down's syndrome facilities...?

Question

i need help finding some facilities to help with Down's Syndrome in Texas.
my child was just born with down's syndrome, so this is serious.

Answer 1

Hi...first I'd like to say congratulations on the birth of your baby! Smom has given you a lot of information that will be very beneficial to your child.
I know you are probably scared and overwhelmed right now, but please take it from Smom and myself having a child with DS is not the end of the world as you know it, you have been given the most precious of gifts.
yes, you will be going down a different road in life than most parents, but I have to tell you it is a remarkable and fun road to be on! the best advice I could ever give you would be to "be an advocate for your child" that means learn everything you can about DS and the rights that your child has.....never assume anything, you know what is best for your child so you need to stick to your guns and get the best in care for them whether it is therapies or health care or even SSI disabilities.
I also wanted to add that there is a group here on yahoo called families with down syndrome kids that is really great! there are parents on there at different stages in the child's life that offer advise if asked and sometimes a way to vent out emotions, they are a great bunch of people and are very knowledgeable...I would highly recommend it.

Answer 2

contact your local school board. they will have programs already in place and can help you take care of your child. some of my best friends and favorite people have Down's syndrome. they are sweet, loving people that make my life better for having known them. I have also taught a number of them and am amazed at what they can learn to do, even when some said they never would. the more you work with them, the more they can do.

Answer 3

First of all, conratulations on the birth of your child. A diagnosis of Down syndrome is scary at first, but as the mom to a 2 1/2 year old boy with Down syndrome, I can tell you that the love and benefits far outweigh any of the problems. You were blessed with a very special child and your child will do just fine!!

Your child is entitled to therapy and assistance by federal law. He/she shoudl be enrolled immediately in a birth-to-three program and start receiving things like physical, occupational, and speech/feeding therapy. Check with your state's counsel for Developmental Disabilities http://www.txddc.state.tx.us/

Also, contact the local or state chapter of ARC (Association for Retarded Citizens) http://www.thearcoftexas.org/ They should be able to point you in the right direction and tell you who your local provider is, along with offering support to you as a new parent of a child with Down syndrome.

I also invite you to go to http://www.downsyn.com/ and check out the forum there. There are many parents of children with Down syndrome who are happy to answer questions and tell your their experiences and also to share in the joy of your child and all of his/her accomplishments.

Personally, we found it very helpful to start using baby signs with our son at 9 months old to help with communication. It allowed him to use sign language to tell us things until he was able to say the words. You might want to look into that as well...you can get easy books and flashcards at any large bookstore.

I know it all seems to scary and strange right now, but I can assure you that this child will show you a love like no other...and he/she will be far more "normal" (I hate using that word) than perhaps you expect.

Other resources you might want to look into later down the road are the National Down Syndrome Society http://www.ndss.org/ and the National Down syndrome Congress http://www.ndsccenter.org/

Good luck!!!