he found himself in. The book is a very heartwarming and humorous account of live with Jamie.
I recommend it to anyone
February 12, 2015
Everyone must read this! It is uplifting, honest and will leave you laughing out loud. As the mother of a four year old with Down's syndrome I can relate to so much in this book. But it was also so good to realise you are not alone in your emotions and worries for the future; but also in the joy and excitement that it brings too.
March 31, 2015
Prepare to have your preconceptions blown away. Jamie is loveable and affectionate as we imagine all Down's syndrome children to be. But he is also a unique character who will make you laugh a lot and we are privileged to be invited into the author's family. A warm, easy to read book which is not a straight biography.
January 9, 2015
I loved it.
Best book I have read in ages. Very light and readable, yet touching and funny at the same time.
A cross between 'Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime' and any Dave Gorman book.
Highly recommended.
Best book I have read in ages. Very light and readable, yet touching and funny at the same time.
A cross between 'Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime' and any Dave Gorman book.
Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews