TALK Down Syndrome

Nestled in the heart of Boca Raton, Florida, Delicious Spoonfuls is serving up much more than just sweet treats—it is scooping up hope, purpose, and community connection. Founded by Robert and Helen with their son, Adir (who has Down Syndrome) as their muse, this unique ice cream company is driven by a deeply impactful mission: employing individuals with special needs to help them become as functi...

Debbie Miller is the author of "Raising Ricky," a memoir she wrote describing her journey advocating for her brother Ricky who not only has Down Syndrome but was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Ricky was born in the 60's, in which Debbie gives us insight on how people with special needs were treated in the past and although support and aid for those with special needs has in...

We always have episodes discussing our journeys with our loved ones with special needs, but why don't we ever ask ourselves "how is our marriage or relationship going after having a child with special needs?" Often times the struggles and obstacles parents face having a child with special needs draws them further apart than closer. Today we dive into just that with Petra Rojas from T...

Not only is Talia one of my newest friends, but she is an amazing author who just released her first book called The Adventures of Sammy and Rosie Conquering Thunder Hill, which is book number one of her series. Her main characters Sammy and Rosie are created after her children and Rosie has Autism just like her daughter in real life. Join us on this episode as we get into deep discussion about wh...

This TALK episode we have guests, Phillip and Ramona Gallegos from The Upside of Down Foundation. Phillip and Ramona created a fun way to advocate for their son, Zachary, through Golf Tournaments. Today we speak to them about their journey with Zachary and how golfing and awareness have come together. This one is a good one, you don't want to miss it.

Today we get to talk to Brady Murray, owner and founder of RODS Hero's. Becoming a parent to a child with special needs is not only by chance but can also be by choice. We at TALK Down Syndrome absolutely love those who are first to raise their hand to the task of taking on such a special duty to parent a child with special needs and RODS Hero's agree. That is why Brady Murray and his family creat...

Today we are kicking off World Down Syndrome Day, I would say SUPER early but only because when I think of WDSD I think of John's Crazy Socks. Today's episode features father and son duo, Mark and John Cronin owners and creators of John's Crazy Socks. When I first entered this community, I remember seeing John's Crazy Socks marketed everywhere online and it has finally come full ci...

Evelyn Acevedo is not only an amazing mom to her son Lincoln, but she has one empowered and determined woman. This lady found a problem with her and her city, and took the steps to make changes and to bring awareness for our down syndrome community. Take some time to listen to this episode. I guarantee you will be rushing to the computer to find ways that you can advocate in your hometown. You don...

Today I am introducing you guys to Courtney Sebastiano. Interestingly, Courtney’s first child Jaxon has Down syndrome. Courtney walks us through how courageous and resilient her newborn baby was as he faced aspiration issues, along with heart failure, and his first few months. Now a healthy, almost 3 years old little boy, alongside his brother, are just the most amazing and inspirational kids Cour...

It took 7 months for Brandy to respond to my message on Facebook when I reached out to her to be a guest. Little did I know during that time, Brandy was embarking on her own journey of being a brand new mother to Brayden (who is diagnosed with Down Syndrome) but also learning about her own neurodiversity. Brandy shares with us how she maneuvers through social media taking down “trolls” and shining...

This episode we do have just one special guest but TWO :) Dey, a mother to Adam who has Autism and Seleste, a mother to Genesis who has a dual diagnosis of Autism and Down Syndrome. Us three moms collaborate on what our diagnosis’ mean, how we maneuver through the struggles and triumphs in motherhood, and share our personal experiences of being super moms to our babies, and we learn something more...

No special guest but just your host Chantele discussing certain instances in her journey that made her have a change in mind set. One, being told that as a parent of a child with Down syndrome we must always “fight” the school system. That is not always the case. Sometimes as parents we stand in the way of our own child’s happiness and growth. It’s important to see the whole picture. What a beauti...

Azaiah, only 5 months old, has much to say to the world and much to poop! Come listen to Janelle's story of her son, Azaiah, and his struggles he had with Hirschsprung's disease which effects the baby passing stool, and just overcame surgery. Azaiah, born at 3 pounds 5 ounces brings inspiration to any other families out there that may be experiencing this disease or other struggles. This tiny baby...

We kick off Down Syndrome awareness month by interviewing Lulu who is a mom to a fun energetic girl named Maya. Lulu spends time talking to us about her journey as Maya’s mother and helps us out on ways we can navigate through the IEP process & things she did that can make your educational plan better :)

Today we TALK Autism! We are switching it up a bit with today's episode. It is important to not only raise awareness on Down syndrome but to be aware of other special needs diagnosis, such as Autism. This is why I invited a friend of mine, Vanessa Gonzales (who's daughter Chloe is Autistic) to be a special guest on this episode. Vanessa shares a bit of insight on what it is like to have a child wi...

Who doesn't love GiGi's Playhouse? Well guess what? We have a new location opening in the beautiful Southern California and today we get to have on our episode Katie Gresko, Vice President (what what!!) of GiGi's Playhouse ORANGE COUNTY! Katie discusses how she got involved with GiGi''s Playhouse and how it has changed her life raising her first born Jack, who has Down syndrome. Take listen and he...

This episode we have the beautiful, the strong, the boss babe herself Vanessa Delagarza of Amorcita Clothing. Vanessa joins us today to discuss her journey with her daughter, Amor, who has Down syndrome and shares how Amor gave her the inspiration to create her own clothing line. Amorcita Clothing not only gives an edgy look to our every day attire but contains words of strength and encouragement...

On this episode we are celebrating World Down Syndrome Day 2022 with Tabia Kocks. Many of you know her as "Tabia the Model." Tabia (28 years old) has been interested in modeling since she was in High School and has turned herself in a full-time professional model. Tabia has been named Miss Washington from 2019-2021, been featured in British Vogue, and recently had her own story published by the Na...

Today is Saint Patrick's Day (2022) and there is no more LUCKIER way than to celebrate with HEATHER AVIS from "The Lucky Few," and " The Lucky Few Podcast." We welcome you to get to know more about Heather and how (along side Micha Boyett and Mercedes Lara) the Lucky Few was created. We also touch on her New York Times Best Seller; "Different - A Great Thing to Be!" which is a children's book she...

TALK 21: Jesse Norell is a musician and dad from Minneapolis, Minnesota who just released his album “Aorta Borealis,” which is centered around his daughter, Alyssa, 6 years old, who has Down syndrome and a rare heart condition called Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) Join us in this interview with Jesse as he describes the tough and happy times since Alyssa’s birth and medical issues they have...

We welcome back Melissa Steele from episode #2. This episode we get to catch up on how Melissa's journey has been so far since she gave birth to her beautiful baby girl Joey and her current views of what life is like being a mommy to a child with Down syndrome. (Spoiler Alert!- Remember last time she was nervous and a little scared of what her journey would be like, well ladies and gents, SHE IS D...

Down the Lens is a theatre group that is online based that provides children and adults with learning difficulties a place where they an act, sing, and bring talents to the forefront as well as learn skills such as exploring emotions, creativity, and enhancing social and language skills. Down the Lens was created by Emily Curtis and her sister Sophie and today we get to speak with them both! 

This episode we gain mommy insight from guest speaker Amy Harrill. Amy is a mommy of two little angels, Abigail and Presley with her youngest, Abigail having Down Syndrome. Amy’s sister has special needs, so she used that platform to build her perspective on what is now the greatest journey of her life.

This episode we have Eric Lindsay, Director of Student Recruitment and Kevin Phillips, Advancement Officer from Shepherds College. Shepherds College, located in Union Grove, Wisconsin, is  three-year, post-secondary school for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Shepherds College does not only assist in educating and training their students to be self-sufficient aligning with their strengt...

On today's TALK episode we have founder of Voices of Change, Nicole Moehring. Voices of Change is a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing the risk of sexual abuse of children with special needs through advocacy, preventative education, support, guidance, and resources. This episode has a trigger warning to our listeners as we discuss heavy topics of sexual abuse among our disabled community...