First Call-New Parent Bags

Welcome to a large and caring community! This can be an especially anxious time, and the first thing to understand is that you are not alone. DSASC is made up primarily of parents of children with Down syndrome, so we are in a unique position to understand and meet your needs for information and support. As you begin the process of learning more about Down syndrome, we ask you to be mindful of the following:

• Make sure that any material you read on the topic of Down syndrome has a recent publication date. Much of the information that is available becomes outdated quickly.

• Know that the outlook for children with Down syndrome has improved tremendously in recent years due to advancements in the quality of medical care and educational support in our schools for individuals with Down syndrome.

• Like every child, all children with Down syndrome are unique, with their own strengths and challenges. You can’t predict exactly what your child will be like, and you can’t base their needs or abilities on your observations of others.

First Call is designed for parents who have just received a Down syndrome diagnosis. We strive to provide you with up-to-date information about Down syndrome and connect you with resources to support you, including a parent mentor if you wish. The opportunity to speak with other parents who have experienced what you are experiencing can be invaluable. We have a bag of goodies and resources for new and expectant parents as well. If you would like to speak to a parent mentor, please email lori.schmieder@dsasc.org