Down Syndrome. The First 18 Months :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review
Woodbine House is very pleased to bring you this video, created by Will Schermerhorn, and filled with adorable images of babies with Down syndrome, inspiring stories of parents, and practical information from the leading Down syndrome experts. DOWN SYNDROME: The First 18 Months is a reassuring and realistic introduction to the unique joys and challenges that children with Down syndrome bring to their families during the critical first 18 to 24 months of life.

Will Schermerhorn was inspired to make this video after his son with Down syndrome was born and he observed his wife’s relentless pursuit of information that would comfort and empower. He interviewed thirteen leading medical and developmental experts on Down syndrome--–Libby Kumin, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, Joan E. Guthrie Medlen, R.D., L.D., Patricia C. Winders, P.T, Dr. George Capone, Professor Sue Buckley, Dr. William Cohen, Dr. Allen Crocker, Sarah Rosenfeld Johnson, and Dr. Sally Shott--–on a variety of issues covering:

Newborns: diagnosis, health care, breastfeeding, heart defects
Health Concerns: parent-professional relationships, ear, nose, and throat, nutrition and feeding, dental
Therapies: language and speech therapy, physical therapy
New Expectations: the impact of having a child with Down syndrome on the family and the world

Customer Reviews

A good tool for Early Interventionists

2008-03-30
As a developmental specialist I recommend this DVD to all of my families that have a child diagnosed with Down Syndrome. It is a good overview of the first year and a half of their child's life and the needs that may arise. I even use it to train other professionals. This DVD is a great place to start when you you meet a child with Down Syndrome whether it is your own child or in a professional setting.

Watch this first!

2007-07-20
If you have a new baby with Down syndrome or someone in your family does then this DVD is a must have. This DVD is so informative and tells you very important information. If you are unfamiliar with Down syndrome this DVD is for you.

Must have for all new parents of kids with Down syndrome!!

2005-09-29
WOW!! I wish this video was available when my daughter was born almost 3 years ago! It should be included in every diaper bag from the hospital when the child has Down syndrome! It is all of the information that I wish I knew when my daughter was first born. It is like Down syndrome 101. You don't walk away with a hopeless feeling about your new baby's lease on life, instead, you understand that your child has an extra chromosome, and that chromosome, as small as it may be, WILL be the largest blessing and life lesson you learn. This video will be on the "must see" list for any new parents joining our Down synrdrome playgroup, and I hope NADS and NDSS will add it to their new parent packets....although $35 is a bit steep when you have been hit with a child with special needs, it is well worth a trip to the library!!! Even if you have to special request it via inter-library loan!!!

Highly Recommend this DVD

2005-08-10
As a new grandmother to a beautiful little girl recently born with Down Syndrome, I found this DVD to be very heartwarming and very uplifting. It gave me the reassurance that I needed to hear that my little grandaughter is going to be OK. To quote a line from the DVD...."you need to make a place in your family for the disability, and you also need to put the disability in it's place." The DVD is very informative and emphasizes the point that first and foremost...this is a child. I highly recommend this DVD to any family member who has been blessed with a Down Syndrome child.

Linda B.

2005-04-12
When my daughter was born with Down Syndrome last year, I was initially too exhausted to read anything. I asked my mother-in-law to see if there were any videos out there. She found this one which was perfect. This video is full of great information. Most importantly for me, it was presented in a very positive manner. When a parent is in that early phase of learning about an unexpected diagnosis, emotions can be a bit raw. While watching this video during this "emotionally raw" period, I felt very hopeful and positive about my daughter's future.

Wonderful!

2004-03-14
Woodbine House is very pleased to bring you this video, created by Will Schermerhorn, and filled with adorable images of babies with Down syndrome, inspiring stories of parents, and practical information from the leading Down syndrome experts. DOWN SYNDROME: The First 18 Months is a reassuring and realistic introduction to the unique joys and challenges that children with Down syndrome bring to their families during the critical first 18 to 24 months of life.

Heartwarming footage of young children with Down syndrome is interspersed with the interviews with parents and experts. Throughout, perspectives provided by veteran parents who share their joys and concerns will reassure new parents. DOWN SYNDROME: The First 18 Months is an inspiring and educational video for parents who want to know more, and an excellent tool for support groups, medical professionals, and libraries to support families.

Great information!! 2004-03-14
This dvd delivers for everyone. I am a parent of 18 month old without downs.. but I found this dvd filled with so much information. The interviews with child experts are interesting, which taught me a lot about feeding and speech development. It is easy to watch with fantastic filming, editing and music.. not only did I enjoy watching it but my son loves the photos of the baby.

A Must Have 2004-02-27
I don't think there is anything else out there like this video. It's more comprehensive, more up to date and more informative than anything I have found so far, books included. It helps you can watch it in under two hours, too.
One of the things that impressed me was the information about how to approach experts with Down syndrome info and how to really pay attention to my child's cues to get the most out of therapy sessions. Any parent with a child of any age will get a LOT out of the video. The parent stories really struck a nerve, too.
The DVD is pretty long and it covers a lot of ground. The experts really get a chance to give detailed comments, which is nice. It's not just a collection of sound bites. I had to watch it a second time just to realize how much info is here.
I highly recommend it.

Terrific Information 2004-02-19
I received this DVD as a gift after the birth of our son with Down's. The news was unexpected and we were in dire need of information. Watching this video was extremely helpful, not only because it includes extensive interviews with experts in the field, but also because it offers perspectives from other parents of Down's kids who've been through what we're experiencing. I would wholeheartedly recommend this DVD, not only to parents, but also to grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and any anyone else interested in learning more about Down syndrome. It also makes for a very thoughtful gift, as I discovered.

Down Syndrome:First 18 Months--very well done 2004-02-19
This video on DS and the experts and families who contributed were very helpful. I read 3 books on the topic over the first month after the birth of my son, but I found this video to be the most helpful--would highly recommend to any family now facing this life-changing event!