Unexpected Joys on the Scenic Route with Down Syndrome

Julie McConnel was in her mid 40s and hoping for a little girl to complete her family. Instead…. She had twin boys with Down syndrome. Julie shares her grief over the diagnosis, her concerns about whether or not she and her husband could handle twins with Down syndrome and their hesitation to parent—and how she now couldn’t imagine her life without Charlie and Milo.

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Links and Resources

Julie’s story on the NDSAN blog

Julie’s guest blog post on Cedars Story: Changing Perceptions of Down Syndrome

The National Down Syndrome Adoption Network

National Down Syndrome Society

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network

Kids’ Waivers: information on Katie Beckett and other similar programs

Born This Way: a TV series that follows a group of seven young adults with Down syndrome

“Genetic Testing and the Rush to Perfection,“ National Council on Disability, October 23, 2019.

Follow Charlie and Milo on Social Media:

Charlie and Milo on Instagram: @chucklesandmeatloaf

Charlie and Milo on Facebook

Related Grey Genetics News Corner blog posts:

Mitigating Misinformation: Spreading Awareness for Down syndrome

NIPS: More Than Just a Sex Reveal

Adoption as an Option: The National Down Syndrome Adoption Network

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