New diagnosis

If you have a prenatal diagnosis

Down Syndrome Victoria would like to ensure that parents who receive a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome make an ‘informed choice’ and that means having access to up-to-date, accurate information about Down syndrome, and about the experiences of living with a son, daughter or sibling with Down syndrome. We hope that the following links are helpful.

Brighter Tomorrow’s Website – This website is not designed to give you the answer, but to give you information about Down syndrome, to allow you to explore frequently asked questions prospective parents often have, and to give you a glimpse into the lives of children and young adults with Down syndrome.

Understanding Down syndrome a brief introduction that might be useful to pass on to family and friends.

Continuing Pregnancy with a Diagnosis of Down's Syndrome: a guide for parents  - published by the DSA UK, 2006. A booklet for those who have had a pre-natal diagnosis of Down syndrome and are continuing pregnancy. With personal stories from parents as well as information about the condition.

Light at the End of the Tunnel - a booklet written for parents with a prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome, can be downloaded from the NDS website (It is a 4 Mb file and takes some time to download).

For Expectant Parents – a booklet written by DSA Queensland for parents expecting a baby with Down syndrome.

New & Expectant Parent Video - an excellent video made for new and expectant parents by the DSA Greater Cincinnati.

Genetic Counselling - Further information may be available from a genetic counsellor. 

• On the Phone: you might like obtain 'non directive' advice from the on call Genetic Counsellor at Genetic Health Services Victoria Ph: 8341 6201.
• In person: for an appointment with a Genetic Counsellor you will need to ask your Doctor for a referral.

Centre for Genetics Education lists Clinical Genetics Services services across every State in Australia, and a Fact Sheet on the genetics of Down syndrome.

The Long Road Home - a parent guide to the genetics of Down syndrome.

A Decision Aid – Testing in pregnancy for foetal abnormalities – a booklet produced by Murdoch Children’s Research Institute to assist women in early pregnancy to make decisions regarding testing.

For further information when you have a prenatal diagnosis, please feel free to contact the Family Support Coordinator at Down Syndrome Victoria on 1300 658 873.