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When her daughter Alyssa was born with Down syndrome, for Sydney mother Melissa Cotterill, the first steps as a family were the hardest. ‘When Alyssa was born, and she was diagnosed with Down syndrome, it was the fear of the unknown that scared me the most, but information and awareness are key factors to overcoming that fear.’ While still in hospital, a visit from a Down Syndrome (DS) NSW parent support worker helped ease Melissa’s fears. And it was DS NSW who encouraged Melissa to seek support from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Alyssa, 16, has a range of...

For Sydney mother Julie Louden, the “saving grace” of support she received after the birth of daughter Bridie is a gift worth sharing. Marking World Down Syndrome Day on 21 March, Julie will be there for others, like they were for her, in the days, weeks, and years following Bridie’s birth. “Bridie was 7 days old when we were abruptly told she had Trisomy 21,” Julie said of Bridie, who’s now 17. “Fortunately, I had already been put in contact with a social worker due to the traumatic nature of Bridie’s birth and got the number for Down Syndrome NSW...

Adam’s had support at all the right stages, and the continuity of support he’s received has made all the difference.