Our Special Family

Our Special Family is a children's book which addresses emotions a sibling may feel when a family member has been diagnosed with a condition through the newborn screen program. This book is a tool to initiate important discussions and a resource to embrace and celebrate each member's special role within the family. Although it is written from a child's perspective and is a children's book, Our Special Family gives validity, hope, and strength to all family members.

When a family learns there is something wrong with their new baby, it is the beginning of a journey. All family members are directly impacted by a diagnosis from the newborn screening program including siblings who may not have any special conditions. There are both positive and negative impacts on families when one child has a special condition and another child does not. It can be troublesome for children to understand why they are so different from their siblings, or why parents may not be able to treat all of their children exactly the same. Every child counts and has value. Children are born with their own uniqueness and are blessings to be celebrated. Children learn valuable lessons from each person in the family because both their similarities and differences. Diversity provides rich experiences and makes a family stronger. Our Special Family is a tool to begin open communication and honest conversations to celebrate each family's members special role and uniqueness.

Kelsey Baker writes Our Special Family from her own personal experience as a mother as well as from her profession as a school psychologist. She knows how devastating it is to receive the shocking news as her first-born, Brody, was diagnosed with a genetic condition through Iowa's Newborn Screening Program. She understands how each family member is impacted and was motivated to give families support and encouragement through Our Special Family.