Craig Thomas signs books and shares insights on raising a child with Jacobsen Syndrome
Category: Arts & Culture
BAY RIDGE — On May 7, 2026, Craig Thomas, co-creator of the beloved sitcom How I Met Your Mother, hosted a book signing at The BookMark Shoppe, where he introduced his debut novel, That’s Not How it Happened. The event attracted fans and supporters eager to hear about his new literary venture, which touches on the poignant topic of parenting a child with a disability.
Thomas’s novel presents a heartfelt exploration of family dynamics through the eyes of four characters: Paige and Rob, their son Emmett, and their neurotypical daughter Darcy. The story is inspired by Thomas’s own experiences as a father to his son Elliot, who was diagnosed with Jacobsen Syndrome, a rare congenital chromosomal disorder that affects physical features and cognitive function.
“This book blends my sense of humor with real-world issues,” Thomas said during the signing. “It’s about the challenges and triumphs of raising a child with a disability, and how it affects not just the child but the entire family.”
Elliot, who was born weighing just three pounds and underwent heart surgery at two weeks old, has significantly influenced Thomas’s perspective on parenthood. The challenges of balancing a Hollywood career with the demands of parenting a child with special needs provided rich material for his writing. “Living in two different realities was tough,” he admitted, referring to the constant juggling of his professional commitments and family responsibilities.
Craig Thomas and his wife have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about Jacobsen Syndrome, which is characterized by various health issues, including heart defects and bleeding disorders. Their advocacy began shortly after Elliot's diagnosis when they met Dr. Paul Grossfeld, a leading expert in the field, who helped them navigate the intricacies of the condition.
“After meeting Dr. Grossfeld, I realized we had to do something,” Thomas explained. He utilized his platform from How I Met Your Mother to raise funds for research, organizing events with cast members at iconic locations from the show. “This is part of our life’s mission now. You just have to wrap your arms around that mission and do what you can,” he noted.
The community surrounding disabilities has also played a key role in Thomas’s life. Elliot attended the Ideal School in Manhattan, an inclusive institution founded by parents of children with Down Syndrome, which integrates neurodivergent and neurotypical students. Thomas shared how the support from this community has been invaluable.
“There is a shared language and shared paths between parents of children with disabilities,” he remarked. “There’s often a desire to make meaning out of it and create a community.” This sentiment resonated deeply with those in attendance at the signing, many of whom are also involved in advocacy for various disabilities.
In addition to his writing, Thomas is a musician and performs with his band, The Solids. He frequently invites celebrities to join him in fundraising efforts for Jacobsen Syndrome research. His next performance will be at The Bowery Ballroom in Manhattan on June 20, where he aims to continue raising awareness and funds for this important cause.
At the book signing, attendees included parents and advocates who share similar experiences. Camille Fortunato and Stefano Filippazzo, parents of children with Williams Syndrome, expressed their gratitude for Thomas’s efforts. Fortunato, who has founded a grant for research into Williams Syndrome, told him, “Your book is so necessary. I thank you for using your platform for kids like ours.”
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere was filled with camaraderie and shared experiences, highlighting the importance of community support in the face of challenges. Thomas’s narrative entertains and educates and inspires others to engage in advocacy.
Craig Thomas continues to use his platform to bring attention to the realities of parenting a child with a disability, blending humor with serious themes in his writing. His debut novel, That’s Not How it Happened, serves as both a personal account and a call to action for greater awareness and support for families affected by disabilities. As he stated, “You just have to wrap your arms around that mission and do what you can.”