I am not talking about what the acronym FASD means or even how it is caused, but going deeper into what it really means for Society. Most people see it as an alcohol and pregnancy issue - but it really goes beyond that. The Canada FASD Research Network released their 2020 FASD Awareness Month Toolkit … Continue reading What is FASD?
I've been thinking about grief and loss for awhile now. We know many caregivers for individuals with FASD experience grief and loss. We hear others say, "Oh, that's grief and loss!" - but what do we really know about it? Most of the information available on grief and loss is about death. Or in relation … Continue reading FASD: Grief and Loss for Caregivers
I recently saw the graphic below, of a sloth riding on a turtle’s back, saying “too fast”. I was going to share it on my Facebook page, with a short comment about how we may need to slow down in order to accommodate an individual with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Either in what we say, how … Continue reading FASD: Lessons in Processing Speed from the Turtle, Sloth and Snail
I’m tired. No I’m more than tired. I’m exhausted. I’m depleted. No amount of self care (bubble baths, walks, therapy, lunch with friends, reading a book, etc.) is going to “fill my cup” and bring me back to where I need to be. I’m not alone. Many people are. Those who are caring for individuals with … Continue reading What happens when no one cares for the caregiver
Note: This is the former Day 30 for the 2019 99 Days to FASDay The ‘F‐words’ in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think! P. Rosenbaum and J. W. Gorter The 21st century is witnessing a sea change in our thinking about ‘disability’. Nowhere are these developments more apparent than in the field of … Continue reading F words in Childhood Neurodisability
On March 29 two significant events in the world of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder occurred in Ontario - but neither received any Provincial acknowledgement. It was the 15th anniversary of Sandy’s Law and the launch of a Provincial FASD website. These coming at the end of a trifecta of other non-FASD announcements. March 29 marked … Continue reading Time to address the Pink Elephant
Dear Ministers: I understand what a tough job your Ministries have trying to balance priorities - however I wonder can you tell me why Autism continues to be favoured over all other developmental disabilities? Do not all people with a developmental disability deserve fairness and equality and to live their best lives? I have had … Continue reading A Letter For Our Provincial Ministers
Over half a million with FASD in Ontario wait for services and direct financial supports as the government continues to deny diagnostic services and supports for 4% of the population (ONTARIO) - The families and 537,939 people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, many not on waitlists because there are few programs and services (including an … Continue reading When Will Ontario Take Decisive Action to Help with FASD
I wish that would have been the headline recently as Health Canada unveiled an updated Food Guide. But there is reason to be optimistic. The risks of alcohol consumption were outlined. And although Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder was not mentioned, the mere fact that alcohol was, is reason enough to celebrate a small victory. Canada's … Continue reading Canada’s new Food Guide, Alcohol and FASD
What follows is part of a presentation my daughter and I made to an FASD Caregiver Group; she spoke about Life with FASD and below is my presentation on being an advocate. When I started this journey of being a mom to a child with FASD all I knew was what caused it. I knew … Continue reading FASD: What I’ve learned so far.
