DSGSemi.org | Parents

New & Expectant Parents

CONGRATULATIONS!

The birth of a new baby is, and should be, a time for celebration and the feeling of joy. Your baby may not be as you have dreamed, but please let us assure you that your baby is more like other babies than unlike.

Because of specialized services and a dramatic shift in our culture, individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are more fully included in schools, the community and workforce today than ever before. Individuals with DS can and do achieve great things. Like Emma Corrigan who was reading before she entered kindergarten, or Ryan Teed who recently gave the commencement address at his high school. A college degree is now attainable by many, career pursuits are satisfied (take Patricia Moody who was the first individual with a disability to be hired as a teacher's aide in her local school district), athletic dreams are captured (Karen Gaffney swam a relay of the English Channel), and meaningful, life-long personal relationships are fulfilled.

We realize that with the birth of your child with Down syndrome, you may have entered into a whole new world -- one that can be confusing and filled with deep feelings at first. It is our hope that through information and support, you will be able to gain an understanding of your feelings, of your baby's special needs, and of the love your baby has to offer.

Our organization has a Parent Visitation Committee, which consists of trained parent volunteers, each of whom has a child with Down syndrome. We are here to talk at any time, whether it is in the hospital, at your own home, or on the phone. Each volunteer is more than willing to answer questions and offer support. These parents understand your feelings and can answer some of your questions better than anyone else because they have been where you are. If you are interested in talking to another parent, please call the DSG at 248-646-0819. Leave a message and someone will get back to you shortly.

Download the New Parent Letter & Resource List

Are you still in need of more information? The DSG Lending Library has a section devoted to New and Expecting Parents. Any of these books can be borrowed and mailed to your home. We recommend the following titles:

Gifts
Edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper

Babies with Down Syndrome
Edited by Susan J. Skallerup

Road Map to Holland
by Jennifer Graf Groneberg

Please contact us at 248-646-0819 or email info@dsgsemi.org

Helpful Links

Video
Courtesy of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati.

Brighter Tomorrows
The purpose of this Website is to provide families with balanced and accurate information about receiving a diagnosis of Down syndrome either during their pregnancy or at birth.

Light At the End of the Tunnel Brochure
NDSC and the Down Syndrome Association of Orange County.

Mile High Down Syndrome - Virtual Visits™
Virtual Visits™ is a unique way to provide information and support to family members and professionals from the comfort and privacy of their own computers. Virtual Visits™ allows website visitors to stream videos of parents, siblings, grandparents and self-advocates answering questions and sharing their own experiences.

Know the Myths and Truths About Down Syndrome