Thank you for visiting our web site. You have either just given birth to a new baby with Down syndrome or found out through pre-natal testing that the baby you're expecting is going to have Down syndrome. Congratulations on the birth of your new baby! You are not alone. The Down Syndrome Association of Brazos Valley has been serving families of children with Down syndrome and related disabilities in Brazos County since 2003. A family support group advocating for improved outcomes for all people with Down syndrome, we are here to help answer the many questions that face you in the wake of this news. If you are searching the internet for more information about Down syndrome, please click these links for the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress. On this page you will find local information and links to other informative web sites. Having current and accurate information about Down syndrome will help you feel knowledgeable and less anxious, therefore enabling you to make informed decisions about the health and education of your new baby. Besides written information, both factual and anecdotal, it is also very important to connect with other parents whose children have similar disabilities. You have a long road ahead and will surely find that the "emotional" support of other parents will help you cope and develop the advocacy skills you will need as you embark on this new journey. Sometimes it will be exciting and invigorating, other times it will be difficult and exhausting. This may not be the future that you signed up for, but it will be an adventure that will change your life. If you have not already contacted Early Childhood Intervention, you should do that now. The number is 979-821-9478 in Bryan. This agency is responsible for administering early intervention services to children with disabilities from birth to three years old in Brazos and surrounding counties. Down syndrome is an established condition. Research shows that children with Down syndrome benefit from early intervention services. You will want to enroll your child as soon as possible to begin receiving services such as speech or oral motor therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. (Click on these therapy names to view articles that address each of these services as they are related to children with Down syndrome.) Another service offered is a Parent Infant Educator. This person can help you follow the cognitive development of your new baby. Using your baby's own toys they can show you exercise and games and they can answer your questions about developmental milestones. Services should be delivered in a child's natural environment. For most children between birth and three this would be the family home or a daycare setting and not a clinical setting. You and your family may feel overwhelmed if you have just found out that your new baby has Down syndrome. In collaboration with the Early Childhood Intervention, we have made New Parent Packets that you can receive from ECI. For further information, please feel welcome to call our office at 979-778-7010 or email us at dsabv@yahoo.com Again, congratulations on the birth of your new baby!

Brighter Tomorrows This program is designed to help answer your questions, educate you about Down syndrome and share the stories of other parents in similar situations. Please choose your starting point: If you have just received a pre-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome If you have just been told that your child has Down syndrome

About Down syndrome       Down syndrome is one of the most common causes of birth defects and developmental disabilities. It occurs approximately once in every 800 to 1000 births.   Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder usually causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It is the result of an infant's cells containing 47 rather than 46 chromosomes.   Individuals with Down syndrome can have special medical problems. The most common are heart defects, hearing loss, vision impairment, upper respiratory infections, intestinal and thyroid problems.   Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or economic status.   People with Down syndrome carry more traits of their birth family than the traits of Down syndrome.   While the age of the mother can be a factor, 80% of children with Down syndrome are born to parents under the age of 35. Individuals with Down syndrome benefit from loving homes, early interventions, special education, appropriate medical care and positive public attitudes.   People with Down syndrome hold jobs, go to school, and make positive contributions to their communities.   A person who has Down syndrome is not a "Downs kid" nor a "Down syndrome person." He or she is simply a person who has Down syndrome. When considering people with Down syndrome the focus should be first on the person, and second on the disability.