"Raising a child with Down syndrome can bring up a lot of questions — medical, financial, educational, and emotional. You don't have to figure it out alone. DSDN brings together real parents, trained mentors, and trusted resources so families can get support at every stage."
DSDN offers a collection of resources for parents raising a child with Down syndrome, from a new diagnosis through every stage of childhood. Families can find support groups, connect one-on-one with a trained parent mentor, join a free moderated app, explore health and academic resources, and get linked to a local Down syndrome organization. Both expectant parents and those further along in their journey are welcome.
Whether you are navigating a new diagnosis or looking for ongoing guidance, we’ve gathered trusted resources to support you at every stage.
Choose What You Need Right Now:
Expectant Parents
Resources to help navigate a confirmed or likely Down syndrome diagnosis and pregnancy.
Just Starting Out
Resources for parents just starting their journey raising a child with Down syndrome.
Online Support Groups
Groups designed for your family's journey, connecting you with others who share similar experiences
Find 1:1 Connection
Resources for parents just starting their journey raising a child with Down syndrome.
Connect Locally
We are happy to connect you directly with a Down syndrome organization in your local area.
Health & Medical Care
Trusted information to help you understand your child’s health, medical care, and developmental needs
Academic Resources
A curated the list of resources to help you and your child with Down syndrome prepare for the school year.
Resource Library
This is a go-to for all things related to raising a child with Down syndrome, based on feedback from parents.
Connection & Renewal
Step away from the day-to-day, recharge, and connect with a supportive community of parents.
Education & Support
Parent-focused webinars designed to help you navigate the joys and challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome.
Ways to Get Support Right Away
Connect 1:1 with a Parent Mentor
Get matched with a trained parent who understands what these early days can feel like and is there to support you.
What is a parent mentor?
A parent mentor is someone who has received the same Down syndrome diagnosis you have. Through our partnership with Eunie's Buddies, DSDN matches expectant and new parents with trained mentors who offer real, and lived experience.
Who can get matched?
The mentorship program is open to any expectant or new parent who has received a confirmed or likely Down syndrome diagnosis. Moms and dads are both welcome. The program is FREE.
How to connect?
Complete the application to request a mentor. You'll be paired one-on-one with a mentor who understands your experience — because they've lived it.
Join the DSDN App
Access online parent support groups, real conversations, and trusted resources in one place.
What is a the DSDN App?
The DSDN Rockin' Parents App is a free, ad-free, moderated community for parents of children with Down syndrome. Whether you are navigating the early days after a diagnosis, or further along, our supportive parent network ready to support you.
Who can join?
The DSDN App is for parents and legal guardians of children with Down syndrome, of all ages. We also have loss groups for bereaved parents. The app is free, private, and secure for all users.
How to connect?
You can download the app on the App Store or on Google Play. Once you've completed your profile, you'll be able to join any of our groups within the app.
Additional Resources
About Down Syndrome
A comprehensive guide from the National Down Syndrome Society.
World Down Syndrome Day Resources
A curated list of DSDN resources to help you prepare for World Down Syndrome Day (WDSD) each March.
Children with Down syndrome thrive with the right support, and early access to quality medical care makes a meaningful difference.
Raising a child with Down syndrome is rich and rewarding — and it can also come with real financial and logistical questions. Navigating appointments, therapies, and specialists can feel overwhelming. You don’t have to figure this out alone. There are programs, protections, and professionals designed specifically to help families like yours.
Not sure where to start?
Every family's journey with Down syndrome is different — and it's okay not to know which resource you need first. Join the DSDN community, tell us where you are, and we'll help you find your way.
