If We Knew Then - A Down Syndrome Advocacy Podcast

13/09/2025

Our guest, Jeaneen Tang, is not only a speech-language pathologist with over two decades of experience but also a mother who knows firsthand the challenges of navigating therapies, diagnoses and advocacy.

In her book "Play Dumb and Sabotage", Jeaneen encourages us to mindfully under-anticipate our children’s needs so they have opportunities to find their voice.

This episode is filled with hope, compassion, and actionable tools for parents. Don’t miss it: www.IfWeKnewThen.com

12/09/2025

Jake Pratt is living his dreams and changing the narrative for people with Down syndrome.

12/09/2025

Our children can achieve more when we give them space, support, and belief in their potential.” – Jeaneen Tang

This week, we’re honored to share a conversation with Jeaneen Tang a speech pathologist, author and mother of a neurodivergent son. Her new book “Play Dumb and Sabotage” is a must read for anyone wanting to nurture early language development with practical, everyday strategies.

Because every child deserves the chance to be heard.

Today we sit down with speech-language pathologist and author Janine Tang to talk about her new book Play Dumb and Sabotage: Mindfully Under-Anticipating th...

11/09/2025

Every parent wants to support their child’s communication, but sometimes we don’t know where to start.

In this week’s episode, we sit down with speech-language pathologist and author Jeaneen Tang to talk about her powerful new book “Play Dumb and Sabotage”.

Drawing from her 20+ years of experience and her journey as a mother to a neurodivergent son, Jeaneen shares practical strategies, real stories and so much hope for families.

🎧 Listen now and discover how small, mindful moments can open big doors for language development: https://ifweknewthen.podbean.com

And check out her book in the photo below. It’s a game changer for parents, caregivers and educators!

11/09/2025

When we advocate for
supports in school, we
aren’t asking for more.
We are demanding what
should already be there:
access, inclusion, equity.

10/09/2025

Thank you Jenna and Angela for your friendship and for always championing the IF WE KNEW THEN podcast. ❤️

09/09/2025

Liam and Rey weren’t playing around on our visit to Disneyland. I love the matching confident grins.

08/09/2025

The Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network is the largest national organization dedicated to supporting new and expectant parents receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis. Their mission is powerful and compassionate: to connect families, provide accurate and timely information, and support both parents and medical professionals from the time of diagnosis through the critical early years of life.

DSDN envisions a world where every Down syndrome diagnosis is delivered with honesty, empathy and respect to ensure that families feel supported and empowered from the very beginning. Their efforts not only build meaningful lifelong connections but also bring hope and clarity during a time that can feel overwhelming.

Their impact is felt in every conversation, every connection and every parent who finds comfort in knowing they are not alone.

Thank you, DSDN, for the invaluable work you do to uplift families and change the way Down syndrome diagnoses are delivered and received. 💛💙

of these gifts around the world every year!

If you're expecting a child with Down syndrome, CONGRATULATIONS! Join our Pregnancy Support group for mothers expecting a baby with Down syndrome here: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/pregnancy-support

🎁 All the gifts DSDN gives families are made possible by generous donations to our Rockin' Family Fund. Learn more and help us support families here: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/rockin-family-fund

Are you expecting a baby with Down syndrome? Congratulations!!! We want to welcome you and your little one to the DSDN family with a gift!

Join our Pregnancy Support group and we'll send your gift: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/pregnancy-support

🎁 All the gifts DSDN gives families are made possible by generous donations to our Rockin' Family Fund. Learn more and help us support families here: https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org/rockin-family-fund

08/09/2025

Want simple, everyday ways to boost your child’s language development?
This week, we talk with speech-language pathologist and author Jeaneen Tang about how small shifts in parenting can create BIG opportunities for communication.

Her book "Play Dumb & Sabotage" is packed with strategies that empower parents, caregivers and educators to raise confident communicators.

This episode is a must listen for families navigating early intervention and beyond.

🎧 Start here: https://ifweknewthen.podbean.com

06/09/2025

Wow, this article lays it all out with raw honesty and unwavering clarity. I know you can relate to the weight parents carry when navigating the IEP due process and how it can feel less about your child and more like entering a legal battleground.

But please know you’re not walking through this alone. Just like our conversations on IF WE KNEW THEN, what matters most is community, the sharing of stories, the exchange of hard-won strategies, and the way we lift each other up in moments of doubt and fatigue.

This article underscores the importance of preparation and evidence because once due process begins, it’s about who presents the stronger case, not who loves their child more. How can this be? It’s CRAZY right?

There is clarity when you connect with other families who’ve walked this path. There is strength when one parent’s “I did this, and here’s how I did it” conversation lightens someone else’s load.

So, to every parent reading this… yes it’s tough, yes it can feel disheartening when the focus shifts from your child to paperwork. But what makes you powerful isn’t just your advocacy, it’s that spark of connection. When you share your story, you help someone else find their voice. When you ask questions, you ripple hope forward.

We hear you. We see you. And as a community, together, we grow stronger.

Join us in the conversation.

https://adayinourshoes.com/iep-due-process/?fbclid=IwdGRleAMpjulleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHtAaSmx_Yv588GZDGlsn6ovwWpoTY3wCJson9uF0QDkszQ5b693rjOH1aijj_aem_oNdjrvDeHKD0hhiZ6R-kwA

A Due Process Special Education Hearing is one of a parent's protected rights as a part of their Procedural Safeguards outlined by IDEA. However, it's a very serious decision and an intense process. Read before you decide to file for Due Process.

06/09/2025

Disability pride isn’t just acceptance,
It’s a movement.
It’s caregivers & their loved ones standing strong against systems that underestimate them and celebrating identity, not apologizing for it.

Hear our conversation with Dr. Vaish Sarathy:

In this episode of the "If We Knew Then" podcast, hosts Stephen and Lori Saux welcome back Dr. Vaish Sarathy for a deep conversation about disability pride, ...