The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome: Advice, Information, Inspiration, and Support for Raising Your Child from Diagnosis through Adulthood

by Jen Jacob, Mardra Sikora

Help your child succeed and thrive!

As 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. You'll also find valuable information on:

Sharing the news with loved ones Transitioning into primary school Developing your child's social skills Discussing future opportunities, including employment and housing options With The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome, you will have the tools you need to raise a happy, healthy, and thriving child.

Genres: Nonfiction, Education

258 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an expectant mom of a baby boy with Down Syndrome, this book has been an awesome resource. I love that it begins with a prenatal diagnosis and continues through to adult-hood. Each chapter is filled with a wealth of information and resources that relate to a specific stage / age-group. The numerous stories and experiences from families and individuals with Down Syndrome really set the book apart. This book brings together the experiences of so many families - I love that!! Because I am awaiting the birth of my child in March, the prenatal and birth to 6 months chapters were the most impactful to me. It covered every question or worry that I currently have, and then some. I learned a ton and feel better prepared with knowledge and tools to be the best mom for my son. As my child grows, I know I will be referencing this book many more times. It's not a "read once and never again" book, it's a resource that I intend to reference for years to come. Thanks Mardra and Jen! Disclosure: I received a free PDF version of the book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I first heard that my son would have Down Syndrome, I kept thinking, "what does this mean for us? I have no idea what our life is going to look like!" While I still don't know what our lives will look like (turns out, none of us do), a guide like this gives a better idea of what it *could* look like (and what is has looked like for us over the past 2 years). Covering diagnosis, birth and infancy, childhood and adolescence through adulthood, this guide attempts to balance the practicals and the personals of this bright and beautiful community. It includes elements of life that parents of a child with Ds will likely encounter: working with medical professionals, different types of therapy, interventions available, IEPs, sports and clubs, "the transition," wills and care teams, etc. one thing I wish it included: a chapter about finances, insurance and the first steps to navigating government services/waivers. I would recommend this guide to any parent or family member or a child with Down syndrome! Great resources available here and (mostly) up to date. Grateful to have found it.

[Adrianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great primer on what to expect raising a child from birth to adulthood with Down syndrome. My favorite parts are the excerpts from parents and individuals with Down syndrome.

[Mahala · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book shortly after the (birth) diagnosis of our son. I read a small portion and then life got busy with 3 kids. He is one now, and I picked it back up and "finished" it. I use the word "finish" loosely because this will be a well worn book by the time he is an adult. I will pick it up many times over for insight, resources, guidance, and enjoyment. I feel so lucky to have this tribe of moms before me who continue to work passionately and tirelessly. They guide me (and others) in advocating for my child... but more importantly to see the magic of our children in every moment!

[Janel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding and informative resource for information parents can definitely benefit from. I was sent this book when my son who has Down Syndrome was a baby. It’s been a great help since then (and will continue to be) as he grows up whenever I need advice or tips on milestones or behaviors or just “what to expect”. Author Jen Jacob is one of the founders of DSDN -Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network of which I’m honored to be a part of and volunteer for. She is a brilliant and inspiring soul that I have the privilege of calling my friend.

[Rachelle VP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t have a child with DS but found this really informative and learned a lot. It has a very positive tone, shared many peoples’ personal experiences, and provided a lot of resources (some of the resources are specific to the United States). I can see this being helpful for parents of a child with Down Syndrome.

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything you need to know about raising a child with Down syndrome, broken out by phases of life, including information from medical experts, therapists, and educators, with perspectives shared by parents and individuals with Down syndrome. How do I share the news that my child has Down syndrome? What are medical concerns I should watch for prenatally and as my child grows up? When should we start therapies? What happens when it's time to start school? What are the various Down syndrome organizations? It's all in here, in an easy-to-read format, allowing you to take it in as you need it. This is the most current resource about "all things Down syndrome," written in an honest and straightforward manner. This is THE MANUAL you will want by your side through this journey.

[Janessa Gross · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must have for all parents either expecting a child with Down syndrome or parents already on this journey. The Parent's Guide to Down Syndrome covers everything from expecting baby through adulthood with up to date real life information. This book is seriously a lifeline for all parents! Thank you for the authors for this book!

[G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed fully on my website: www.greenteaginger.com.

Excellent resource that I'd recommend for any parent receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to come!

[Rich Yame]

i think it is a good book and it's help me for my research project