Assistance for new parents

Learning that you child has DS is not an easy thing for anyone to face, and right now you might be experiencing a mix of emotions, which you can't even name. While everybody has their own way of dealing with their child's diagnosis , certain reactions are common in new parents or in parents expecting a child with special needs.

For most parents, the period after the diagnosis is filled with uncertainty and doubt. For example: you might be worried about the way your child's condition will affect his growth and if you will be capable of handling all the responsibilities of having a child with special needs. If your child will have further health conditions, you might have other fears and worries. It's normal to feel denial, anger and other stages of grief during the period of adaption with the fact that your child had DS. Even for parents that know beforehand that they are disposed to a high risk of having a child with DS or have a positive diagnosis, accepting it might be hard or at first sight, even impossible. However you must know that everything you are about to experience is normal in its stages. It is of outmost importance that you know you are not alone.

There are a lot of resources that support young parents having a child with DS. Timed intervention and the right support leads to decrease of emotion and sadness and their replacement with new positive feelings. One of the best ways to bring back encouragement and security are support groups of other parents with children with DS. Often , other parents might help you look past the diagnosis of your child by focusing on the pleasures and the joys of being a parent. They have experienced the same feelings just like you might be having now and might be an amazing source of support.

One of the best ways to meet other parents with children with DS is by becoming part of our foundation, where you might meet the parent support group. These groups might offer a great environment to share feelings and concerns as young parents and also give you a chance to learn of their experience who have been in your shoes. Learning as much as you can about DS might help you lose your insecurities and these support groups are the right place to find the right information. Apart from emotional security, parents and the psychologist of our center will recommend great sources of information about DS which will help you understand the terminology.

DSA has a community of more than 100 parents. Except periodical meetings from the support group, we offer a wide range of programs and services to individuals with DS and their families, such as Early Intervention Programs, individual counseling, social activities in order to increase awareness of the society. Membership in the support group can provide benefits for you and your family now and in the future, so we encouraged you to contact us.