Your child doesn’t look like they have FASD ….

So far, we haven’t run into any major problems with people in the school system having an issue getting FASD and the accommodations needed that are spelled out in the IEP. Until recently. But that’s another story …..

Here’s a link to a post on confessionsofanadoptiveparent.com by Mike Berry,  Your child doesn’t look like they have FASD. This post summarizes many things we have experienced, or will likely experience in the future.

The issue of invisible disabilities goes far beyond FASD, or the autism spectrum, or many other acronyms.

 

How can you tell if it the FASD or just normal kid stuff?

We’ve been having a few ongoing challenges with defiance and impulse control.

To be frankly honest, it is exhausting.

When an expectation is plainly outlined, and completely disregarded, it is not good.

It is one thing dealing with defiance in a younger child. As they get closer to adulthood, not following the rules results in much more serious consequences.

We have only been working with a formal diagnosis for about a year. Having a diagnosis opens the door, but it is still a daunting task figuring how to access the supports needed and available.

Community resources are an important support.

Exhaustion

There are some days, even weeks, that feel like they suck the life out of you.

Thus week has had a few of those. Some of the behaviours and defiance are just enough to make me wish I could crawl under a rock.

I was talking to another parent who has adopted a couple of kids with FASD. I commended her for making it. She said the teen years can be tough, especially with hormones and all of the fun that’s on with that.

There has been so much going on that I just feel wrung out.

In the past couple of months , I came across a new to me blog, Confessions of an adoptive parent, blogged by Mike and Kristin Berry.

They have been wiring for a while. They have adopted some kids with special needs, including FASD.

They have just launched a podcast called Honestly Speakimg, which can be found on their website. It can also be found on iTunes.

They also offer a free resource, “The Weary Parent’s Guide to Escaping Exhaustion”, for subscribing to their email.

I have found several posts to be right where I’m living at the moment.

FASD Awareness Day – September 9

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD, is a complex, often invisible disability, caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

September 9 is a day set aside to increase awareness.