Books and toys that build acceptance of those with Down syndrome

Texas Children’s Hospital strives for an inclusive accessible environment and equitable evidence-based health care overall within its system, but also within offered specialty clinics and programs, including the Down Syndrome Clinic, Multidisciplinary Sleep Apnea Clinic, Developmental Pediatrics and Autism and others. Texas Children’s works to promote inclusion and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome throughout the year within community, occupational, and educational settings. Our team members feel that our society should not only provide access but also develop and foster supporting environments in which individuals with Down syndrome feel welcome, accepted, and truly thrive. Ways we can continue to promote inclusion and acceptance are by supporting Down syndrome-owned businesses or those that employ individuals with Down syndrome, watching media with Down syndrome actors, reading books written by Down syndrome authors, volunteering with local Down syndrome organizations, creating accessible spaces, and promoting inclusive education. 

Introducing Down syndrome with toys and play

Introducing the concepts inclusion and acceptance early offers children opportunities to see representations of themselves in their toys, books, and other media. In 2023 Mattel introduced its first Barbie dolls with Down syndrome and was advised the by the National Down syndrome Society in the development of product. The company has since developed additional diverse dolls including ones with a wheelchair user, visual impairment, and vitiligo. 

Additionally, the company miniland strives to “contribute to a world open and inclusive and tolerant toward diversity.” It offers a wide range of award winning dolls of various sizes with Down syndrome, cochlear implants, hearing aids, glasses, and more. As we’ve mentioned in previous blogs, individuals with Down syndrome often have complex medical needs. Adding a toy with devices like those your child uses may help them feel more included or accepted as well as comfortable with the equipment. 

Companies such as The Butterfly Pig offer a wide range of medical play toys that help with representation and medical anxiety. It can be a great step when a child needs medical equipment to be introduced to a toy version. I often recommend the CPAP, nebulizer, ventilator, and other respiratory items that have been helpful for my patients in my role in the Texas Children’s Sleep Center and Multidisciplinary Obstructive Sleep Apnea (MOSA) clinic.  Representation matters!

Books

Books are also a great avenue to introduce Down syndrome and disability with a focus on inclusion and Acceptance. A large number are geared toward younger readers but have great lessons for any of us. Others are great resources to help you answer questions asked by your child with Down syndrome as they are learning about themselves, and they are great for introducing Down syndrome to their siblings, classmates, or friends. 

Books can help kids work through understanding how they are experiencing different situations (sensory, interactions, feelings) and how to use different strategies to succeed. The Unstoppable Jamie is a great example of a resourceful boy with great tools he relies on to stay calm, but not everything goes according to plan. We must figure out how to adapt and it isn’t easy.  Many of these books introduce concepts of inclusion, education on different disabilities, alternative communication methods, accommodations for play so everyone is included, and so much more. 

I hope you will look at some of the books below for younger readers – these are a few of my favorite children’s books about Down syndrome. I think you and your reader will enjoy them! You can find all these books at your favorite retailer, local library or independent bookstore. I’m happy to note that disability representation in chapter books is increasing, which will benefit readers who are a little bit older. Ask your librarian for some recommendations!

Down syndrome

Born To Sparkle: A Story About Achieving Your Dreams by Megan Bomgaars (Down syndrome author)

Different: A Great Thing to Be! By Heather Avis & Sarah Mensinga

Down syndrome Out Loud: 20+ True Stories of Disability and Determination by Melissa Hart

Hannah’s Down syndrome Superpowers by Lori Leigh Yarborough, PT

Hide and Shh! A Not-So-Sneaky Sister Story About Inclusion by Christina Dendy

I am a Masterpiece! By Mia Armstrong (Down syndrome author)      

The Unstoppable Jamie by Joy Givens

Disability and Inclusion

Everyone Belongs by Heather Avis and Sarah Mensinga

Included: A Book for ALL Children about Inclusion Diversity, Disability, Equality and Empathy by Jayneen Sanders

The ABCs of Inclusion by Beth Leipholtz

This is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp

This is How We Talk: A Celebration of Disability and Connection by Jessica Slice and Caroline Cupp

Bonus materials

And just for fun and for more education, check out some charming inclusive stickers and assistive devices here. We may need additional tools or supports for various reasons, but we all belong and are welcome. 

More Resources about Inclusion

National Down Syndrome Society: Entrepreneurs 

National Down Syndrome Society: Inclusive Education Guidelines

National Down Syndrome Society: Positive Steps for Social Relationship

CDC Disability-Inclusion

CDC Disability-Inclusion: Become a Disability Ally