Our First Call Outreach Program is designed for parents who have just received a Down syndrome diagnosis. We strive to provide you with up-to-date information about Down syndrome and connect you with resources to support you, including a parent mentor if you wish. The opportunity to speak with other parents who have experienced what you are experiencing can be invaluable. If you would like to speak to a parent mentor, please call 206-257-7191.

First Call also supplies local hospitals, birthing centers, obstetricians, and genetic counselors with our New Parent Packets. These packets contain accurate information about Down syndrome, and national and local resources. Our hope is that our packets will show parents that there is a caring, welcoming and supportive community waiting for them. While we do our best to get our packets to all medical providers, on occasion someone gets missed.  If you received a diagnosis but did not receive one of our New Parent Packets please call 206-257-7191 or email newparent@dscpugetsound.org.

As you begin the process of learning more about Down syndrome, we ask you to be mindful of the following:

• Make sure that any material you read on the topic of Down syndrome has a recent publication date. Much of the information that is available becomes outdated quickly.

• Know that the outlook for children with Down syndrome has improved tremendously in recent years due to advancements in the quality of medical care and educational support in our schools for individuals with Down syndrome.

• Like every child, all children with Down syndrome are unique, with their own strengths and challenges. You can’t predict exactly what your child will be like, and you can’t base their needs or abilities on your observations of others.

Recommended Online Resources

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network https://www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org

National Down Syndrome Congress https://www.ndsccenter.org/ New and Expectant Parent Resources

National Down Syndrome Society https://www.ndss.org

The Lettercase National Center for Prenatal and Postnatal Resources https://www.lettercase.org/resources/other-resources/

Explore our website for many helpful local and national resources.

Recommended Books

Diagnosis to Delivery: A Pregnant Mother’s Guide to Down Syndrome http://downsyndromepregnancy.org

Down Syndrome Parenting 101 by Natalie Hale

Gifts: Mothers Reflect on How Children with Down Syndrome Enrich Their Lives, edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper

Become a Sponsor

Sponsoring a New Parent Packet is easy, and can really make a difference to a family. $20 covers the costs of materials, printing and distribution of each packet, and ensures a positive message reaches the new parents of a child with Down syndrome. Sponsor a packet by making a donation and indicating in the comment section that you wish to support our New Parent Packet Program. Thank you!