ServicesServices
It is important to be aware of the services available to you and your child below is an overview of the relevant services.
Maternity Hospital
The first point of contact that you might have after the Consultant/ Doctor's and Nurse's in the hospital is with a Social Worker. They provide a wide ranging and valuable service. They are usually the people who provide you with the Information about services in your locality, entitlements and offer you the "information Pack" on Down Syndrome. They are there to support you with regard to any questions that you may have. They can arrange another meeting with the Consultant should you wish this.
With your informed consent they can also refer you and your new baby to an Early Intervention service in your area. If this referral is made, you can expect to be contacted by the service that you require and they will then make arrangements to meet with you.
Should you wish to contact an Early Intervention Service at a later stage and you have no contact details, ask your Public Health Nurse or contact Down Syndrome Ireland - and they will give you the information your require.
Once you are home you can expect contact from your Public Health Nurse (HSE) .
It is normal for all birth notifications to go to the Public Health Nurse allocated to the area in which you live. They will visit you at home and look after you and your baby. They are also the person who will apply on your behalf should you wish to avail of the home help service.
The area medical officer (HSE) will check the baby's development at regular intervals.
Family Doctor
Amongst other things, your family doctor will provide all the immunisations as well as all general medical help should your child be unwell.
Physiotherapist:
A physiotherapist can help someone with Down syndrome to improve their range of movement. A child with Down syndrome will often have physiotherapy from a young age. For example, babies with Down syndrome may have poor muscle tone, so a physiotherapist can help them learn to roll over, sit up or walk.
Speech therapist:
Children with Down syndrome may have problems learning to speak, so a speech therapist can help them to learn how to communicate more effectively.
Occupational therapist:
An occupational therapist can provide people with practical support in the area of learning important social skills. As they grow up they will also be there to support them to develop skills that will help them live more independently.
Dietician:
A dietician will work with you and your family to devise a diet plan that is tailored to your child's needs in order to ensure that they are getting a healthy, nutritious, and well-balanced diet and prevent any unnecessary weight problems as they grow up.
GP:
Your GP will help you to deal with any more general health problems, and some of the day-to-day management of Down syndrome.
Audiologist:
An audiologist will be able to monitor your child's hearing function and ability so that any problems can be detected as soon as possible.
Ophthalmologist and orthoptists:
An ophthalmologist is someone who specialises in treating eye conditions. An orthoptist often works with an ophthalmologist to treat eye conditions that involve problems with the movement, or focusing ability, of the eyes, such as squints (strabismus) or ‘lazy eye' (amblyopia).
Paediatrician:
A paediatrician is a doctor who specialises in the treatment of children. They often help coordinate all the different types of treatment that your child has.
Nurse Specialist (Down syndrome):
A nurse specialist is a nurse manager who specialises in working in the area of Down syndrome. The nurse specialist works as part of a team in the hospital and community who will work directly with you, your family and the health professionals.
Cardiologist:
People with Down syndrome also have an increased risk of developing heart problems. Therefore, the health of their heart should be regularly checked. A cardiologist is someone who specialises in heart conditions.
Counsellor:
Counselling is a process that involves the development of a unique, confidential helping relationship. The counsellor and client work together to gain a greater understanding of feelings, behaviours, relationships with others, situations, choices and decisions. Counselling helps people address and resolve issues which are causing difficulty in their lives. This may involve, learning new skills to cope better with problems, gaining greater understanding of what is occurring, or being supported while recovering from some significant life event.
Down syndrome Ireland
Contact DSI for any additional information that you may require. Include phone number and website details.
Children's Hospitals
In the first few years you may have appointments for your child with either some or all of the following: the Cardiologist. Paedtriatrian, Audiologist, Liaison Nurse, Geneticist, Physiotherapist, Psychologist, (see Chart for medical guidelines schedule)
Service Providers
These are the organisations which specialise in the area of Early Intervention amongst providing other services. Please see the contact list for the organisation nearest to you.