In all likelihood you did not expect this news. None of us do – we expect that the “children of our dreams” will never have to experience significant problems.
But, before you read any further, we want to congratulate you on the birth of your child, for the welcoming of every child into this world is an important event in the life of that family. Your child’s life is to be celebrated and your baby’s birth cherished.
This website is designed to give you information about Down syndrome, to allow you to explore questions that new parents often have, and to glimpse into the lives of children and young adults with Down syndrome. This website contains the best we know about what lies ahead for children with Down syndrome and their families, about the critical importance of early intervention, about the impact of these children upon their families (which can be very positive, often in ways you may not expect!), and about the challenges that children with Down syndrome may face.
We provide links to national organizations, with local affiliates who have parents with children with Down syndrome who are there to support you and to answer your questions. They have been there too. They - more than anyone - can empathize with the emotions you are feeling now, and can help you connect to other families and supports.
We hope that this website is of value to you. It is meant to give accurate and up-to-date information about Down syndrome, based on the best research that we have. In a very real sense, you are not alone – others too have heard this unexpected news, and have taken a sense of hope for their child from what they have learned. It is from their experiences and what they wished people had told them upon the birth of their child that we have constructed this website.
You have just been told that your child has Down syndrome… |
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