CENTRAL NJ DOWN SYNDROME
PARENT ADVOCACY GROUP

Supporting Families, Promoting Awareness

CENTRAL NJ
DOWN SYNDROME
PARENT ADVOCACY GROUP

Supporting Families, Promoting Awareness

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.

This additional genetic material alters the course of development and causes the characteristics associated with Down syndrome.

About Us

Founded in 2000, the Central NJ DS PAG is a non-profit organization whose goal is to enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome, provide information and support to families and professionals and to promote awareness and acceptance of individuals with Down syndrome in our communities.

We are a proud NDSS Affiliate Organization.
Join us as we look forward to the future together!

Join US

To be added to our mailing list or to receive information regarding meetings and events, please email us at:

New or Expecting Parents

Congratulations!

If you have recently learned that your baby has Down syndrome, you probably have questions, concerns and fears right about now. Learning that your baby has Down syndrome can be overwhelming and you may be experiencing a roller coaster of emotions. As fellow parents, we know that love and joy are often mixed with pain, fear, grief, uncertainty, disbelief and even guilt. What you are feeling is natural – most of us have experienced those same confusing emotions. And while there may be challenges in raising your new baby, there will also be many, many joys. We feel certain that you soon will find feelings of strength, joy and over-whelming love.

Our best advice for now is this: ENJOY YOUR NEW BABY! Your baby needs hugs and kisses, the sound of your voice and that same unconditional love that all babies need. You are proud parents of a newborn!

Please take extra care of yourself these first few weeks. Rest, let yourself laugh, cry and enjoy your new baby. Your baby is very special and we are here to celebrate with you.

Resources

Prenatal Diagnosis

Down Syndrome Diagnosis Network

www.dsdiagnosisnetwork.org

Down Syndrome Pregnancy

 

Helpful Resources

National Down Syndrome Society

NJ Early Intervention Services

Brighter Tomorrows

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
PerformCare – New Jersey
Trisomy 21 Program
New Jersey Coalition for Inclusive Education

 

ALSO OF INTEREST

Special Olympics NJ

GiGi’s Playhouse – Hillsborough

Arc of New Jersey

https://www.arcnj.org/

Lending Library

Please contact us for information about our ever-expanding Lending Library