Positive about
Down syndrome (PADS)

We provide support, information and resources to expectant, new and preschool parents.

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Who PADS is

Positive about Down syndrome (PADS) works hard to ensure EVERY expectant and new parent of a baby with Down syndrome has access to the information and support that they deserve – the reality of what living with Down syndrome looks like in modern Britain, as well as ongoing peer support and expert advice when baby arrives.

We have welcomed over 250 babies with Down syndrome via our closed Facebook group Great Expectations and currently support over 100 women with a high chance/confirmed result of baby having Down syndrome.

Our work with medical professionals

We work with over 1,500 families of a little one with Down syndrome under the age of 3, so are very immersed in maternity and early care for our families. 

We collaborate with maternity units and universities to provide resources and training to midwives and other health professionals, with our training drawing upon the real-life recent experiences of our members together with evidence-based research. 

We are passionate about ensuring parents and professionals have access to contemporary, relevant, and accurate information as well as positive and meaningful support.

Resources for medical professionals

We believe

every expectant and new parent should receive the best possible care and support.

We believe

the arrival of every baby with Down syndrome should be celebrated.

We believe

every child with Down syndrome should be given every opportunity to flourish and thrive.

Who Positive about Down syndrome (PADS) works with...

Parents

Expectant parents with a high chance or confirmation of baby having Down syndrome. Families with babies/preschool children with Down syndrome. We are here for every parent in the UK, we don't want any parent to feel alone.
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Public

Promoting awareness and education around the reality of living with Down syndrome in modern Britain. Our children and young people are the greatest advocates and we are proud and privileged to provide them with platforms from which to shine.
See our resources

Health professionals

All health professionals involved in your child's life. We want to ensure future medical practitioners hit the ground running, so work with universities, in particular students of obstetrics and midwifery.
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Education

Educators at Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - including childminders, nurseries and preschools.
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Politicians

DSUK supports the National Down Syndrome Policy Group who provide the secretariat to the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Down Syndrome, and we are determined the voices of people with Down syndrome and their families are heard by Government.
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Policy Makers

DSUK works with relevant policy makers, often to challenge outdated attitudes and approaches and to raise expectations and standards to ensure the needs of those with Down syndrome and their families are met.
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We regularly hold online Information Sharing Sessions and training on many topics including...

Training for parents and professionals

Ad hoc and ongoing training sessions that cover the typical learning profile of a child with Down syndrome, their strengths and potential challenges as well as practical strategies to best support the child.

Early Development

Sessions to provide parents with regular access to specialist input and support, promoting the development of a range of skills for preschool children with Down syndrome.

Health

These sessions include expert advice and strategies when it comes to topics such as constipation, eye care, audiology, dysphagia, sleep apnoea and much more.

Makaton

We deliver training sessions for new parents with a Baby Makaton Signing course, as well as signing courses for grandparents, dads and nurseries.
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