Down Syndrome and Adoption as an Option

Stephanie Thompson still vividly remembers when her son Christopher, now 27yo, received a diagnosis of Down syndrome. As a young woman and a first time mother, the diagnosis came as a shock. What she wishes her younger self knew? That it would be okay. Stephanie worked for eleven years in many different roles within the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati and has deep insights into when, where and how a diagnosis of Down syndrome is given to parents and how this can be handled better. Today, Stephanie is the Director of the National Down Syndrome Network (NDSAN), whose mission is to ensure that every child born with Down syndrome has the opportunity to grow up in a loving family.

Connect

• New & Expectant parent information  
• NDSAN video for new & expectant parents
• List of local Down syndrome parent groups 
• Babies with Down Syndrome: A New Parent’s Guide

• Delivering a Down syndrome diagnosis
• Additional Resources for Medical Professionals