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Twin Cities Mom Collective

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month. We invited a few local moms to share some heart-felt advice as we celebrate and embrace each other’s, and our children’s, differences.  

A special “Thanks!” to Erin, Andrea, Candace, and Christine for putting this together. 


You will see numerous postings on social media this month with facts and myths about Down syndrome. You probably know someone with Down syndrome; your friend’s cousin, your own family member, your coworker’s uncle, your favorite barista’s child, and the list goes on. Most of you are “aware.” We’d love to encourage you to move beyond awareness, and head towards acceptance and inclusion.

Down Syndrome Awareness Month gives us mothers the opportunity to educate the public, and to show you ways to help us with our goal of acceptance and inclusion.
One way to show your acceptance of those different from you is to use “people first language.” Whenever talking about someone with a disability or even an illness, use their name before the diagnosis. You wouldn’t say “a cancer kid” or “learning disabled kid,” so please don’t refer to our children as “Down syndrome kids.” Our children are all individuals and deserved to be called by their name.
We’d also appreciate your help in ending the use of the “R” word. When we hear the word “retarded,” it is hurtful, even when it is not said toward our children. Many people are used to saying it in casual conversation to describe something that they don’t like or agree with. We’d love your help in encouraging others to find a different word.

All in all, our children are children, and a lot like yours. They may take longer to do things than typical children, but they’ll get there on their own time. They laugh, they cry, they snuggle before bedtime, they have stranger anxiety, they don’t eat their vegetables and throw tantrums (sound familiar?!). They have feelings and unique personalities. They are our loving children. Our kids are learning and growing every single day like yours. Please talk with your children about how every person is unique and every person has value. If our children grow up learning and talking about these things, our goal of inclusion and acceptance becomes more of a reality.

We want to see acceptance and inclusion practiced more in today’s society – not just for people with Down syndrome, but for anyone that is considered “different.”  The possibilities are limitless when there is enough support and understanding given.

And finally, please don’t underestimate or pity our children; they will surprise you, like they do us every day.

Different is beautiful – Celebrate with us!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month | Twin Cities Moms Blog

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