One of the keys to helping someone with FASD is to meet them “where they are” not where society thinks they should be. I’ve had discussions with countless people who offer well-meaning but ill-informed advice, such as, “When I was 18, I was in college, had a job, was living on my own, or in … Continue reading FASD Acceptance and Understanding (Wish 3/12)
I gave the crone (my mother) a small bouquet of tulips on her birthday. One morning while having coffee with her she said how much she really liked the one that was "different" from the rest. She thought it was the most beautiful and special of the bunch. She said it reminded her of the … Continue reading Different is Beautiful
An article I read stated that Hank Ketcham, the creator of Dennis the Menace, modelled the cartoon character after his own son, who had Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or FASD (original piece I wrote here). What about Anne of Green Gables? Did she have FASD? I recently discovered an article, Leave Anne alone? published in Maclean's magazine (June … Continue reading First Dennis, now Anne!
Once again this year my 17 years in age daughter is asking to go out for Halloween. I struggle between letting her do what she is excited about and still interested in and the "you are too old" that I was told when I entered high school. But I was a neuro-typical teen. At 14 … Continue reading Acceptance for All this Hallows’ Eve
Today is another scorcher, with humidity, here in Eastern Ontario. The kilometre walked was early this morning. Not too many people outside. Then it was a quick water of the garden. The plants are wilting in this heat. The weather and being in the garden gave me so many metaphors to the experience of living with someone … Continue reading Day 6: Kilometre 6 (all over the map and brain) in Red Shoes Rock. Stop FASD.
Another kilometre walked to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Today I wanted to share information about a campaign to Stamp Out Stigma of birth mothers of children with FASD. This stigma also extends to adoptive/foster parents, caregivers, and those with FASD. In the efforts of all involved in talking about the prevention of … Continue reading Day 3: Kilometre 3: (Stamp Out Stigma) 9 kms in 9 days for Red Shoes Rock. Stop FASD.
The maiden will be sixteen in five weeks. In eight weeks it will be our eighth anniversary as a family. She also wants a tattoo. So, I told her she would have a decision to make: birthday party or tattoo. I can't afford both. She chose the tattoo. Big relief for me! While some parents … Continue reading Birthday party or tattoo? Celebrating sweet sixteen and eight years.
I think I have mentioned school attendance before but if not, I will now. For the last five years getting my daughter to school is a struggle almost every day. I'm not sure the exact number of days in a school year - let me estimate 160 - (10 mos. x 20 days - 40 … Continue reading Another school day. Another sick day.
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