Gwendolyn sees a confidential school report listing her weaknesses. She knows she struggles. Now she has proof. She develops a list of fifty-four things to get under control. Because to go to horse camp, she must behave. And so begins the story of 11-year-old Gwen, who thinks she has only one friend, a half-brother, who her mother doesn't acknowledge, and a brain that cracks. They thought she had ADHD. If you read this book, you may think like me, it might be just be FASD.
Friendships and social relationships can be difficult to navigate for anyone, but for many individuals with FASD there are layers of complexity added to it. That doesn't mean they won't have friends. Sometimes we have to change our expectations of friendships and look for creative ways we can support our child, teen or adult. I … Continue reading Friendships and FASD
In 2016 I wrote a blog post called 12 Wishes for FASD and My Daughter. It was a combination of things I wanted in terms of FASD awareness and things I wanted for my daughter. I did update it in 2017 - 12 Wishes A Year Later - but have not been back to look at it through the lens of another 3 years. Over the next 12 days I will update for the 2020 edition. Today we look at friendships.
The maiden's life has been a series of good-byes and losses. The loss of her birth family when she was brought into care. The loss of her foster family and friends when she was adopted and moved away. The loss of pets, people and friendships throughout her short life. All have impacted who she is, … Continue reading Loneliness and loss: a lifetime of good-byes
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.
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