Everything is going

to be alright

Notes

ResourcesThere are a multitude of resources available. Here is a list of some that you might find helpful:

• Down Syndrome Association of Peel www.dsap.ca

• Canadian Down Syndrome Society www.cdss.ca

• Infant and Child Development Services Peel www.icdspeel.ca

• ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development www.erinoakkids.ca

• Down Syndrome Association of Ontario www.dsao.ca

• Down Syndrome Research Foundation www.dsaf.org

What is Down Syndrome?Down Syndrome, also referred to as Trisomy 21, is a genetic condition that affects approximately 1 in 800 births in Canada. A person with Down Syndrome has 3 copies of the 21st chromosome instead of two. The effects of this extra ‘genetic material’ can include mild to moderate developmental delays, the potential for heart defects as well as issues with the stomach and bowel. There are also some distinguishing physical attributes that individuals with Down Syndrome might have including almond shaped eyes and low muscle tone. The prevalence and severity of associated attributes varies from individual to individual.

Myths about Down Syndrome• Individuals with Down Syndrome are always happy and smiling

• Only older mothers have babies with Down Syndrome

• The mother must have done something during pregnancy to cause their baby to have Down Syndrome

• Individuals with Down Syndrome are unemployable

Facts about Down Syndrome• It is the most common genetic condition affecting 1 in every 800 births in Canada

• Down Syndrome does not discriminate and can occur regardless of nationality, race, religion or socio-economic status

• People with Down Syndrome ARE PEOPLE and have the same range of emotions and feelings as anyone else

• There is absolutely nothing that a father/mother could have done either before or during pregnancy to have caused a child to have Down Syndrome, as the cell division occurs at conception.

Down Syndrome Association of Peelwww.dsap.ca | info@dsap.ca | @dsapfamily

Empowering our children to reach their full potential as

individuals with unique strengths

who bring value to their communities

Who we areDown Syndrome Association of Peel (DSAP) Is a grass roots not for profit organization dedicated to raising awareness, networking and advocating around the issues and concerns that individuals and/or their families may face. The lack of easily accessible information, the excessive strain on both time and resources, along with the emotional upheaval can be challenging. DSAP is here to provide support, networking and education.

What we doWe are one of the few Down Syndrome groups in Ontario to hold regular, monthly meetings for all our members centered around focused age groups. The meetings are designed to: • Introduce guest speakers whose area of expertise may be of particular value to our members

• Allow our members to network with other families

• Discuss issues that our members are facing and offer support and assistance

In addition, we also do home visits within the community, for new parents or for parents that need assistance with transitioning their child in school or into adulthood. We also provide 1:1 assistance when families need support advocating in school boards and will attend care conferences or IPRC’s.

We also hold numerous fun events throughout the year, including “low-sensory Movie Days”, Picnics, Gala Dinners, Christmas parties, Halloween parties etc…

Congratulations!Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful baby! If this is your first child then you’re about to experience one of life’s greatest joys and treasures. If this is not your first child, you are truly lucky to bring another precious little joy into the world.

Babies with Down Syndrome are just like other babies and require the same things from their parents, including nourishment, attention and unconditional love. Like all other children, they will grow and develop, learning everything that other children do although it might be at a different rate.

What do I do?Your first and most important job is to love and cherish your child. Every child needs the love and support of their parents, especially a child who might have extra hurdles to overcome in life. Reach out to as many resources as you can. Do your research and educate yourself on Down Syndrome. Feel free to reach out to Down Syndrome Association of Peel as we would love to meet with you and your family.

Our vision• To build a network for parents to discuss common topics

• To be a source of support for new parents

• To create awareness and educate others about Down Syndrome

• To see an increase in the ‘intervention’ type programs and support for those in need.

• To help create a future where individuals with Down Syndrome can be fully included and contribute to society at large

• To be the voice of people with Down Syndrome