Born To Be Different

This script contains details of organisations providing support for parents and families expecting or caring for a child with a disability or serious health condition.

When a child, or expected baby, is diagnosed with a disability parents can experience feelings of disbelief, anger, despair and isolation. The following organisations help by providing practical and emotional support and in-depth information to anyone who cares for a child with a disability or special need:

Whatever medical condition your child has, Contact a Family can provide support, advice and information and can also put families in touch with each other. Call their freephone helpline on 0808 808 3555 or textphone for people with hearing difficulties 0808 808 3556 (Mondays to Fridays, 10am-4pm). The Contact a Family website features a directory of specific conditions and rare disorders at www.cafamily.org.uk, there's also a website enabling secure linking between parents of disabled children in the UK and internationally at www.makingcontact.org.

The Birth Defects Foundation (BDF) offers comfort, support and information to anyone concerned about or affected by birth conditions. Their confidential 'Here to Help' service is managed by a team of BDF nurses who have extensive experience of a wide range of birth defects. Contact them on 08700 70 70 20 (Mondays to Fridays 9.30am-5pm), or visit their website at www.bdfnewlife.co.uk.

The organisation Antenatal Results and Choices (ARC) provides non-directive support and information to parents throughout the antenatal testing process and when an abnormality is diagnosed in their unborn baby. They offer continued support to parents whatever decision is made. Call their helpline on 0207 631 0285 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-5pm), or e-mail them at info@arc-uk.org or visit their website at www.arc-uk.org.

The Channel 4 series Born to be Different featured children with specific disabilities – and the following organisations and support groups can provide advice and help:

The Down's Syndrome Association provides information and support for people with Down's syndrome, their families and carers, as well as being a resource for interested professionals. They can be contacted on 0845 230 0372 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-5pm, to speak to an advisor Mondays to Fridays 10am-4pm). Their website is at www.downs-syndrome.org.uk.

The Arthrogryposis Group (TAG) is a support group for people, or families with children who have the condition Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita. TAG offers contact, support and information. For further information visit their website at www.tagonline.org.uk or call 01299 825 781 (Mondays to Thursdays 9.30am-2.30pm).

If your child has a rare chromosome disorder you may find it helpful to get in touch with Unique – The Rare Chromosome Disorder Support Group. Unique is a source of information and mutual support for families of children with any rare chromosome disorders. Contact Unique on 01883 330766 (Mondays to Fridays 9.30am-3pm). An answer phone is available at other times. You can also visit their website at www.rarechromo.org.

The Tuberous Sclerosis Association (TSA) offers lifeline support for those affected by TS, their families and carers. Call 0115 923 4301 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-6pm, answerphone at other times) or visit their website at www.tuberous-sclerosis.org.

The Restricted Growth Association can provide information and support to help lessen the fear and distress of families when a child with achondroplasia or restricted growth is diagnosed. They can be contacted on 01308 898 445 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-5pm) or by e-mail office@restrictedgrowth.co.uk or you can visit their website at www.restrictedgrowth.co.uk.

For more information about the programmes and further support go to our health website.

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