New & Expectant Parents

Grandparents

Congratulations on the birth of your grandchild!

We know it can be challenging at the beginning to cope with the fears of what Down syndrome might mean for your family. Finding out your grandchild has Down syndrome can result in a double-dose of worry: concern for your grandchild and also concern for your own child. Many other grandparents have experienced those fears, too, but as they have gotten to know their grandchildren, most have come to accept and love them and to find joy in watching them develop their own unique talents. We hope you will find encouragement from the positive experiences of other grandparents, and we welcome you to get involved with DSACK!

You are always welcome to contact our office. We are available to answer questions, support, educate, and celebrate with you and your family. Just contact DSACK at dsack.org@gmail.com or 859-494-7809.

DSACK’s “A Grandparent’s Guide to Navigating Life with a Grandchild with Down Syndrome” can be found here.

Grandparents, friends, and family can read more about how they can offer positive support in the booklet, “Your Loved One Is Having a Baby with Down Syndrome, here!

Reflections from parents and grandparents about their experiences and how grandparents have shown their love and support for both their child and grandchild can be found here.

download here

Sibling

DSACK’s “Sibling’s Guide to Navigating Life with a brother/sister with Down Syndrome” can be found here (PDF)

In any family, each sibling is unique, important, and special. So are the relationships they have with each other. Brothers and sisters influence each other and play important roles in each other’s lives. Sibling relationships make up a child’s first social network and are the basis for his or her interactions with people outside the family. See more here: https://www.parentcenterhub.org/siblings/

“Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother’s Guide to Down Syndrome” has a chapter “Preparing Your Other Children.” You can download this book for free or purchase a hard copy at http://downsyndromepregnancy.org/book/diagnosis-to-delivery/

Additional resources about sibling perspectives on having a brother or sister with Down syndrome can be found here: http://downsyndromepregnancy.org/sibling-perspectives-on-down-syndrome/

Tips

Do you have a family member or friend who has just received a diagnosis of Down syndrome for their child? You may not be aware that what you say and do, at this critical time, even when meant with the best intentions, could be hurtful. Here are a few "Dos" and "Don'ts" that parents of children with Down syndrome suggest:
https://www.somethingextra.org/siteDSAMT/assets/File/NewParentPgFamilyTips.pdf

People First Language

What is Person/People First Language? How do I refer to someone who has Down syndrome?

People First Language was developed to respectfully speak about people with disabilities. The number one focus of PFL is putting the person before his/her disability because the disability is only a small part of the whole person. PFL highlights a person’s strengths, abilities, and potential to succeed instead of labeling the individual or confining the person to an established stereotype.

Remember: concentrate on the person, not the disability! We say “a person with Down syndrome” – not a Down’s person.

To ensure inclusion, freedom, and respect for all, it's time to embrace People First Language