Family Support

At DSQ, we aim to be the preferred point of contact for people with Intellectual Disability, their families, carers and the wider community. We provide support, expert advice and quality services to help people with intellectual disabilities to their potential.

Many parents worry about how having a child with Down syndrome, or another intellectual disability, will impact their family. Of course, every family is different, but personal stories and research show that most families that have a child with an intellectual disability are stable and happy, and that their siblings often have greater compassion and empathy.

If you would like to talk through your questions, or process the many emotions you may be feeling, our team would be happy to connect with you. DSQ also have trained parent volunteers called Peer Supporters, as well as Peer Leaders (adults with Down syndrome) who you can be linked with if you would like to hear more from an ‘everyday lived experience’ perspective.

We run a Facebook closed group which is open to Queensland parents or carers of children with Down syndrome. The Down Syndrome Queensland Support Group is specifically created to encourage peer support, information sharing and to empower families and to create positive expectations of our children and adults.

Resources

Looking for information for new parents? Download our New Parent Information Pack.

These resources are designed specifically for parents and families with a new baby who has been diagnosed with Down syndrome.

There are many resources that you may find helpful in the coming months, as you get to know your baby more. You can find these in the Resource Hub of our website. Simply filter for the area that interests you from the left side column (e.g. New Parent; Early Years). We look forward to connecting with you and your baby sometime soon.

Download the New Parent Information Pack

Real Stories

For an honest perspective from people living with Down syndrome and their families, read DSQ’s Real Stories. These articles explore Queensland’s Down syndrome community and shares the positive impact they are having on the people around them.