T21Mom-A Down Syndrome Podcast

Pack your bags and grab a gelato because we're going to Italy! In this episode, Mary takes you along on her family's Italian adventure with Dennis and Ainsley.  From Rome to Florence, this trip had a little bit of everything-amazing food, beautiful sights, shopping, trains, missed stops, wine windows, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sistine Chapel, LOTS of gelato and temperatures that made them wonder if they had accidentally travelled straight into the sun! But this episode is about more than just sightseeing.  Mary talks about what it's like to travel internationally with a child with special needs and shares some of the challenges, surprises, laughs and incredible memories along the way. Mary also talks about why she believes families shouldn't let the challenges of travelling with a child with special needs stop them from seeing the world.  You don't have to start with a huge international trip-start small, take the road trip, build your confidence, and then maybe one day you'll find yourself in Italy! Because sometimes you just have to be brave, take the trip, and make the memories. And yes...there may be a few stories about getting on the wrong train along the way!  

Care Protect, Grow: Empowering Your Family Through Special Needs Financial Planning As parents of children with Down syndrome and other disabilities, we spend SO much time planning-doctor's appointments, therapies, IEP meetings, school transitions, activities and all the little things that come with raising our amazing kiddos. But what about planning for 10, 20 or 30 years from now? That part can feel a little more overwhelming.  In this episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary chats with Mary McDirmid, on of the authors of Care, Protect, Grow: Empower Your Family Through Special Needs Financial Planning.  Mary talks about why financial planning looks different for families raising a child with a disability and, most importantly, how we can take those first steps without feeling completely overwhelmed.   As parents, one of our biggest worries is "what is going to happen to my child when I'm no longer here?"  We may never be able to completely erase that worry-but having a thoughtful plan in place can help us feel a whole lot more prepared.   And if you haven't started yet, don't panic.  You don't have to have everything figured out today. Find Mary's book here: https://www.amazon.ca/Care-Protect-Grow-Financial-Planning/dp/1394334664 https://www.wiley.com/en-us/shop/general-finance-investments/care-protect-grow-empower-your-family-through-special-needs-financial-planning-p-9781394334667 Book a consult with Mary here:   https://calendly.com/marymcdirmid/all-needs-planning-introduction-clone-1

Thinking of travelling with your child with Down syndrome but feeling a little overwhelmed? You're not alone! In this episode of the T21Mom podcast, Mary is sharing everything she has learned from travelling internationally as a family.  As Mary prepares for her third European adventure-this time to beautiful Italy, she looks back on what worked, what didn't and the lessons she has learned from her trips to Paris and Prague. From navigating airports and surviving long-haul flights to packing essentials, sightseeing and embracing the unexpected, this episode is packed with practical tips and encouragement for families considering their own adventures. Mary also shares a few recent family updates, including her second annual T21Mom Mingler for moms raising kids with the dual diagnosis of Down syndrome and autism, and her annual Ups and Downs BBQ. If you've ever wondered whether travelling with your Rockin' kiddo is possible, this episode is your reminder that it absolutely is!  It may not always be perfect, but the memories you'll make together are worth every challenge. 

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

After a little post-Christmas hiatus (and recovering from hosting 26 people...send help :), Mary is back with a life update, and wow, there's a lot to share! In this episode, Mary catches you up on what's been happening in her world, from holiday memories and reunions with dear friends, to big transitions at school and the emotional rollercoaster of navigating challenging behaviours, and of course, World Down Syndrome Day! Last year was, quite honestly, one of the hardest that Mary has ever had.  Between intense behaviours, constant dysregulation, and just trying to keep it all together, it pushed Mary to her limits.  But something shifted and she wants to share that with you, because if you're in a season of hard right now, you need to hear this.