Discovering that one’s baby has Down syndrome isn’t easy. Families and caregivers are met with countless questions, uncertainties and often feel alienated. At this overwhelming time, knowing that others have had the same experience can be a source of relief.
Family Support Group sessions on various themes are conducted frequently. An expert is invited in each session to discuss various issues pertaining to education, healthcare, development, and emotional well-being. Additionally, Mindful Art and Creative Expression Sessions, biannual Feedback Sessions, Parental Guidance Sessions are also offered to families. Each session brings together parents and caregivers to facilitate their better understanding of Down syndrome and associated conditions, enhance coping skills, and empower them to become advocates for their child. The sessions function as a forum where parents and caregivers can discuss new information, share ideas, navigate the challenges of raising a child with Down syndrome together, and offer emotional support to each other to develop a sense a belonging.
Humrahi is a program that aims to connect new families of individuals with Down syndrome who enroll at KDSP to another experienced family within the KDSP’s Family Network in order to receive emotional and informational support. Each new family enrolled at KDSP is matched with a Humrahi who then takes the responsibility of virtually guiding the family, in addition to the guidance continually provided by KDSP.
In an attempt to do more for the parents within our Family Network, KDSP launched weekly yoga sessions, exclusively for mothers of children with Down syndrome. A certified Yoga teacher leads these sessions, where many mothers partake not only to relieve their worries, but to make an active effort to adopt a healthy lifestyle for themselves.