Changes of counseling practices at the birth of a child with Down syndrome

In our investigations of counseling practices at the birth of a child with Down syndrome, we observed significant changes during the past decades. The term Down syndrome is now more often used than in previous years, when the term mongolism was commonly employed. Today both parents are often present during the initial counseling session, and pediatricians are frequently involved in communicating the diagnosis to parents. Presently, parents are told of the child's condition earlier than in past decades, and they find the physician's counseling to be more positive and supportive. Today many more physicians advise parents to raise their child in the home, whereas previously institutionalization was commonly recommended. In spite of these positive changes, several parents expressed their dissatisfaction with the physician's approach to counseling at the birth of their child with Down syndrome. Suggestions are provided for appropriate counseling.