Brighter Tomorrows, created specifically for parents after a Down syndrome prenatal diagnosis, promises accurate information about down syndrome. Indeed, but so much more . . . this would make the must-see list if we could only list even two or three resources.
Diagnosis Down Syndrome is an excellent resource for those who have just been given the news that they are expecting a child with Down syndrome. The site contains many family stories as well as links to important Down syndrome sites.
Down Syndrome for New Parents is an inspirational resource produced by Thomas and Michel Paul, parents to a son, Mikey, born with Down Syndrome. The site contains many essays, personal stories, as well as a message forum.
Real-life families discuss their children: problems and solutions, accomplishments and abilities, various perspectives about the many stages of parenting children with Down syndrome. Don't skip this resource!
When women from all walks of life, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and professional achievement come together to discuss the experience of loving and living with their children with Down syndrome, what do they come up with? Gifts, a book, an outreach, a movement of the heart and soul, from those well along on the path to those just beginning.
GiGi's Playhouse and GiGi's Playhouse Too, are both located in Chicago suburbs. GiGi's Playhouses are Down syndrome awareness centers. They provide a myriad of services and opportunities for infancts and children with Down syndrome and are an especially supportive resource for those who have just received the news about their baby.
Energized by a series of exciting events in Down syndrome advocacy, this group of parents hosts a boldly pro-life email group and advocacy outreach to parents and professionals.
Produced by Linda Beets, mom to Karlee, diagnosed with Mosaic Down Syndrome, this site features a message board, many articles about Mosaic Down Syndrome, as well as an extensive list of "personal stories".
A welcoming online community for families where you can create your own page to tell your story. Upside is hosted on the user-friendly Ning format, so you can easily share your links and photos, create and join regional groups. You will be amazed at how quickly this group will grow, allowing you to connect with more and more parents on the same path.
Chloe's Message - The smallest voice can make the largest impact!
Chloe has Down snydrome, and her site was started to showcase how many positive seeds she has planted in her family and community. Please check out her stories and help spread the Good News about what kids with Down syndrome bring to the world.
A 7 year-old dedicates a song to his sister who has Down syndrome.
Fast Facts about Down syndrome
Are there any other names associated with Down syndrome? Down syndrome is also known at Trisomy 21.
What causes Down syndrome? During normal conception, which defines the beginning of life for the baby, the mother and father each contribute 23 chromosomes – usually resulting in a child with 46 chromosomes. With most cases of Down syndrome, the baby gets an extra chromosome 21, which gives him/her a total of 47 chromosomes. This added genetic material causes the physical and developmental conditions associated with Down syndrome.
How often does this condition occur? Down syndrome affects approximately 1 out of every 800 pregnancies.
How many people are affected? There are over 400,000 people in the United States living with Down syndrome.
Why do they call it Down syndrome? Down syndrome was named after a British doctor, John Langdon Down, who first described the condition in 1887. However, the extra chromosome that causes the condition wasn’t identified until 1959.
What are some of the physical complications? Nearly one-half of the children with Down syndrome will have a congenital heart defect.
About half have problems with sight and hearing. These conditions are treatable, so most individuals lead healthy lives.
Does this condition affect how long a person will live? The life expectancy of people with Down syndrome has dramatically increased from 25 in 1983 to 60 today.
Can Down syndrome be detected before birth? Prenatal screening and diagnostic testing does not provide information that could be used to treat the baby before birth. It is most often used to identify unborn babies with Down syndrome and makes them targets of abortion. These tests are invasive and have a risk for the baby and other complications.
Completing the Family: Episode 8 - Facing Life Head-On Tripp and Barbara Curtis had nine children when they decided to adopt three more. Barbara says adopting three children with Down syndrome is what completed their family.
