Dear Physician, We would like to join you in welcoming ____________________ to your care. The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) currently serves over 2,000 members in Massachusetts. We are recognized by parents, health care professionals, educators, and people with Down syndrome as the preeminent organization in MA for information, networking, and advocacy for and about Down syndrome. To support you in the care of this child, we would like to offer the following resources and suggestions: You can now easily access the “Health Care Guidelines for Individuals with Down syndrome” (listed by

categories of neonatal, infant, childhood, adolescence and adulthood) o These guidelines help identify standards of quality care for individuals with Down syndrome,

highlighting important screening tests as well as information about common medical conditions o You may print these guidelines and access additional information at www.ndss.org. Click on

“healthcare” on the left sidebar. You may access the Down syndrome growth charts at www.ndss.com. Click on “healthcare” on the left

sidebar. Consider a referral to the Down Syndrome Program at Children’s Hospital Boston for this family. The

program provides multi-specialist appointments for children, ages birth to age 18. The purpose of the Down Syndrome Program is to work with you and not to replace you. Families who participate in the Program also have unique opportunities to participate in clinical research and receive the latest resource information about Down syndrome in MA.

o www.childrenshospital.org - Go to “Clinical Services”, then “Dept of Developmental Medicine”, then “Down Syndrome Program” (or go directly to http://www.childrenshospital.org/clinicalservices/Site1869/mainpageS1869P12.html)

As you likely already know, Early Intervention has been shown to significantly help babies with Down syndrome. Thank you for helping to enroll your family as soon as possible.

Also, please keep in mind the MDSC Parents’ First Call program for new and expectant families. Parents’ First Call offers families an opportunity to speak with another parent of a child with Down syndrome and provides families with a packet of up-to-date information and two books. We offer all new families a complimentary one-year membership to MDSC (www.mdsc.org) to ensure that they receive information on programs and events throughout the year. In addition, there are over 25 support groups in MA if families are interested in a support or play group. Families may request any of these services by calling 800-664-MDSC (6372). You may also request these services on behalf of the families. We thank you for this opportunity to collaborate in support of this new family, and encourage you to contact us with any questions or concerns. Please feel free to contact Sarah Cullen, Family Support Director, at scullen@mdsc.org or by calling 800-664-MDSC (6372). Sincerely, Brian Skotko, MD, MPP Board Chair