Delivering the Diagnosis

Recognizing the challenges healthcare providers face when delivering the diagnoses of Down syndrome, the MDSC can provide critical support. As a first step, we recommend the following resources:
                                                                                            Photo by Kendra Dew Phographic Inc.

• Please reference the “best practices” for health care professionals delivering a prenatal or postnatal diagnosis from the American Journal of Medical Genetics.
• The Brighter Tomorrows website includes an interactive tutorial that guides health care professionals in delivering a diagnosis of Down syndrome. You may also want to direct new and expectant parents to this website to for information.
• The MDSC Parent's First Call Program provides accurate, up-to-date information, and gives parents an opportunity to speak with a trained parent mentor. Our resources and connections are free and confidential. If you are a healthcare provider, you can connect a new or expectant family to the Parents’ First Call Program in one of the following ways:
  • Release Form (English) and Release Form (Spanish) for new families
  • Call 800-664-MDSC (6372) any time
  • E-mail MSDC Family Support Director at scullen@mdsc.org

You can also find information for new and expectant parents on our Information for Expectant Parents and Information for New Parents pages.