New Parent Packets
If you live in the metropolitan Chicago area and are expecting or recently gave birth to a child with Down syndrome, we will provide you with a packet of information about Down syndrome free of charge. The packet includes a book about Down syndrome and other helpful resources. If you are interested in receiving a new parent packet, please contact NADS.
Parent Support
Our Parent Support Program provides parents mentors to assist and guide parents of children with Down syndrome who live in the metropolitan Chicago area. Our volunteers are all parents of children with Down syndrome. They provide new parents with:
- Emotional support and understanding
- Up-to-date information on Down syndrome
- Information on local services, such as Early Intervention programs
- Hope for what the future can hold
- Introduction to community parent groups and other resources
Support parents are also available for parents of older children and can provide support and information to help parents cope with the challenges which sometimes arise in raising a child with Down syndrome. Perhaps parents are encountering problems with a school district or dealing with medical challenges or just wanting to learn more about the resources in their area. Our volunteers can help.
If you would like to talk to a parent who has “been there,” please contact NADS and ask to speak to a Family Resource and Outreach Coordinator.
“No one can understand the range and depth of feelings that accompany the birth of a baby with Down syndrome as well as another parent who has been there. And no one can offer more trustworthy evidence of hope, healing and survival as a parent who has accomplished those things can.”
—Lou Weiss, Ph.D., Psychologist and NADS Parent Support Volunteer Trainer
Resource and Referral Program
The Family Resource and Outreach Coordinator can assist new parents with information on a wide variety of topics, such as child care, doctor referrals, or early intervention. If we don’t have the information in the office, we can assist you in researching appropriate services.
