DannysUP.org
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First Call
This page is devoted to new parents or parents-to-be that have just been told their child has down syndrome. (1)
First of all - Congratulations on the birth or expected birth of you child! Your child is a blessing to be treasured for the remarkable gift he is. It is difficult to contemplate a gift greater than life itself.
We realize this may be a difficult time for you. There are a number of organizations that offer support and provide direction and answers. Please feel free to contact the Down Syndrome Connection of Long Island (DSCLI.org) or other local groups for that purpose. You will be able to meet parents and see the joy that exists within their families. You will find a good number of people who understand and appreciate your situation. Questions you have will be answered by folks who have walked in your shoes.
Each child born into this world is different and unique in his own way. Once you fully accept things as they are, you will begin to experience and cherish the full and unconditional love that exists between parent and child - the love you child needs and deserves. A child with Down syndrome is a special gift and I think you will find that your life will be enriched by his presence in ways you could not imagine. And, most importantly, I think you will come to learn and agree that your child will lead a good life.
In fact, your child has a bright future ahead of him. Before our son was born, we wanted to learn as much about Down syndrome as we could. To that end, we visited an adult group home for people with Down syndrome. The home was an incredibly warm environment in which to live. As we gathered around the dining room table, each of the six adults told us a few things about themselves. We will never forget the first to speak; she said, "My name is Annie and I love this house." In other words, I love my friends and I love my life. That simple statement and all that it represents provided a forecast of blue skies and sunshine. For how much more can we hope than for our children to lead happy and fulfilling lives?
The future is bright, in part, due to the efforts of DSRTF. Please see the research page of the DSRTF web site to learn about their research objectives. Also, for a summary of the latest developments in cognitive research, please see the DSRTF home page. The research currently under way may have a profound effect on
the lives of all people with Down syndrome to the degree that our hopes, dreams and expectations may be forever altered for the better.
In addition, early intervention programs, available to all, provide a strong foundation upon which to grow. These programs give youngsters the jump they need and deserve to be better able to engage in the activities of life. Please visit DSCLI.org to learn more about these programs.
Our dreams of today may become tomorrow's realities. It is entirely possible that our outlook will change significantly as cognitive abilities improve. Living independently, for example, may become more common, and perhaps even the goal for many.
The future is bright. It is as bright as you let it be.
(1) First Call is the name of a program run by the Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC.org).
