Advertise on podcast: 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 functional and independent as possible. By blending the joy of desserts with a structured, supportive environment, Robert and Helen are dedicated to teaching their team essential life skills, fostering personal growth, and proving that everyone has a valuable ingredient to contribute. For Delicious Spoonfuls, giving back to the community isn’t just a business practice; it’s the core recipe of everything they do. You can find more of Delicious Spoonfuls on their website: https://deliciousspoonfuls.org/

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 increased since then, we still have so much advocating to keep doing. Debbie now fights for new studies that highlights the importance of early detection of Alzheimer's Disease, especially for our older loved ones with Down Syndrome. Debbie is the perfect example of how advocating never stops.

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 The Counseling Couple. Her and her husband Alex run a faith based couples counseling and this topic has been widely seen in their sessions. How to navigate through marriage (with base of Christianity) on parenting a child that has special needs. More importantly how to come together as a team and strengthen your relationship. We are happy to have you listen to this episode today. May it give you perspective and gratitude and comfort in whatever you have going on in your life.

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 why she wrote this book, parenting and navigating in today’s society as a special needs mother, and how Christ is the foundation of her passion and daily commitment to changing todays norms on disabilities, prayer, and children’s readings. This episode holds dear to my heart and I hope it gives you listeners a sense of ease and empowerment in whatever struggles you may be conquering yourself, such as Sammy and Rosie do in Talia’s book.

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 created this organization to help individuals that want to step into parenting our little special ones who need family and love. Talk a moment to listen to this beautiful calling of love and community on today's episode.

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 circle where they are now on my podcast! It was such a joy to discuss how their business started as well getting to know more about John as an individual and I can tell you now, him and his dad have one heck of a relationship. What they have created is what all of us parents dream about, a successful business full of happiness, love, travel, and advocacy with our children. These two are quite a pair so take a listen to today's short but sweet episode of the journey of Mark and John Cronin of none other than the best socks in town, John's Crazy Socks. If you would like to see more of John and Mark visit these links: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzPvxz1oUEA&feature=youtu.be John's Crazy Socks (johnscrazysocks.com) Hiring Those w/ Differing Abilities Is Good Business | John & Mark X. Cronin | TEDxLakeSuccessStudio (youtube.com)

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’t want to miss this one as Evelyn will not only inspire me, but I’m sure she will inspire you as well.

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 Courtney never knew she would be blessed with.

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 her own light of advocating for her two children.

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 about one another’s special child. It’s so wonderful to be able to share World Down Syndrome Day with the Autistic community. Because at the end of the day, no matter what diagnosis (or no diagnosis) we are all moms just trying to do our best and we can’t be our best without this kind of support, right? (This episode is dedicated to Everett Molino (15) who passed 3/15/23. Everett has Autism & we want to sincerely send our condolences to his family during this tragic time. 💙 May his beautiful soul rest peacefully.)

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 beautiful thing it is to know the truth, speak the truth, and grow from these experiences.

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 has such a huge fight and I can’t wait for you to listen to his journey.

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 with Autism and the importance of listening to your inner mommy hunch by investigating signs that you may suspect your child may be different than other children.