Today we’d like to introduce you to Wendy Hooton.
Hi Wendy, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m an author, mentor, speaker, and Down syndrome advocate—basically, a professional juggler of chaos and compassion. I venture through this wild ride of life with heart and humor, and a mission to help others find strength and purpose in their own journey.
I am mom to an incredible human, who surprised me with his Down syndrome diagnosis three hours after his birth. I had a rough start with my journey into motherhood because I was young, just twenty-three, and had little to no exposure to people with Down syndrome. Back then they were still being segregated from mainstream society. The only thing I understood was that they had intellectual disabilities and often looked different. Due to my lack of exposure and fear, this was enough for me to feel that I didn’t want this for myself, for him, or for our family. I was afraid he wouldn’t fit in, that he wouldn’t have friends, or that he would be seen as different and undervalued. However, it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with my beautiful, innocent baby. Before we left the hospital, I promised him I would do everything I could to help him live his best life, to show society that he did have value. And at that moment, I stepped into my power and became his fiercest advocate.
In addition to creating this superhuman, I am known for my memoir “Big People Don’t Pee in the Park: A Mother and Son’s Journey with Down Syndrome,” where I share my transformative journey of my son’s unexpected diagnosis. Through healing, hope, and humor, each chapter highlights a challenge we faced and how we worked through it.
I feel motivated to share our story so that parents navigating a similar journey can move beyond the shock and fear that often comes with an unexpected diagnosis, and discover the joy, love, and purpose in parenting a child with special needs. My goal is to offer them a window into the incredible life ahead, drawing from more than three and a half decades of my lived experience.
I’m a messy mom or should I say a mom with a message. When I gave birth, I didn’t just embark on a journey into motherhood, my experience made me a teacher, student, and warrior. My hope now is to create a dynamic space for connection and to offer resources that support others—while also helping society recognize the worth of those who are differently-abled. I’m driven to focus more on their abilities rather than their limitations and celebrate together as we help these individuals reach their greatest potential.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No. I have only wanted for my child, what any parent wants for their child. To live a life of inclusion, to receive an education, to receive support…to be wanted. I have been met with obstacles, sadly by professionals in these areas. Bring forth that warrior in me. I was told my expectations for my son were too high. When signing him up for little league sports they tried to tell me I couldn’t sign him up, that there were programs “for kids like these”. I’ve watched people turn their back on my son. I’ve even heard them call him names, which stings the heart. My initial mama bear instinct has been to attack. Instead, I choose to use those times as teaching moments and have a much better outcome.
All these circumstances fueled me even more. I never gave up. That said, as my son grew, I did have to come to terms with the fact that there were dreams of mine that weren’t for him. No problem! We just shifted our goals and focused on things that he could do and that interested him. As a result, my son loves to read and write, he has a greenbelt in Kenpo Karate, he loves to bowl and carries the highest score in our family at 193. And a dream I never imagined for him was to have him sit by my side at our author’s events, greeting families and signing books for them.
In many ways, my son has not only met my hopes and dreams for him, but he has exceeded them.
But I haven’t done it alone. Despite the many obstacles that have been put in my way, it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t give a shout out to those people who have believed in my son, who have encouraged him to work harder, helping him become who he is. Teachers, coaches, and friends who have taken the time and patience to teach him. A community, who has treated him like they do their own children and as an adult, he’s just “one of the guys”.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I wear many hats. In addition to writing my nonfiction/self-help/memoir, I’ve participated in two anthologies with several other authors (Share Your Brilliance & Threads of Gold). In Share Your Brilliance I wrote a chapter titled I Am…on empowering women, encouraging them to find their inner strength. In Threads of Gold, a book on the many forms of grief, I wrote a chapter on my experience losing my dad. This book provides insight and hope to those who are faced with grief and trying to work through their emotions.
I love to write! I love to help others! But my biggest passion is being an advocate for the Down syndrome community, so I guess you could say this is my “specialty.” I spent over eighteen years volunteering for a nonprofit organization where I focused on mentoring families, raising funds, and organizing events. Now, I give voice to this journey.
I’ve had the privilege of serving as a guest speaker at events for therapists, chaplains, case workers, and early intervention specialists, where I’ve shared our family’s story with these professionals’ giving insight from a parent’s perspective. I’ve also been featured on several podcasts (one being a local favorite, The Frankie & Jess Podcast) discussing not only my journey as a mother of a child with special needs, but also how I navigated that journey as a single parent. I’ve spoken on the importance of Inclusion, educated audiences about the diagnosis itself, and shared why I choose to live as a victor rather than a victim.
I’ve also had the opportunity to speak at a library in Norway and serve as a keynote speaker at a writers’ retreat, an event where I offered support and guidance to new authors, some on their own journey being a special needs parent.
I continue to write and currently have several projects in progress, including a second book, having to do with raising an adult with Down syndrome and a young adult novel I’m co-authoring with my son.
When it comes to what I’m most proud of, it’s hard to choose, because so much of it begins with my son. I’m proud of him, of who he is and all he’s overcome. I’m also proud of my own dedication, drive, and the sacrifices I’ve made to support him in becoming the remarkable person he is today. And I’m proud to be sharing our story, to help society see the value of these individuals and that anyone feeling the fear and uncertainty I felt in those early days might find even a small glimmer of hope.
What sets me apart is the more than three and a half decades of lived experience I bring to the conversation, and the fact that I choose to share it with humor. Life is hard and unpredictable for all of us, and sometimes the only way through the tough moments is to laugh. This is exactly why I chose the title of my book, and why my son and I recently started a YouTube channel. To share that while there is hard in every day, laughter helps get us through.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Awareness is key. I would love to collaborate and educate. Check out my website. Invite me to be a speaker, or as a guest on your podcast. And of course, read my book “Big People Don’t Pee in the Park: A Mother and Son’s Journey with Down Syndrome.
“It takes a village” so let’s illuminate the path towards inclusivity, empowerment, and understanding individuals of all abilities. Together, let’s inspire change and celebrate all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wendylhooton.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peaceowendy/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555146315134
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-hooton-1bb072148/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DownRightFun
