Dear New Parent, 

If you are here on this page, you or a loved one most likely just had a baby who has Down syndrome. First of all, congratulations on the birth of your child!

Finding out that your baby has Down syndrome can be a very emotional and confusing time. No one expects their child to have Down syndrome. You or your loved one probably have gone the last nine months with an image of what your child is going to be like and now that’s all been changed. Keep in mind, these feelings are not unusual!

The CDSC has formed The Holland Committee, which is the new and expectant parent to parent support group. We are a group of parents who also have a child with Down syndrome. We have committee members located all over the state and they are willing to talk with you over the phone or meet with you in person at any time.

We have found that connecting such families, like yourself, with a parent of a child who has Down syndrome can greatly aid you during this time.

The goal of the Holland Committee is that all families who have a child with Down syndrome are given the opportunity to meet or speak with someone who has also found out that their child has Down syndrome after the child was born. Through our program, we can provide you with support, information, and ongoing connections.

Just know, you are not alone! There are approximately 2,000 families who have children with Down syndrome in the state of Connecticut and many are members of the Connecticut Down Syndrome Congress.

You can contact The Holland Committee at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling us toll free at 888-486-8537. Leave a message with our answering service, telling them that you just had a baby who has Down syndrome and a committee member will return your call within 24 hours (usually less).

You can read letters from other CDSC members' who also found out post natally that their child had Down syndrome. Each of our stories is unique but so similar.

Return to the Holland Committee page for parents.