New Parents

Congratulations on your new baby!

If you're the parent of a child diagnosed with Down syndrome, you may at first feel overwhelmed by feelings of loss, guilt, and fear. Talking with other parents of kids with Ds may help you deal with the initial emotions and find ways to look toward the future. Many parents find that learning as much as they can about Ds helps alleviate some of their fears.

Please contact the USOD with ANY questions! One of our goals at the USOD is to provide one on one support to new families that have just received a diagnosis of Ds.  We can provide this in many different ways depending on what is most convenient for your family. Learn more about our Parent to Parent Network.

The following resources are intended to help new parents learn more about Down syndrome. We hope these resources will help families understand how having a child with Down syndrome can enhance the family.

Babies with Down Syndrome is a guidebook for new parents that covers all aspects of care for babies and young children with Down syndrome. It includes daily care, family life, intervention, education and legal and medical issues.

Please email:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your mailing information if you would like a complimentary copy of Babies with Down Syndrome, along with our entire new parent packet mailed to your home.

On-line Support Sites - Diagnosis Down Syndrome: This Web site’s purpose is to share with you of the life realities that a person with Down syndrome can look forward to today which includes stories and photos from parents of children with Down syndrome. Downsyn.com: a resource for those who love someone with Down syndrome.

Health Information - From the National Down Syndrome Society these are the Healthcare Guidelines and Growth Charts and new-born care from baby’s birth to one month, along with book, video & other organizations.

Click Here to watch the NDSS new parent video, A Promising Future Together: A Guide for New Parents of Children with Down Syndrome.

Click Here to watch a great video from the Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas, Down Syndrome in the 21st Century.