Knowledge is the single most important tool a person can have when they are dealing with any type of challenge. There are many resources available that can guide and inform regarding the topic of Down Syndrome. What is really neat about most resources is that they lead to other resources. Parents and other family members dealing with a loved one who has Down Syndrome need to gather a list of available resources locally, and on the Web. You never know what resource you will need down the road. Making a list of available resources is a good idea. A list of Down Syndrome Resources can be helpful when you need to find a source for support tools, or special schools, or just a place to go for ideas about activities or medical issues. Your list should grow as your child grows. Add to the list as the needs changes so that your list will contain the information you need, when you need it.

Here is a listing of some very valuable resources to get you started on your own list.

Websites:

http://www.ds-health.com/

This is a Website that contains information for parents and professions concerning Down Syndrome. It is authored by Len Leshin, M.D., F.A.A.P., a pediatrician and father of a son with Down Syndrome. He has written essays about children with Down Syndrome and their parents. His work is informative and inspiring. The Website contains links to:

His Down Syndrome Articles

Guest Down Syndrome Articles

Down Syndrome Monthly Abstracts

Down Syndrome Information Lists

Health Guidelines

There is also a section on controversies in Down Syndrome.

http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/

This is a Website that contains a global community of Disability Related Resources. You will find educaitonal resources about diagnoses, connecting with others, adaptive products and technology tools, recreational activities, education, worship, health issues, media and literature and a whole bunch of other stuff including a shopping mall, research information, family resources and helpful information about living with a disability.

http://www.disabilitysolutions.org/

This Website contains many sections that will inspire, inform and encourage individuals with disabilities and their family members. You wil find a Newsletter, a blog and a Internet Information Center on the site.

http://www.aim-high.org/data/

This is the Website of the Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center (DSAHRC) site. The purpose of this site is to provide "parent-to-parent and professional services and support to those with Down Syndrome and their families." There are articles, a library, a calendar of events and an online store. There is also a resource links page on the site.

Books:

Be Good to Eddie Lee by Virginia Fleming. A book for kids ages 4 - 8.

Where's Chimpy by Berniece Rabe, Kathleen Tucker, Diane Schmidt. It is written for 4 to 6 year olds.

Babies With Down Syndrome: A New Parent's Guide (The Special-Needs Collection) by Karen Stray-Gundersen.

Adults With Down Syndrome by Siegfried M. Pueschel

Count Us In: Growing Up with Down Syndrome by Jason Kingsley and Mitchell Levitz