Having a baby with Down syndrome can place stress on the family and marriage. It takes time to learn to cope, and there are many support services in the community to help you. A happy, stable and secure family is possible when your child has Down syndrome. Children with Down syndrome know whether they are loved or rejected by their parents. They react to love and security.
Feelings of shock
Parents react differently when told their baby has Down syndrome. The range of emotions includes:
- Shock and disbelief
- Anger and resentment
- Bitterness and hostility
- Fear and loneliness
- Helplessness.
Down syndrome is an accident of nature and there is nothing that you did before or during pregnancy to cause it. Babies with Down syndrome are born to parents of every age, social class and race.
Learning to cope
You will need the long term support of professional people. They will provide you with:
- Up-to-date and unbiased information about Down syndrome.
- Facts to help you make decisions about your child.
- Information about support services you can access, including emotional, practical, financial and moral support.
While the birth of a child with Down syndrome can be devastating at the time, parents learn to enjoy their child and develop hope for their child’s future.
Individual personalities
No two children with Down syndrome are alike. They need:
- To be recognised as a unique personality.
- To know that their parents love and need them.
- To be seen as a person first, rather than just as a person with special needs.
Children with Down syndrome contribute enormously as family members. They can grow up to be productive adults in the community.
Part of the family
Children with Down syndrome need to be treated like their brothers and sisters. This includes:
- Being sung to and played with.
- Being taken shopping.
- Visiting grandparents.
- Learning to laugh and be happy.
- Having access to education and leisure activities.
Children with Down syndrome have the same physical and emotional needs as any other child.
Importance of a supportive family
A strong home base will give your child the background to cope with anything. Children with Down syndrome need:
- Acceptance
- Socialisation
- Stimulation.
Without family support, your child with Down syndrome will find it difficult to grow up to be a thinking, independent adult.
Where to get help
- Your doctor
- Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Tel. 1300 658 873 or email info@dsav.asn.au
Things to remember
- Children with Down syndrome need to be treated like their siblings.
- A supportive family background will help your child to make their way in the world.
- Children with Down syndrome are enjoyable.
You might also be interested in:
Down syndrome - the school experience.
Down syndrome and Alzheimer's.
Down syndrome and health.
Down syndrome explained.
Want to know more?
Go to More information for support groups, related links and references.
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