WHO WE ARE?
Danielle Allen
A devoted mother and author of We All Are a Little Different and a Little Same, a book inspired by her daughter Chloe, written to help children understand, connect, and embrace differences with kindness.
Chloe
The inspiration behind We All Are a Little Different and a Little Same, a heartfelt book written by her mother, Danielle Allen.
Our Lovely Family.
The Story Behind Chloe & Our Book.
1. Did you know Chloe was going to be born with Down syndrome?
The answer is complicated. At around 10 weeks, we did a blood test (NIPT) primarily because we were eager to know the gender. When the results came back, they showed an 86% chance that our daughter would have Down syndrome. We were referred to a genetic specialist for an ultrasound, but no clear markers were found at that time.
The only way to confirm would have been through an amniocentesis, but since this procedure carried a risk of miscarriage, we chose not to do it. In our hearts, we knew we would love Chloe no matter what.
However, accepting the reality was difficult, and I spent much of my pregnancy hoping the test was wrong.
2. What challenges did you face during pregnancy?
My pregnancy was far from smooth. I was diagnosed with umbilical cord restrictions, which meant Chloe was growing smaller than expected. As a result, my doctor monitored me closely—weekly checkups at 20 weeks, then twice a week by 26 weeks.
At 34 weeks, I began experiencing symptoms of preeclampsia, a condition that can be dangerous for both mother and baby. Despite my symptoms and concerns, I was repeatedly sent home from the hospital.
It was only when my genetic specialist saw me in her office and realized I had not yet delivered that she rushed me to an emergency C-section.
3. What was it like seeing Chloe for the first time?
The moment I saw Chloe, I knew. She looked at me with those little almond-shaped eyes, and I instantly recognized that she had Down syndrome. It was a surreal experience—loving her so much yet simultaneously struggling with emotions I wasn’t ready to face.
There was also guilt. I had spent so much time hoping she wouldn’t have Down syndrome, but now, here she was, perfect and beautiful. That moment of realization was overwhelming in so many ways.
Did Chloe have any health issues after birth?
We were very fortunate and Chloe is mostly healthy, however, we have had a bit of a medical journey.
How did you process Chloe’s diagnosis after birth?
Even though we had suspected Down syndrome, my husband and I didn’t officially acknowledge it until the blood test confirmed it a few days after her birth.
I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety, which made the first year especially difficult. There were many medical appointments, therapy sessions, and feeding challenges. It took time to overcome.
We have found peace in knowing that Chloe is perfect exactly as she is.
How did people react to Chloe’s diagnosis?
Most reactions were very accepting and compassionate.
There is always the challenge of negativity in any aspect of life, but we just take each challenge as it comes.
Why was Chloe the inspiration for the book "We Are a Little Same and a Little Different"?
After experiencing judgment and misunderstanding firsthand, I realized how important it is to teach children about differences from an early age. If we can introduce the idea of inclusion and acceptance when they are young, we can eliminate much of the fear that leads to judgment.
The goal of my book is not to make everyone become best friends with children like Chloe, but rather to create an environment where differences are accepted and celebrated. By normalizing diversity, we can encourage kindness and understanding in future generations.