The diagnosis is here – and now what? You don't have to sort everything out at once. Here are the most important steps for the first weeks and months.
- ✓ Inform your pediatrician and get referrals to the SPZ
- ✓ Apply for early intervention (Frühförderung) – the legal entitlement exists from birth
- ✓ Apply for a disability ID card (Schwerbehindertenausweis/SBA) – GdB 100 with Down syndrome
- ✓ Apply for a care level (Pflegegrad) with your health insurance
- ✓ Connect with other DS families – e.g. at DownKids Ulm
The Social Pediatric Center (SPZ) at the University Hospital Ulm is your central point of contact for medical support. Here, pediatricians, therapists, and psychologists work closely together.
SPZ – Neuropediatrics Section
University Hospital Ulm
Frauensteige 10, 89075 Ulm
Phone: 0731 / 500-57010
Email: anmeldung.spz@uniklinik-ulm.de
Access: Referral from pediatrician required
Tip: Ask the SPZ right away about DS-specific health screenings – there are special check-up plans for children with Down syndrome.
Children with Down syndrome have a legal entitlement to early intervention (Frühförderung) from birth (§ 46 SGB IX). The costs are covered by integration assistance (Eingliederungshilfe) – it is free for you.
What does early intervention include?
- ✓ Physiotherapy – for motor skills and muscle development
- ✓ Speech therapy – for language and swallowing
- ✓ Occupational therapy – for fine motor skills and daily living
- ✓ Special education support – for cognitive and social development
Early Intervention Center Lebenshilfe Donau-Iller
Eberhard-Finckh-Str. 30, 89075 Ulm
Phone: 0731 / 922 68-0
With Down syndrome, GdB 100 is typically recognized, along with the markers H (helpless), B (companion), and G (mobility impaired).
What the disability ID card gives you
- ✓ Disability tax allowance: 7,400 € tax exemption at GdB 100
- ✓ Free companion on public transport (marker B)
- ✓ Parking privileges
Where to apply?
Landratsamt Alb-Donau-Kreis (Versorgungsamt)
Schillerstr. 30, 89077 Ulm
You can submit the application informally or download the form directly from the district office (Landratsamt). Include a copy of the medical diagnosis – this speeds up the process.
Most children with Down syndrome receive care level (Pflegegrad) 3 or higher. The application goes to the care insurance fund (= your health insurance).
Care allowance per month
| Care level | Care allowance |
|---|---|
| Care level 2 | 347 € / month |
| Care level 3 | 599 € / month |
| Care level 4 | 800 € / month |
| Care level 5 | 990 € / month |
Tip: Get advice before the assessment – e.g. from the Care Support Center Ulm (free of charge!) or from the EUTB at Lebenshilfe. Good preparation can make the difference of a whole care level.
More about all financial support can be found on our page Financial Support .