[Kate]

My name is Kate, I have three daughters, the youngest of whom has Down syndrome. And associated global developmental delay. And severe learning difficulties. She also had congenital dense bi-lateral cataracts, but she had surgery for those, so now merely has a few visual issues. And it seems she will be referred back to orthotics with a view to having some more splints. There's always something! She's 6, and goes to special school, which is working extremely well.
I would love to make some new friends. It can be lonely!
I'm 46, married, and live in the Cotswolds. 

[Julie]

Hello Kate

Welcome to the forum!  I have 2 sons, the youngest one has Asperger's Syndrome which is on the Autistic Spectrum.  This is a great site for getting together with other families in a similar situation.  Looking forward to 'talking' to you in the future!

Best Wishes
Julie

[Speeds]

Hi Kate and welcome.

It can be lonely sometimes so this forum is great.

Are there any other mums at school you can get to know better?

[paula]

Hi Kate!

Thanks for joining our forum - hope you make some new friends here as they are a great bunch of people. Know what you mean about it  being lonely sometimes. Both of ours get Special School transport which means that you never really get to meet the other parents. Also, I often feel most alone when in a large group of people who understandably have no clue about what you are going through sometimes. How many times do I hear "Oh yes, we went through that stage too". Yeh, right. But yours lasted for a week, not five years so far!
Aagh!

Look forward to hearing more from you soon.

Paula 

[Kate]

Thanks for your lovely replies, ladies!
I do know a couple of mums, but as my daughter has transport to school, there isn't that much opportunity to socialise. I have to admit that I'm a bit older than most of the other mums, too!
I do go to the Parent Partnership things at school, when I can face it (I've never been much of a 'group' person). I got really put off when another mother said she thought Down's was the 'result of inbreeding'. I know I should go back and keep referring to my 'brother/husband' but I don't think she'd get it!!!
Holidays from today! Yay!