Adoption as an Option: The National Down Syndrome Adoption Network

By Stephanie Thompson · Nov 2019

The National Down Syndrome Adoption Network (NDSAN) was founded in 1982 under the umbrella of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. We provide information and support to anyone who contacts us — from someone who has seen a post about us on social media, to an adoptive family who wants to join our registry, to our most important contact: the expectant or new family who has just received a diagnosis of Down syndrome.

Over 90% of families who contact us have received a prenatal diagnosis, and 90% of those families found us through a Google search. Most of the time, the option of adoption — and sometimes the option of parenting — is not presented to an expectant family at the time of diagnosis. When a family contacts us, we begin by joining them in their grief. We listen to their story and allow them to share their feelings without judgment.

After families are given accurate, up-to-date information about Down syndrome and have had the opportunity to ask questions about what parenting a child with Down syndrome might look like, they reach a decision. Close to half of the families we counsel decide to parent their child. Over half make an adoption plan — out of love for their child, knowing there is another family who has been preparing specifically for this. The NDSAN maintains a registry of 40 approved adoptive families, most of whom have a personal connection to Down syndrome through work, volunteering, or their own families.

For genetic counselors and other medical professionals, we have created a booklet, "A Loving Choice: Adoption as an Option," specifically for use at the time of diagnosis. We are happy to mail hard copies at no cost. Our goal is for every family receiving a Down syndrome diagnosis to be given peace, comfort, support, and accurate information.