Family Resource Associates, Inc.
Family Support & Resources
Down Syndrome Resources
Down Syndrome Support
The Down Syndrome Parent Support Group, for parents with a child of any age with Down syndrome, meets four times per year in host family homes throughout Monmouth County. Each meeting has information, support and socializing and a guest speaker. Topics include: medical issues, social relationships, behavior, long-term goals, inclusion, housing, conference reviews, and much more. This group is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society.
The Meeting of the Moms provides parents with the opportunity to discuss issues of importance to families with young children, such as coping with the diagnosis of Down syndrome, and dealing with family members, friends and the community. Questions regarding medical concerns and developmental milestones are answered as well. Parents share ideas, parenting successes and community resources that have been helpful. The group meets monthly at 7:30 - 9:00 PM at FRA. Information, support and play time for the kids are part of each meeting. Call to RSVP by noon of the scheduled day. If we have less than 3 people planning to attend, the meeting may be canceled.
See Our Calendar for Dates.
One-to-one peer support can be arranged individually by the staff. Speaking with another parent who is coping with similar circumstances developmentally or medically with their child can be a source of emotional support.
Information Packets and Books -- FRA and Dr. Denise Aloisio, a developmental pediatrician at Jersey Shore Medical Center, have collaborated on an information packet on Down syndrome for new families with a child with this diagnosis. The packet contains resources, medical and developmental information and articles about coping with Down syndrome. The following books are also available at FRA:
- Babies with Down Syndrome -- A New Parents' Guide, ed. Karen Stray-Gundersen
- Early Communication Skills for Children with Down Syndrome -- A Guide for Parents and Professionals, by Libby Kumin, PhD, CCC-SLP
- Gross Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome -- A Guide for Parents and Professionals, by Patricia C. Winders, PT
The information packet and books are FREE to eligible families in the greater Monmouth County, NJ area, depending on availability. Please call Sue L. at FRA (732-747-5310) to inquire.
Library Resources -- FRA maintains a book lending library with several books related to medical, developmental and educational issues in children with Down syndrome. Books can be borrowed for three week periods by individuals in the local area. You may stop by the office to borrow books in the library.
- Down Syndrome Nutrition Handbook, by Joan Medlin
- Early Communication Skills in Children with Down Syndrome, by Libby Kumin
- From the Heart -- Incredible Edible Gluten-Free Food
- Medical and Surgical Care in Children with Down Syndrome
- Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome
- For the Love of Matthew: Growing Up with Down Syndrome by Janet Credit Houska
- Babies with Down Syndrome (in English and Spanish)
- Fine Motor Skills in Children with Down Syndrome
