Voices of Experience

The parents of Down syndrome children on The Institutes Program give their single best piece of advice to parents of a newborn diagnosed with Down syndrome.

"We would explain exactly what the program demands - both from the child and the parents - and recommend parents begin the program and stay with it for as long as required."

"Begin the program at the child's birth because it's the only program that can solve your child's problem."

"I would recommend The Institutes program first, and then tell parents about the time and dedication needed for the program. If they can't do it, they can't. But for me it was all worth it. My child is, first of all alive, second healthy, and third her progress was unbelievable. It's a tough decision for some to make, but for me it was the only decision and I'd do it all again."

"The Institutes program is so effective that I advise all the beginning families to do it well and completely because the results are astonishing, as it was in the case of my daughter."

"Start the program as soon as possible, especially crawling and creeping. Give your child as much intellectual stimulation and opportunity as possible. Believe in your child's potential, help him, and encourage him to express himself."

"Start the stimulation program as soon as possible. We noticed that by starting it late (15 years old) the results were not as fast. The stimulation and information that the program provides about physical, intellectual, and social behavior are positive for all children."

"Find out about the program at The Institutes. Whatever you decide to do, start soon - right after birth. Treat your child as you would any other child. Never let him be isolated from the mainstream in a special class. Be patient."

"Join the program. The more you do the more you and your child will get out of it."

"Be happy to have such a child because he is a true treasure. He has a heart full of love! With that child you are going to learn more than you can ever teach him. If you decide to do the program, do it cheerfully and in a relaxed way, for the actual joy of it.

"Get an appointment at The Institutes as soon as you know that you have a Downs child to nurture. Do not listen to what the traditional professionals tell you to expect for your child's future. Be radical in your approach and do it early on. The seed you plant in the beginning stages of your child's life will bring a fruitful harvest one day for you to enjoy reaping together."