In a Spot to Break that News? Delivering a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome to an Unaware Family
Amita S Garg
Keywords :
Alpha fetoprotein, Atrial septal defect, AV canal defects, Babies with Down Syndrome, Beta-human chorionic gonadotropin, Delivering the diagnosis of Down Syndrome, Dimeric inhibin A, Down Syndrome Education International, Down Syndrome Federation of India, Fetal echocardiography, John Langdon Down, Level 2 ultrasonography, Mongoloid, National Down Syndrome Society, Patent ductus arteriosus, Penta screen, Prenatal counseling, Trisomy 21, Unconjugated estriol, Ventricular septal defect
Citation Information :
Garg AS. In a Spot to Break that News? Delivering a Diagnosis of Down Syndrome to an Unaware Family. 2023; 2 (4):245-248.
This communication presents the views of a cardiologist mother who is raising a child with Down Syndrome/Trisomy 21. She has described her initial emotional struggles and then the subsequent journey, which has required her best efforts to support the child. In this article, she has focused on how medical professionals can make an impact by interacting with families in a positive, encouraging way, and has listed resources that may be of help. She reminds us that there is considerable variability in the outcomes of these children, and hence, not to unnecessarily begin with a negative view of the prognosis. It is important for us to not give up; society must come together, and courageous efforts can help optimize the care for these children and families.
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