New Parents

Congratulations on the arrival of your new baby! The birth of a child is a time for celebration and the feeling of joy. Your baby may not be exactly as you have dreamed, but please let us assure you that your baby is more like other babies than unlike.

Because of specialized services and a dramatic shift in our culture, individuals with Down syndrome are more fully included in schools, the community and workforce today than ever before. Individuals with Down syndrome can and do achieve great things. Like Emma Corrigan who was reading before she entered kindergarten, or Ryan Teed who recently gave the commencement address at his high school. A college degree is now attainable by many, career pursuits are satisfied (take Patricia Moody who was the first individual with a disability to be hired as a teacher's aide in her local school district), athletic dreams are captured (Karen Gaffney swam a relay of the English Channel), and meaningful, lifelong personal relationships are fulfilled.

We realize that with the birth of your child with Down syndrome, you may have entered into a whole new world -- one that can be confusing and filled with deep feelings at first.  It is our hope that through information and support, you will be able to gain an understanding of your feelings, of your baby's special needs, and of the love your baby has to offer.

Please contact us if you would just like someone to chat with or ask questions. Send us an email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (517) 333-6655. We will have someone contact you. Many of our members are parents of children with Down syndrome and are anxious to share their insight. Please let us know if you have questions about a specific situation, and we will direct your call accordingly.

Are you still in need of more information? The CADSA Lending Library has a section devoted to New and Expecting Parents. Any of these books can be borrowed and mailed to your home. We recommend the following titles:

  • Gifts, Edited by Kathryn Lynard Soper
  • Babies with Down Syndrome, Edited by Susan J. Skallerup
  • Road Map to Holland, by Jennifer Graf Groneberg