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
According to Merriam-Webster: Definition of self-regulation the act or condition or an instance of regulating oneself or itself: such as; Self Regulation: the bringing of oneself or itself into a state of order, method, or uniformity emotional self-regulation. We know individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder often struggle with self-regulation, which can lead to many … Continue reading Self Regulation in FASD and me
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
Here is a very creative way to not only learn about emotions/coping skills/self regulation, but help identify how and when to use them. A fellow mama and FASD advocate, creator of Team Love - a group for connecting families living with FASD - made this resource after being told about a bus metaphor for emotions. … Continue reading Who is driving your bus?
It seems for those of us in the world of FASD it’s one step forward and five steps back. Just when we are making progress, and word is getting it out that consuming alcohol while pregnant is not advised, someone questions the evidence and gains an audience to keep the debate raging on. The first … Continue reading A Tale of Two Books for Moms To Be
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.
What does success for our children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder look like? Most often it looks like nothing to those who do not know the struggles and challenges we face and that sometimes what seems like no big deal to others, is a huge deal in our world. The maiden turns 20 tomorrow. We’ve … Continue reading What is FASD Success?
The maiden went to visit her birth mother for a week. This was the longest visit. Up until now most visits have been a weekend, but she said she wanted to go for a week, so that is what she did. I didn’t realize I would still feel so emotional about it. The night before … Continue reading A Tale of Two Moms
That is the dilemma in my head lately after reading a post from someone about why we should not share our children’s struggles in this age of social media without their permission. I understand the premise, however can a young child, especially one with a developmental disability, offer consent? Another post I read awhile back … Continue reading FASD Life: To Share or Not to Share
Although since my last personal post, One is a lonely number, things are still in a state of uncertainty in my life, (no luck yet on the job front, my last paycheque was not entered into the system, still waiting for Record of Employment so I can collect Employment Insurance until I find a job, and … Continue reading Finding Calm in the Chaos of Life
