Talking About Downs Syndrome (For New Parents) Cards

An informative discussion pack that has been thoughfully and knowledgably written by an author whose youngest daughter has Down's Syndrome. It has been purposefully designed to support new parents and their families during the early stages after diagnosis. They help work through feelings, establishing facts from myth and stereotype and also signpost to early years support available.

Intended to be used by parents to work through one question at a time individually, together as a family or to help choose important topics to discuss at a clinical appointment. Professionals can use this tool as a focus for delivering interventions for families they support or as a CPD activity to question their own thinking. They are also ideal as an activity for community groups, such as playgroups or parent support etc.

Four sections:

• Your Baby - getting to know your baby, forming a secure bond and celebrating the arrival
• Diagnosis and Health - explore emotions around diagnosis and health issues they might have and strengthening links with the child's medical team
• Support - cut through the myths and get the early years support needed.
• Life and Relationships - conversations about the inportant relationships in your life, including your partner, your children, your family and friends. This adjustment time can prompt reassessment of relationship and life priorities.

Down's Syndrome (Trisomy 21) is the most common chromosonal condition that occurs naturally in around 2 in every 1,000 births. There are more than 4 million people with Down's Syndrome around the world and around 2 babies with Down's Syndrome born daily in the UK.