The success and ambition of teens and young adults with disabilities is inspiring to mothers of babies and young children with the same diagnosis. It sometimes takes that reality check to believe that our sons and daughters will be capable of much more than we imagine when dealing with 'experts'.

Woodbine House Publishing celebrates 20 years of books for families, educators and other professionals who have an interest in disabilities

In recent years, severe winter weather has become a serious problem for everyone in our community, especially families of children with special needs. Even with the best planning, recovery may take a long time when weather events cause adverse effects on our communities and homes.

There are many reasons that winter holiday stress complicates the lives of families of children with disabilities, developmental delays or chronic health conditions. There are more reasons to dwell on the joy and let the stress take a holiday.

Our family holiday adventures may more closely resemble a television high drama or situation comedy than heartwarming holiday special. Sometimes the greatest challenges we face have less to do with a child's diagnosis or special needs than it does with our own childhood relationships.

Autumn and Winter months can be especially stressful for children with special needs who are transitioning to new school programs, and dealing with changes in their schedules and activities, clothing issues, or coping with weather and holiday events

I became sensitive to certain words and phrases when my son was born and diagnosed with Down syndrome. I am grateful that his pediatrician developed his own awareness without my intervention. A good doctor can learn from every new patient. Some average doctors may overwhelm by their own ignorance.

The criminal justice system is a complicated and painful experience for the whole family. It may be even more difficult to explain to a child or teen with a developmental disabiilty what it means when their brother, sister, cousin or parent is arrested and sentenced to time in jail or prison.

If you have a beautiful new baby in your family diagnosed with Down syndrome, you may have questions and concerns about to find the best possible support and encouragement available for a wonderful quality of life, richness of experience, and opportunities to reach his or her full potential.

The wonderful essay written by Emily Perl Kingsley has been included in many wonderful anthologies and is often included in New Parent Packets for parents and professionals sharing a newborn or prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome. Many believe that it is as relevant today as the day it was written.