Down With the Robinsons (A Down Syndrome Podcast): Recent Episodes
Tyler Robinson
This podcast is meant to spread awareness and spread the love that the Down Syndrome community has blessed our lives with.
Back-to-school season is here... and somehow it feels like summer just started.
Whether you're sending your child to school, homeschooling, or navigating a completely different path because of a disability or unique needs, this time of year can bring a mix of excitement, stress, pride, and maybe even a few tears.
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, we're talking about:
- đ The emotions that come with another school year
- đĄ Homeschool vs. traditional schoolâand why there's no "right" answer
- đ Why comparing our kids steals the joy from their journey
- đ The tears (yes, parents cry too!)
- đą Learning to celebrate every milestone, no matter what it looks like
Every child has their own timeline. Every family has their own story. And no matter where your child is this school year, they deserve to be celebratedânot compared.
If you've ever looked around and wondered, "Are we doing enough?" or "Why doesn't our journey look like everyone else's?"âthis conversation is for you.
Because our kids aren't behind...
They're becoming exactly who they're meant to be.
â¤ď¸ Join us as we kick off another school year with encouragement, honesty, and a reminder that every step forward is worth celebrating.
đď¸ NEW EPISODE DROP!
This week on Chromosomes & Chaos, we're joined by Holly from Texas as she shares the incredible journey of raising her 11-year-old daughter, Siley, who has Down syndrome. đđ
This is an honest conversation that doesn't shy away from the hard topics, including:
⨠Being told by doctors to terminate her pregnancy.
⨠Navigating Siley starting her period at just 9 years old.
⨠The realities of sibling life and raising a family together.
⨠The heartbreak of watching your child struggle to make friendsâand how to support them through it.
⨠The joy, resilience, and perspective that Siley has brought to their entire family.
Whether you're a parent of a child with Down syndrome, a sibling, an educator, or simply someone looking to better understand this community, Holly's story is one of hope, honesty, and unconditional love.
đ§ Tune in now, and if this episode speaks to you, please like, share, and subscribe. Every share helps another family feel seen, supported, and a little less alone.
ChromosomesAndChaos #DownSyndrome #DownSyndromeAwareness #DifferentNotLess #SpecialNeedsParenting #NothingDownAboutIt #ExtraChromosomeExtraAwesome #Inclusion #ParentingJourney
Summer definitely had other plans for us... đ
First offâthank you for sticking with us. We know it's been a little quiet around here, but sometimes life reminds you to slow down, take a breath, and focus on what matters most.
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, we're catching you up on everything that's been happening behind the scenes.
We talk about:
⢠Why we've been MIA
⢠Our wild summer adventures
⢠Potty training wins (and plenty of struggles đ¤Ş)
⢠Squishy Hunting
⢠Navigating Hashimoto's and prioritizing health
⢠Learning that it's okay to slow down
⢠A brand-new Chaos Corner
⢠And, of course... all the unexpected moments that only our family could experience.
As always, this isn't about having it all figured outâit's about sharing the real, messy, beautiful journey of raising kids with down syndrome, building a business, and embracing life exactly as it comes.
Whether you're raising a child with Down syndrome, juggling a busy family, or simply trying to survive the chaos of everyday life, we hope this episode reminds you that you're not alone.
Thank you for your patience while we took a step back. We're excited to be back, and we can't wait to continue sharing this journey with you.
Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who could use a little encouragementâand maybe a laugh.
This episode is a heartfelt one. đ Weâre saying goodbye to two incredible people who have made such a huge impact on Pierce and Addiâour amazing para and special education teacher. Letting them go is not easy, and we talk about just how much theyâve meant to our families.
We also chat about our summer plans, take time to remember sweet Hudson and the lasting impact he has had on our hearts, and of course, wrap things up with a little Chaos Corner. đ¤Ş
We hope your summer is off to a great start, and thank you for spending part of it with us. âď¸đ
đď¸ NEW EPISODE: Chromosomes & Chaos đď¸
Okay, hear us out...
Thereâs a National Donut Day.
Thereâs a National Pizza Day.
Thereâs even a National Talk Like a Pirate Day. đ´ââ ď¸
But there isn't a National Special Needs Day?!
This week, we're talking about why we think there should be one and what it would look like if we got to create it. Would there be parades? Free coffee for therapy parents? Spa days?
We share our ideas, our experiences, and why celebrating individuals with disabilities and special needs deserves more than just awarenessâit deserves a party.
And of course, we're diving into another edition of CHAOS CORNER where we share the funny, messy, unpredictable moments that make this life what it is.
If you're a parent, caregiver, family member, or just someone who loves a person with special needs, this episode is for you.
đ§ Tune in, laugh with us, and tell us:
If there was a National Special Needs Day, what would YOU want it to include?
Welcome back to Chromosomes & Chaos â the podcast where we keep it real about parenting, diagnoses, advocacy, and the beautiful chaos in between.
In this episode, we sit down with Leanne to talk about her 9-year-old son, Jacob, and the journey of navigating life after receiving a diagnosis. From potty training struggles and school experiences to the day-to-day realities most people donât see, Leanne shares the raw, honest moments of raising a child with different needs.
This conversation dives into the highs, the hard days, the wins that deserve celebrating, and the lessons learned along the way. Whether youâre a parent walking a similar road, an educator, or someone wanting to better understand the disability community, this episode is packed with honesty, humor, and heart.
Because at the end of the day, parenting doesnât come with a manual â and sometimes itâs equal parts chromosomes & chaos. đď¸
Thereâs a layer of life that not everyone seesâthe constant questions, the stares, the assumptions, the need people feel to understand⌠or worse, to judge.
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre saying it clearly: WE ARE DONE EXPLAINING.
Done explaining our child.
Done explaining our parenting.
Done explaining why things look different, feel different, or are different.
When youâre raising a child with Down syndrome or special needs, it can feel like the world expects a running commentaryâwhy they act a certain way, why you parent the way you do, why your life doesnât fit the ânorm.â
But hereâs the truth: we donât owe anyone an explanation.
This episode is raw, honest, and real. Weâre talking about the emotional weight of constantly feeling like you have to educate everyone around youâand what it looks like to finally put that weight down.
To choose presence over pressure.
Confidence over comparison.
And peace over proving.
If youâve ever felt like you had to explain your child, your choices, or your life just to be understoodâthis conversation is for you.
Letâs get into it.
Summer is here⌠and apparently weâre âtaking the summer off.â But are we really? And more importantly⌠does anyone actually believe Patty can do that? đ
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre talking all things summerâslower schedules (maybe), shifting routines, family chaos, trying to be intentional, and the pressure to make summer magical while somehow also surviving it.
Weâre diving into:
âď¸ What âtaking the summer offâ even means for us
đ Why Patty relaxing may be the biggest plot twist of the year
âž Summer with kids, sports, camps, and controlled chaos
đ The tension between resting and always feeling like you should be doing more
â¤ď¸ And what we want this summer to actually feel like
Itâs honest, funny, a little chaotic, and very relatable if your âsummer offâ still somehow looks like a full-time job.
If youâve ever said this summer weâre slowing down⌠only to immediately overbook every week, this episode is for you.
đ§ Press play for laughs, real talk, and the question we all want answeredâŚ
Can Patty actually take the summer off?
(We have thoughts.)
Welcome back to Chromosomes & Chaosâwhere real life gets loud, unfiltered, and a little messy (just how we like it).
This episode hits on something EVERYONE deals with but no one really prepares you for⌠online trolls and negative comments. From keyboard warriors to unsolicited opinions, weâre breaking down how we handle it, what it actually feels like behind the scenes, and how weâve learned to not let it derail us.
But it wouldnât be Chromosomes & Chaos without a few curveballsâŚ
Weâre also diving into:
đ¤ The real-life adjustment to using a CPAP machineâthe struggles, the wins, and why it matters more than you think
âž The current state of youth sportsâpressure, expectations, and whatâs getting lost in the chaos
đĽ And how all of this ties back to resilience, confidence, and showing up anyway
This episode is for anyone whoâs ever:
- Been judged online (or in real life)
- Questioned if theyâre doing enough (or too much) as a parent
- Felt overwhelmed trying to balance health, family, and everything in between
Weâre not here to pretend we have it all figured outâweâre here to talk through it, laugh through it, and keep it REAL.
đ§ Hit play if youâre ready to:
- Stop letting trolls take up space in your head
- Hear honest conversations about parenting and youth sports today
- Be reminded that growth isnât always prettyâbut itâs always worth it
CONFIDENCE.
Not the kind youâre born withâŚ
The kind you build.
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre diving into what it really takes to have the confidence to go after what you want in lifeâ
âď¸ Raising a child with Down syndrome
âď¸ Starting something new (like this podcast)
âď¸ Showing up for your workouts
âď¸ Becoming the person you know youâre capable of
Because hereâs the truthâŚ
Confidence isnât something you wait for.
Itâs something you create through action.
Weâre also sharing real, practical ways you can start building confidence TODAYâno matter where youâre starting from.
If youâre new hereâŚ
Chromosomes & Chaos is a podcast about real lifeâparenthood, perspective, resilience, and navigating the unexpected. Itâs about raising a child with Down syndrome, building a business, chasing big goals, and figuring it out as we go.
Itâs messy. Itâs meaningful. Itâs real.
đ§ Tune in now
đ Like. Share. Follow.
And if this hits⌠send it to someone who needs a confidence boost today.
On our newest episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre diving into a topic that so many families understand all too wellâeloping.
Weâre sharing real-life experiences with our kiddos, along with the safety tips, strategies, and lessons weâve learned over the years to keep them safe while still giving them the freedom to explore.
If youâve ever felt that moment of panic or are looking for ways to be more prepared⌠this episode is for you.
⨠Chromosomes & Chaos is all about the real, unfiltered journey of raising kids with different needsâcelebrating the wins, navigating the hard moments, and building a life full of love, resilience, and a little bit of chaos along the way.
đ§ Tune in, learn with us, and know youâre not alone in this.
ChromosomesAndChaos #SpecialNeedsParenting #AutismAwareness #ParentingSupport #RealLifeParenting #SafetyFirst #YouAreNotAlone
âIf youâve ever wondered what the teenage years REALLY look like after a diagnosis⌠this is the episode.â
If this is your first time hereâwelcome to Chromosomes & Chaos đ
This podcast is about real stories from 2 moms who have kids with Down Syndrome navigating lifeâs highs, lows, and everything in betweenâfrom parenting and purpose to adversity, fitness, and finding strength in the chaos.
Itâs raw. Itâs honest. And itâs badass.
This week, we sit down with Bonnieâmom to 14-year-old Aidenâand NOTHING is off the table.
Weâre talking about:
⨠The reality of raising a teenager (not the highlight reel)
⨠What it actually feels like after the diagnosis
⨠The moments no one prepares you for
⨠And how humor becomes survival
Bonnie is unfiltered, hilarious, and deeply realâand somehow makes you laugh while hitting you right in the heart.
There are moments in this episode that will make you think:
âWait⌠no one talks about this.â
And thatâs exactly why we do.
Because behind every diagnosis is a story people need to hear.
Trust usâthis one will stay with you. đ§
đ§ Like. Share. Follow.
And help us spread stories that actually matter.
ChromosomesAndChaos #DownSyndromeAwareness #SpecialNeedsParenting #TeenYears #PodcastClip #RealLife #ParentingUnfiltered
Weâre giving you a Gala Update + getting READY for Down Syndrome Awareness Day (3.21)
đ Wear your BLUE & YELLOW
đ Show up
đ Spread awareness
đ Celebrate the extra chromosome that makes the world better
If youâre new hereâ
Chromosomes & Chaos is a podcast about real life, real stories, and real perspective. We talk about parenting, purpose, resilience, and what it means to find strength in the middle of the unexpected. Itâs raw, itâs honest, and it will make you feel something.
This episode hits on:
đ Whatâs coming with the Gala
đ Why this awareness day matters
đ How YOU can be part of something bigger
Because this isnât just awarenessâŚ
Itâs a movement.
đ§ Listen now
đ Like. Share. Follow.
ChromosomesAndChaos #DownSyndromeAwareness #TheLuckyFew #NothingDownAboutIt #SpreadAwareness
đ NEW EPISODE: Chromosomes & Chaos đ
St. Pattyâs Day looks different for everyone⌠and today, weâre celebrating something WAY bigger than green beer.
đ Patty is celebrating 13 YEARS SOBER đ
Let that sink in. 13 years of choosing strength. 13 years of choosing better. 13 years of showing whatâs possible.
This episode is a powerful reminder that you can still celebrate, have fun, and live FULLYâwithout losing yourself in the process.
Whether youâre going out today or staying inâŚ
đ Make smart decisions
đ Take care of your people
đ And remember what really matters
If this is your first time hereâwelcome to Chromosomes & Chaos đ
This podcast is about real stories from 2 mom's who have kids with Down Syndrome navigating lifeâs highs, lows, and everything in betweenâfrom parenting and purpose to adversity, fitness, and finding strength in the chaos.
Itâs raw. Itâs honest. And itâs badass.
đ§ Like. Share. Follow.
And help us spread stories that actually matter.
đ 5,000 DOWNLOADS⌠WHAT?! đ
We are celebrating a HUGE milestone today â 5,000 downloads of Chromosomes & Chaos.
Seriously⌠thank you. Every listen, every share, every message â it means more than you know. What started as a way to process our story has turned into a growing community that reminds us weâre not alone in the chaos. đ
In this episode, we reflect on how a diagnosis we once feared has actually built the mental strength we now lean on daily. What felt overwhelming at first has shaped our perspective, deepened our gratitude, and prepared us to handle whatever life throws our way.
Because when youâve walked through something life-altering⌠everything else feels manageable.
And speaking of chaosâŚ
đ CHAOS CORNER:
⢠Sleep study updates + entering the world of a CPAP machine đ´
⢠Addiâs Girl Scout cookie adventure đŞ (entrepreneur era unlocked)
⢠Kids activities officially getting OUT. OF. CONTROL.
⢠How weâre trying to manage schedules, marriage, work, and parenting without losing our minds
This episode is honest. Itâs reflective. Itâs a little tired. Itâs a lot grateful. And itâs proof that strength is often built in the seasons we didnât choose.
5,000 downloads in â and weâre just getting started.
If this podcast has encouraged you, challenged you, or helped you feel less alone⌠share it with someone who needs it.
New here?
Chromosomes & Chaos is a podcast about faith, family, resilience, and raising a child with Down syndrome â while navigating the beautiful, exhausting, unpredictable chaos of real life. We talk mindset, marriage, parenting, perspective shifts, and finding strength in the unexpected.
Weâre so grateful youâre here. đ
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, we sit down with Mallory (AKA Mart's Mom) and her 4-month-old son, Marty, for a conversation that will move you, stretch you, and remind you what really matters.
From receiving a birth diagnosisâŚ
To navigating a scary pregnancyâŚ
To an unexpected NICU stay no parent ever feels ready forâŚ
Mallory shares their journey with honesty, vulnerability, and unwavering faith.
What started with fear transformed into fierce love.
Uncertainty turned into gratitude.
And perspective shifted in ways they never could have imagined.
This episode isnât just about a diagnosis.
Itâs about resilience.
Itâs about redefining strength.
Itâs about discovering gratitude in the middle of chaos.
And yes⌠Marty makes an appearance â and he might just steal the show. đ
We cannot wait for you to listen.
If this episode moves you, share it with someone who needs hope today.
DownSyndromeAwareness #TheLuckyFew #DownSyndromeJourney #NothingDownAboutIt #DownSyndromeCommunity
Twenty-eight years ago, Bonnie received a diagnosis that changed everything.
She was scared. Unsure of the future. Unsure of how the world would see her sonâor her family.
Today, Issac is thriving.
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, Bonnie and her son Isaac sit down to share their journeyâfrom fear and uncertainty to confidence, independence, and strength. Isaac lives on his own and is now one of the top three powerlifters in the state of Iowa, redefining whatâs possible every single day.
This is a conversation about resilience, belief, and refusing to let a diagnosis write the ending.
If you need a reminder of how powerful support, opportunity, and determination can beâthis episode is for you.
đ§ Give this episode a listen.
January tested us.
Sickness.
Surgeries.
Schedules blown up.
Plans derailed.
And honestly? Survival mode was the win.
But February?
February is a reset.
Not a ânew year, new youâ kind of resetâŚ
A grace-filled, meet-yourself-where-you-are reset.
On this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, a podcast about real life parenting, advocacy, fitness, and navigating the beautiful chaos that comes with raising kids with Down syndrome (and everything else life throws at you), weâre talking about:
⢠Letting go of January guilt
⢠Navigating sickness & surgery without losing yourself
⢠Why resets donât have to be perfect to be powerful
⢠How to restart routines when life has been chaotic
If January knocked you sideways, this oneâs for you.
Turn the page. Take a breath. Letâs reset together. đ
đ§ Listen now
In this episode, we sit down with Liz from Ruby Rainbow, an incredible nonprofit on a mission to send individuals with Down syndrome to collegeâbecause higher education should be accessible to everyone.
We talk about breaking outdated expectations, why post-secondary education matters for individuals with Down syndrome, and how Ruby Rainbow is creating real opportunities through college scholarships and advocacy. Liz shares the heart behind the mission, the impact these scholarships have on students and families, and why belief and access can change the trajectory of a life.
We also dive into the upcoming 321 Pledge, a powerful way to support inclusive education and help open college doors for students with Down syndrome across the country.
This episode is for parents, advocates, educators, and anyone who believes that extra chromosomes donât mean fewer possibilities.
đ Learn how you can be part of the movement.
đ Learn why college is possibleâand necessaryâfor individuals with Down syndrome.
đ Learn how the 321 Pledge helps make it happen.
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, we dive into a question every parent faces sooner or later:
What do you say when your child notices â and asks about â disabilities and differences?
Kids are curious, observant, and honest⌠sometimes uncomfortably so. And too often, parents freeze, shush, or say âdonât stareâ without knowing what to say next.
We talk about why these questions are normal, how our reactions shape our childrenâs understanding of disability, and how to respond with honesty, respect, and confidence. From simple language to real-life scripts, we explore how to normalize differences, model inclusion, and raise kids who arenât afraid of whatâs different from them.
This episode is for parents who want to:
Answer hard questions without fear or awkwardness
Teach kindness without pity
Replace silence with understanding
Raise inclusive, compassionate humans
Because the goal isnât perfect answers â itâs brave conversations and being understanding about curiosity!!
On this episode, we talk about the things we had to unlearn after having a child with an extra chromosome.
We had to unlearn timelines and expectations.
Unlearn comparison, control, and the idea that ânormalâ is the goal.
Unlearn the fear-based narratives and limits that were placed on our child before they ever had the chance to show us who they are.
This episode is about releasing what we thought parenting was supposed to look likeâand embracing patience over pressure, progress over pace, and connection over checklists.
And itâs a reminder that sometimes the greatest growth comes not from learning moreâbut from letting go.
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre diving headfirst into the chaos of the New Year. Are New Yearâs resolutions actually helpful⌠or are we officially over them? đ
We talk about the pressure to âstart fresh,â what really works when it comes to goals, and how to approach the New Year without burning out by January. Spoiler alert: itâs not about perfection.
Plus, we wrap it up with our Christmas & Chaos Cornerâthe good, the messy, the emotional, and everything in between that the holidays bring.
If youâre feeling hopeful, skeptical, exhausted, or all of the above about the New Year⌠this oneâs for you. đâ¨
The holidays are hereâand so is the chaos đđ In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre leaning into the fun, the mess, and the magic of the season. From hilarious hypotheticals to real-life holiday struggles, we laugh our way through traditions, parenting moments, and the beautifully imperfect reality of family life. Itâs lighthearted, relatable, and exactly the reminder we all need that the holidays donât have to be perfect to be meaningful. Grab your coffee (or eggnog) and join us for some festive fun and honest conversation.
This week on Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre diving into a topic that hits hard this time of yearâsobriety.
The holidays are filled with joy⌠but also pressure.
Pressure to drink.
Pressure to âjoin in.â
Pressure to numb instead of feel.
Weâre talking about what it actually looks like to stay sober (or simply cut back) in a season where alcohol is everywhereâfamily gatherings, work parties, stress, expectations, and all the chaos in between.
If youâve ever felt out of place saying âno thanks,â if youâre rethinking your relationship with alcohol, or if you just want to feel more in control this season⌠this episode is for you.
This is an honest conversation about boundaries, confidence, choosing yourself, and rewriting what holiday âfunâ even means.
Tune in. Youâre not alone in this.
On this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lisa â a powerhouse pediatrician and a fellow mom to a daughter with Down syndrome. â¤ď¸
We dive into conversations every new family deserves to hear, including:
⨠How to find the right pediatrician for your child
⨠Whether doctors are getting better at delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis
⨠What resources, support, and community are available for families receiving the news for the first time
⨠Plus â an important tool for parents and providers: the Down Syndromeâspecific growth charts from the CDC (a must-know for tracking your childâs development).
https://www.cdc.gov/birth-defects/hcp/down-syndrome-growth-charts/index.html
This one is real, raw, and incredibly helpful.
Whether youâre a new parent, a medical professional, or someone who loves someone with DS â youâll want to tune in. đ
Friendships donât all start the same⌠and they definitely donât all last the same.
Some fade. Some fight to stay. And some arrive because of a diagnosis you never asked for.
In this episode, we kick things off in Chaos Corner, answering your listener Q&As â including a powerful conversation around comparison being the thief of joy. Weâre talking social media spirals, mom guilt, and learning how to come back to your own lane.
Then we dive into friendships:
The ones you grew up with.
The ones youâve outgrown.
And the ones life hands you through Down syndrome, special needs parenting, and unexpected community.
No sugarcoating. No pretending itâs easy.
Just honest conversation about grief, growth, loyalty, and the friendships that show up when you didnât even know you needed them.
đŹ If youâve ever felt alone in a crowded room or found family where you least expected it â this episode is for you.
Donât miss it. đď¸
This week on Chromosomes & Chaos, we got to sit down with the incredible Jillian Benfield â author of Overwhelmed & Grateful and The Gift of the Unexpected. đ
Jillian was one of the very first people we dreamed of interviewing because of the impact sheâs had on our families. She writes so beautifully and speaks straight to the heart. â¤ď¸ Her message about finding purpose and beauty in lifeâs unexpected turns will stick with you long after you listen.
We are SO thankful for her time, her words, and her light. đ
đ Go show her some love!
đ Blog: jillianbenfield.com
đ¸ Instagram: @jillianbenfieldblog
đ Grab her newest book Overwhelmed & Grateful: https://a.co/d/gsyDxhC
đ§ Tune in now & donât forget to FOLLOW her and SUBSCRIBE to Chromosomes & Chaos!
This week gets a little wild in Chaos Corner as Amber shares a CRAZY story you donât want to miss đ¤Ż. We also dive into a few listener Q&As about our favorite things about Addi and Pierce, and wrap up with a real conversation on how to overcome heavy seasons of life when it feels like youâre trying to do it all.
đ Tune in, laugh with us, and maybe tear up a little too.
Donât forget to like, comment, and share â it helps us reach more hearts and stories like yours!
ChromosomesAndChaos #DownSyndromeAwareness #ParentingRealTalk #ChaosCorner
This week on Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre talking IEPs â what they really mean, how to advocate for your child, and a few lessons weâve learned the hard way. Whether youâre brand new to the IEP world or have a few under your belt, this episode is full of real talk and a of course, a few laughs along the way.
And weâre kicking off our newest segment â Chaos Corner! đ Because every week comes with a little bit of crazy, and weâre here to share the âyou wonât believe this happenedâ moments that keep us humble (and laughing).
Grab your coffee, plug in your earbuds, and join us for another dose of honest, chaotic, and heart-filled conversation. đ
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, host Patty opens up about one of the most difficult chapters of her life â losing her son Hudson shortly after the birth of her daughter Addi. đ
Patty shares her story with raw honesty and courage, reflecting on the pain, the love that never fades, and the ways she found strength to move forward. This conversation is for every parent who has experienced unimaginable loss â and for anyone who wants to better understand how to show up with compassion and support.
Join us as we honor Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month and the babies we will always hold in our hearts.
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre tackling some of the biggest myths and misconceptions about raising a child with Down syndrome â the ones we heard before (and even after) our own journeys began.
From outdated beliefs about abilities and independence, to misconceptions about happiness and family life â weâre setting the record straight. Because raising a child with Down syndrome isnât defined by limitations⌠itâs defined by love, joy, growth, and a whole lot of beautiful chaos. đ
Join us as we share real experiences, honest conversations, and what weâve learned along the way.
In this episode of Chromosomes & Chaos, weâre getting real about one of the biggest moments in our journeys â the moment we received our Down syndrome diagnosis.
Was it at birth? Prenatal? A surprise in the delivery room? No matter how you found out, that moment changes everything. Weâre opening up about our own experiences â the emotions, the fear, the love â and how those first moments shaped our perspective today.
We also want to hear from you. đ How did you receive your diagnosis? Message us or share your story in the comments â because no two journeys are the same, but none of us are alone.
From GiGiâs to Goldâs Gym to the wild world of social mediaâour paths kept crossing until we finally realized we were meant to team up. In this episode, weâre sharing the story of how two busy Iowa moms raising kids with Down syndrome went from acquaintances to friends to co-hosts of Chromosomes & Chaos.
Itâs real, itâs a little chaotic, and itâs the perfect kickoff to our journey together. Hope you enjoy this episode as much as we loved recording it!
Meet your hosts: Patty & Amber!! On this trailer episode we give you some insight on who we are, how we both have kids with Down syndrome (who also happen to be our oldest) and how we both juggle multiple kids, busy schedules, and all the chaos in between.
Together, weâre sharing the laughter, the tears, the chaos, and the beauty of this journeyâbecause no parent should feel alone. We are so excited your here!
On this episode of Down with the Robinson's we discuss how our first IEP meeting went, what an IEP meeting is and our initial thoughts going into the meeting to talk to the teachers. We also talk about Pierce's first day of preschool and how excited we are about his future and next chapter of his life.
This poem from Jillian Benfield also gives us all of the feels as we start this school journey:
I pray my child is embraced for who they are. I pray they are wanted not in spite of their differences, but because of them. May their diversity be celebrated.
I pray teachers and staff have a healthy balance of patience and high expectations because they are capable of much.
God, I pray you open up my childâs mind with readiness to grow. May they learn more about your world, so they can fully embrace the beautiful life youâve given them.
God, I pray kindness abounds. May it flow steadily from both kids and adults through the classroom, playground, and hallways.
Beyond kindness, beyond inclusion, I pray my child makes a real friend. Because life is hard, disability can be complicated, and we all need someone to lean on.
God, this is my prayer above all, more than academic progress or meeting IEP goals, I pray my child walks into school every day knowing they belong.
Amen
On this podcast we want to share our journey with down syndrome and how it has completely changed our lives, We are here to spread awareness and information, make an impact and give back to the community that has given us so much!
We are so excited for this Down With The Robinsons podcast episode. We talk about Addi's diagnosis, how they handled the words "YOUR CHILD HAS A HIGH PROBABILITY OF CHROMOSOME ABNORMALITIY, DO YOU WANT TO TERMINATE?" What the biggest struggles have been so far and what advice she gives someone who has a diagnosis. .
You don't want to miss this episode!!! We absolutely love this family and are so thankful that we get to see them weekly and Pierce has a bestie for life!!
On this podcast we want to share our journey with down syndrome and how it has completely changed our lives, We are here to spread awareness and information, make an impact and give back to the community that has given us so much!
What is early intervention?
It is the term used to describe the services and supports that are available to babies and young children with developmental delays and disabilities and their families. May include speech therapy, physical therapy, and other types of services based on the needs of the child and family.
What is speech therapy?
Speech therapy is the assessment and treatment of communication problems and speech disorders. ... Speech therapy techniques are used to improve communication. These include articulation therapy, language intervention activities, and others depending on the type of speech or language disorder.
Disclaimer: We are NOT experts and always recommend getting advice from a professional if you are concerned about your child. We are using this space because we love sharing our experiences in hopes that it can shine light on Down Syndrome & help other families.
Listen to the episode by clicking on the link below! As always, thank you for being a part of our journey! â¤
On this podcast we want to share our journey with down syndrome and how it has completely changed our lives, We are here to spread awareness and information, make an impact and give back to the community that has given us so much!
What are the health risks associated with Down Syndrome? Are kids with disabilities in the same classroom as typical students? Is Pierce excited to start school?Â
On this episode of Down With The Robinson's we switch it up to a Q&A style and answer some questions from our followers. Give it a listen and see if your question was answered.
As always, thank you for following our journey and for your interaction in helping is spread awareness. We are so thankful for our community. Keep spreading the love! â¤â¤
On this weeks episode, we discuss all of the resources that have been most valuable to us since Pierce's birth. After we posted his diagnosis on social media, the outreach and connections we made allowed us to utilize these resources and do more research on them. The saying "it takes a village" is so true and I am so thankful for our incredible down syndrome community and all of the resources that are available to us where we live. Be proactive and ask questions! That is the only way you are going to learn and be an advocate for your child.
Here are the links to the resournces we refrenced in the podcast:
Gigis Playhouse: https://gigisplayhouse.org/about-us/
DSDN: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/about2
Special Olympics Iowa: https://www.specialolympics.org/
DHS Waivers: https://dhs.iowa.gov/ime/members/medicaid-a-to-z/hcbs/waivers
Iowa AEA: http://www.iowaaea.org/about/aea-services/
This podcast is meant to spread awareness and spread the love that the Down Syndrome community has blessed our lives with. Thanks for tuning in and for being a part of our journey! Please let us know if you have any questions.