October is a special month because we celebrate Down Syndrome Awareness Month and National Bullying Prevention Month. These observances remind us that compassion, kindness, inclusion, and understanding are essential to building healthy communities where our children and their children can thrive.  

As adults, we play a key role in shaping how our kids view and treat one another. If we start early, we can raise some of the world’s most understanding and compassionate people. By children understanding and accepting differences early on, they are less likely to bully and more likely to become allies and friends. 

Understanding Down Syndrome 

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that occurs when someone has an extra copy of chromosome 21. The difference can affect physical growth, learning styles, and communication. However, beyond these medical descriptions, children with Down syndrome are kids first, and they have personalities, talents, and interests just like any other child.  

Children born with Down syndrome may learn or communicate differently. They may learn or speak at a different pace; however, they often thrive when surrounded by people who give them grace, are patient, and encouraging. 

How to Talk to Your Child About Down Syndrome 

These types of conversations about differences can feel tricky. Still, there are opportunities for you to educate your child and allow them to grow. We gathered a few simple ways to help you start the conversation with your child:  

1. Use clear, kind language: Explain that everyone is unique and that some kids run fast; some are great artists, and some may take longer to learn, speak, or read.  

1. Answer questions honestly: Of course, children are naturally curious, so if they ask why someone talks or acts differently, give them a calm, factual answer instead of trying to silence them.  

1. Model empathy: Kids learn more from what we do than we say. When adults demonstrate respect and inclusion, children will follow their lead.  

1. Encourage inclusion: Suggest that your child sits with someone new at lunch, play together at recess, or invite classmates with disabilities to hang out.  

1. Highlight shared experiences: Help your child remember that friendship starts with connection by having your child focus on what they might have in common, whether it’s favorite games, songs, or snacks.  

1. Read: Many children’s books are available to teach your child about Down syndrome.  

Reducing Bullying Through Awareness and Connection 

Bullying often comes from misunderstanding, lack of knowledge, or someone experiencing their own hardships. However, when we normalize that people are different and teach empathy, we can reduce the chance of those harmful behaviors brewing in the future. As parents, we can work together with our children’s school to:  

1. Celebrate Inclusion Week or World Down Syndrome Day with classroom activities. 

1. Read books or watch age-appropriate videos featuring children with disabilities.  

1. Encourage peer-buddy programs at school where students support and learn from one another.  

1. Create open discussions about kindness and respect, not just during October, but all year.  

When we help our children understand and appreciate differences, we lay out the groundwork for a generation that chooses compassion over bullying. Additionally, we create an environment where people who have Down syndrome can grow to be thriving adults in a world that has empathy for them.  

We’ve highlighted the following children’s books below to help you and your child get started:  

For Ages 4–8 

• You Are Enough: A Book About Inclusion by Margaret O’Hair and Sofia Sanchez 

• I Am a Masterpiece! by Mia Armstrong 

• This Is Ella by Krista Ewert 

• We’ll Paint the Octopus Red by Stephanie Stuve-Bodeen. 

• My Friend Isabelle by Eliza Woloson 

For Ages 8+ 

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

• Katie is a Big Sister by Erin Savory 

• Best Buddies by Lynn Plourde 

For siblings of a child with Down syndrome 

• What’s Inside You Is Inside Me, Too: My Chromosomes Make Me Unique by Deslie Webb Quinby 

• Fasten Your Seatbelt: A Crash Course on Down Syndrome for Brothers and Sisters by Brian Skotko and Susan P. Levine 

How AFSPA Can Help 

Foreign Service Benefit Plan members can speak to a behavioral health specialist via telehealth, and services will be covered at 100%. Telehealth consultations are available to members in the 50 United States through Teladoc®. Access telehealth services 24/7/365 by web, phone, and the Teladoc® mobile app to see a behavioral health provider for depression, anxiety and stress. To register, visit teladoc.com/aetna or call 855-Teladoc (855-835-2362) for more information. Telehealth consultations are available to members outside the 50 United States through our telehealth vendor, Lyra Health. To register, visit lyrahealth.com or call 1-877-505-7147 for more information. 

Public Resources for Bullying  

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: You can call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor 24/7. This service is for anyone experiencing mental health or suicidal crisis, which can be triggered by bullying.  

• Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741 to connect with a trained, volunteer crisis counselor for confidential support. 

• STOMP Out Bullying HelpChat: This is a confidential online chat line for youth ages 13-24. It provides free advice and support for issues related to bullying and cyberbullying.  

• StopBullying.gov: this is a federal government website with information on how to prevent and respond to bullying. The site lists resources, including a contact center at 1-877-696-6775.