“Reading this book reinforced my belief in the importance of community, empathy, and educating medical professionals to look beyond stereotypes. I would recommend this book to any new mother pregnant with a baby who may be born with Down syndrome.”
Charlotte Woodward
Programs Associate, National Down Syndrome Society
"Through her storytelling, Misty offers a perspective that feels both honest and connected to the lived experiences of our community. Her voice uplifts and reminds the world of what we know to be true every day. NDSS welcomes thoughtful work like this that adds to the broader conversations, and I am grateful to stand alongside this fellow mom in advocacy."
Kandi Pickard
CEO, National Down Syndrome Society
“Misty Coy Snyder has created a beautiful blend of honesty, compassion, and real-life guidance for families navigating a Down Syndrome diagnosis. With both tenderness and truth, she creates space for every emotion—grief, hope, fear, and joy—while gently reminding readers that they are not alone on this journey. This book is not just a resource, but a companion for parents at every stage, offering encouragement, perspective, and a powerful vision of what is possible.”
Camille Joy
Advocate for families of children with special needs
“Misty has written a must read for the parent/guardian of a child with Down syndrome! I wish that I could have read this fantastic book 26 years ago. Absolutely tremendous!”
Patti Nikic
Mother of Chris Nikic, a 26 year triathlete with Down Syndrome who set four Guinness World Records, is an Adidas-sponsored athlete, a Special Olympics World Ambassador, recipient of the Laureus Best Sporting Moment of the Year award, and motivational speaker
“Misty Snyder is the embodiment of what true community looks like. She is a bright light for families navigating a Down Syndrome diagnosis. Through her platform and her voice, she has created a space where families feel seen, supported and deeply understood. Happiness is Down Syndrome is a reflection of that same heart. It is real, raw and deeply informative, offering an honest glimpse into the lived experience of raising a child with Down Syndrome. Misty captures both the reality alongside the extraordinary joys with authenticity and grace, reminding readers that what may first feel uncertain can become one of life’s greatest blessings. This book is not only a powerful resource, but a source of hope, encouragement and connection for any family on this journey.”
Lauren Costabile
Founder and Executive Director of Hearts of Joy International
“Misty is uniquely qualified to speak on this subject because she writes from a place no textbook or theory can replicate—real life. As a mother raising a child with Down Syndrome, she brings firsthand insight into the joys, challenges, growth, and unexpected blessings that come with the journey. Her voice carries credibility because it is rooted in daily experiences, deep love, and a genuine commitment to reshaping how the world views Down Syndrome.”
Ashley Piazza Odom
President/Executive Director of FRIENDS Down Syndrome Special Needs
“As a fellow mom raising a child with Down Syndrome, so much of this book felt deeply personal to me, making me wish I had it in those early days. Misty has captured the fear, grief, beauty, wonder, and unexpected joy of this great journey while also being honest and compassionate.”
Rachael Lampa
Award winning vocal artist in Contemporary Christian Music and mother of a child with Down Syndrome
“With heartfelt vulnerability and hope, Misty Coy Snyder has created a powerful resource for families navigating a Down syndrome diagnosis. Her honesty, advocacy, and lived experience will make countless parents feel seen, encouraged, and deeply supported.”
Amy Amaradio
Founder and President, Dear Mom
“Happiness is Down Syndrome carries the credibility of lived experience, the warmth of genuine community, and the voices of families from around the world all saying the same thing: you are not alone. This is a masterclass in compassionate, practical guidance.”
Rebekah Lyons
Bestselling author and Co-Founder, THINQ Media
About the Book
When parents receive a Down Syndrome diagnosis for their child, they often feel isolated and uncertain about the future. Happiness is Down Syndrome: Strategies and Support for Parents at Every Stage offers essential guidance for families navigating this journey.
Author Misty Coy Snyder combines personal experience with research-backed insights and community connections to help parents move from fear to empowerment.
The book addresses critical stages from prenatal diagnosis to educational advocacy.
Trusted by Thousands
What's in the book
Educational Advocacy
Practical advocacy strategies for navigating educational systems.
Happiness is Down Syndrome is an essential resource for parents of children with Down Syndrome at any stage of their journey. Extended family members, educators, and anyone involved in the life of a child with this diagnosis will find compassionate support and effective advice in this book.
Misty Coy Snyder
Meet the Author
For over twenty years, Misty has been inspiring people through storytelling. Whether she is onstage taking the audience on a journey through her acting, transporting people through her vocal performance, or challenging and edifying her readers through her writing, Misty relishes communication, connection, and community.
Misty utilizes her gifts as a performer, entrepreneur, and content creator to advocate for and lift up the disability community. Upon receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis for her second son, Jed, she created a worldwide platform to promote inclusion and awareness called Happiness is Down Syndrome.
In addition to creating content for this platform, she launched her podcast Bold Voices, Soft Hearts, featuring stories of those who have discovered their passion through pain. For World Down Syndrome Day in March 2025, Misty spoke on a panel at the United Nations discussing community support for the Down syndrome community and frequently travels globally sharing her story of hope. Misty works as a Content Creator for many organizations inside and outside the Down syndrome space and also continues to cultivate her performance, writing and entrepreneurial endeavors.
