Sharing (with permission) a wonderful piece about parenting a neurodivergent child and Groundhog Day by Lisa MacColl (Motherwell Magazine). While there is no mention of FASD, these are definitely similar experiences to supporting an individual with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder which is why I asked to share. Groundhog Day, February 2nd, conjures any number of … Continue reading Parenting, Groundhog Day and FASD
An interesting discussion on looking for the small positives, turned into a connection with my daughter and discovery that today is National Bubble Wrap Day.
Some of the groups I'm in have posed questions about when is it too old to believe in Santa. While the maiden has on and off mentioned she still believes over the years since she has gotten older, this year she never mentioned anything until Christmas Eve. She wrote a note, poured a glass of … Continue reading A Day Late … but Santa Arrived
At first I wasn't sure how I was going to end this series. When I wrote the original post in 2016 all the wishes were together, and this one flowed with the rest. As a stand alone it wasn't going to have much to it. In the original post I wrote that she didn't ask … Continue reading 12 Wishes for My Daughter and FASD: 2020 Edition
If my daughter had a time machine, she may choose to go back in time and be born without FASD. But if she chose that I would never have become her mum. My wish is that she could go back in time, receive a diagnosis earlier and therefore receive supports and interventions to lessen the struggles we … Continue reading Wish #11 for My Daughter and FASD: A Time Machine
During the adoption process, no one provided me with any education or training on FASD. No plan was established should I require access to services. We have been though some really trying times. Many people used to ask me, given what we have been through, would I still adopt my daughter if I could do … Continue reading FASD Wish 10/12: Know she is loved
This is the only wish for my daughter and FASD I stated in 2016 that I'm no longer certain of, because of what I have learned and how I have grown. Is it realistic (no) or even appropriate (not sure). Why? Because is it dismissive of people with FASD? Certainly that wasn’t my intent. We are all unique and contribute. My intent was the struggles disappear. Not the people.
There are many reasons why a woman may consume alcohol while pregnant. But FASD is not just a woman or alcohol issue. It is a complex societal issue with many layers. Negative attitudes and perceptions impact women, individuals with FASD and their families. My Wish #8 for FASD is to stamp out stigma, shame and blame.
Throughout the last fourteen years we have accessed a variety of professionals to address various issues. We were lucky as many had some understanding of FASD – but there were others who attempted to help my daughter or provide advice or suggestions, based on what works with neuro-typical children, with disastrous results. A study revealed … Continue reading Wish #7: Professionals Skilled in FASD Diagnosis and Interventions
In Ontario (Canada) a 2016 report Nowhere to Turn for Adults with Developmental Disabilities discovered over 14,000 adults with a development disability were on wait lists for services such as: respite, housing, job support or day programs. The wait for services, depending on the type and area is three years - 20 years! My wish is all adults with a developmental disability, including those with FASD, that require support receive the services they need when they turn 18, without delay.
