FASD

[Fakinit03]

Following from my previous post, is anyone able to share their experiences of FASD? Were you aware of particular risk of FASD before placement? What age did you start to become aware of issues, what challenges are you facing now? If you have other children how has this impacted them?
Thank you all in advance

It is one of the factors for us - DD has a degree of difficulty with regulating feelings and attention. First mum did drink during pregnancy to an unknown extent, but also DD had numerous placements in early years.

It only became apparent when school became more 'sit down and focus' rather than active and play based. Became seen as more likely ARND as her trauma based reactions gradually decreased. It is impossible in practice to allocate it to alcohol or trauma.

She is now in a supportive school (mainstream) and the 'behavioural problems' have disappeared along with the right support - largely the teachers recognising that she responds to encouragement and punishment just ramps up her anxiety.

Every reason to believe she will grow into a healthy, functioning and independent adult. At the moment a stroppy teen, but no more than most. Still plenty of fun, affection and easy-going time together.

Hi OP

What do you want to know? I can’t see a previous thread

Sorry - it should say - what is your situation? Our son probably has FASD but currently in year 1 and he is coping. I agree with @Allington that I imagine it will become more apparent as your child moves up in the school. DS definitely had difficulty focussing - but not sure if it is FASD or just “him” and he will grow out of it.

DS was just 1 at placement and already had a diagnosis of FAS. I was pretty clued up about it, had done lots of research etc and was to some extent drawn to his profile because of it. Now 6, DS has significant and complex additional needs - but they are very much hidden. To an outsider meeting him they might assume he is a neurotypical child and can then be surprised by the extreme reactions to transitions/change etc which can result in violent meltdowns. He is not currently in school due to a lack of appropriate SEN provision for his needs, so I am constantly embroiled in battles with the LA over that, and endless phonecalls/meetings/assessments to try and access the therapy and support that he needs. He presents with a lots of traits that overlap with ASD, and in particular is very demand avoidant - this seems to be quite common with FASD, so it's worth looking at the PDA society for more info on that.

That said, he is my son, and I adore him. He brings so much joy to my life and I will move mountains to get him what he needs. He is extremely talkative, adores stories, and is very sociable and friendly. He is very affectionate and we have lovely snuggles every morning when he wakes and climbs into my bed. Everyone who meets him comments on what a delight he is and I am exceedingly proud of him.

FASD FAS is an umbrella term children effected can have moderate too sever effects of complexed needs, all require early interventions and require therapeutic parenting parenting no child is effected the same is akin too a brain injury , brain is very plastic and would be surprised at level of improvement that can be achieved. see good Interventions on this site or google has interventions on for Aquired brain injury also www.do2learnfasd.org also www.childrensnbraininjurytrust.org.uk

forgot to say have four children One FULL FAS one FASD and Two with Aquired brain injury, all are different doing well , love them too bits. Two now Adults own family , house car and such one has Full FAS. Not been easy but had lots of fun. , and we have wonderful Grand children

Hi OP,
Our son has fasd. If you want to pm me I can fill you in a bit more?