Welcome!!!
Whether you have just received a new diagnosis, or are ready to look for information about this new journey, we're so glad you found us! Many of us in the group are also parents to young children with Down syndrome, so all of the questions and uncertainty of that early period are still fresh in our minds. We are also fortunate to have parents in our group who have walked this road a little longer, and have successfully made it through the infant and toddler years, and are currently tackling the school years with their children! The combined experience of the members of this group, as well as their friendly and supportive attitudes, is priceless.
Whether you have just received a new diagnosis, or are ready to look for information about this new journey, we're so glad you found us! Many of us in the group are also parents to young children with Down syndrome, so all of the questions and uncertainty of that early period are still fresh in our minds. We are also fortunate to have parents in our group who have walked this road a little longer, and have successfully made it through the infant and toddler years, and are currently tackling the school years with their children! The combined experience of the members of this group, as well as their friendly and supportive attitudes, is priceless.
Since it's often overwhelming to figure out where to begin in this process, we have compiled a list of local resources and information to help get you started. We have also established a network of parents throughout the state, with the hopes of connecting new parents to others in their area, to simply have someone to talk to, or someone who can answer specific questions. If there is anything else that you may need, please let us know, and we will be happy to point you in the right direction. We look forward to meeting you!
Getting Started:
We would love to help connect you with others in your area! There are several ways you can reach us, and we will put you in touch with someone in your local area, if you wish!
MaryBeth and Kerry co-organize the group. You can reach us through:
Email: saturdayexplorers@hotmail.com
Phone: 603-818-0151 (Kerry) or 603-489-9248 (MaryBeth)
Meeting the Group:
In addition to your local contact person, we also have an amazing group of parents and children! We meet informally on the first Saturday of each month for a casual get-together or group outing. In between get-togethers, we stay in touch on Facebook through our group page. This is a good place to ask questions, brag a little bit, and get to know everyone! The group is considered "private", so if you would like to join, please submit a request, and we will approve you to join the group!
Saturday Explorers Facebook Page
Local Down Syndrome Organizations:
In addition to meeting other parents through this group, becoming connected with a local Down Syndrome organization can be helpful. The organization can introduce you to other groups and resources, answer questions you may have, and provide you with opportunities to attend workshops and conferences related to Down Syndrome.
Northern New England Down Syndrome Congress
Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress
Getting Started with Early Intervention:
One of the first questions new parents often have is how to get connected to Early Intervention (EI), or Early Supports and Services (ESS), as it is referred to in New Hampshire. If you have not already been connected to your local area agency, you can make the referral for services yourself. The link below provides information about this referral process, as well as contact information for the particular area agency that serves your town.
Making a Referral to ESS
Local Medical Specialists:
We are so fortunate to live in an area where we have many exceptional medical specialists who have specific knowledge of Down Syndrome. Oftentimes, the medical needs that accompany Down Syndrome can be a bit overwhelming, so many parents find it helpful to visit a Down Syndrome clinic or Developmental Clinic, where their child's medical care can be coordinated in one visit. The program at Children's Hospital Boston is a Down Syndrome specific clinic. The second link lists several developmental clinics located across New Hampshire. Programs such as these have been invaluable resources to parents in our group, and may be a good place to begin!
Down Syndrome Program - Children's Hospital Boston
Child Development Clinics in New Hampshire
Again, welcome to our group! We are so happy that you found us! Please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have, and we will do our best to point you in the right direction. We look forward to meeting you!
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