New Parents and Expectant Parents

Dear Parents,

Congratulations on the birth or expected birth of your baby! We at the Down Syndrome Association of Houston want to wish you the very best and the courage to look ahead.

Most parents in our organization remember vividly how and when they first learned that their baby had Down syndrome. The first days, weeks, and months can be filled with so many emotions and so many questions about what to expect from your baby. Some answers to your questions may be found in this packet. We certainly don't have all the answers, but meeting and talking with other parents who have children with Down Syndrome can be a valuable source of information and comfort. This is a primary goal of our New Parent Support Network, and as your baby develops, we hope that this early support helps you over some of the hurdles in the next few months.

Longer term, we want you to know that expectations for children with Down syndrome have risen dramatically over the past three decades. Improved medical care and educational innovations, increased parental involvement and advocacy have made the outlook much brighter. Enjoy your baby and don't be afraid to look up, down, and all around.

Things Keep Looking Up!

Sherri Clegg
New Parent Chairperson