Keep the following suggestions in mind when giving a diagnosis of Down syndrome:

• If at all possible, give a prenatal diagnosis in person rather than over the telephone.
• Prenatally and postnatally, tell both parents together. Otherwise, the mother will have to tell the rest of the family by herself.
• A health care professional with a relationship to the mother should give the diagnosis.
• Postnatally, there may be clear indications of Down syndrome in the last stages of delivery. It is best to wait until the mother is in the recovery room to inform.
• Bring the baby into the room when discussing the physical indications of Down syndrome.
• Do not make a positive diagnosis until a karyotype has been done.
• Both prenatally and postnatally, do not express an opinion about the parents’ situation. Ask what information they would find most helpful. Give resources: support groups, early intervention centers and literature.
• Make sure to discuss the diagnosis and field questions from the parents on more than one occasion. Parents may not be able to retain all the information in one sitting.
• Most importantly, don’t try to be predictive. It is impossible to foresee the future of any child. A broad picture should be painted which recognizes every child’s capacity to develop individually.

Two important resources to share with parents is the package of information NDSS has created for new parents and the contact information for a local parent group.

Click here to download the new parent package or call 1-800-221-4602 to order hard copies.

Click here to search for the NDSS affiliate group closest to you.