Coping With Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

[Moirasue]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone reading this section of mumsnet has experience of raising children with FAS. I adopted 2 DS's 10 years ago the youngest has moderate delayed development and I am struggling with the LEA to get him the support he needs in high school. DS2 is operating at level 2 and he is in year 6. I have battled with CAHMS it took over 18 months to get some help only for the Psychologist to get DS2 to "draw his anger" and for me to tell him stories that include him as the main character. Something I have been doing for years! after 5 (that is all we were given ) sessions with this person DS2 is no better, he is still has sever anger problems. After a long battle with the school the LEA has agreed to "observe" him in class then make a decision in May as to the possibility of him being statemented. My poor DS2 has very limited social skills and is more at home with 7 year olds. How on earth is he going to survive High school if we dont get the support he really really needs? Anyone got any advice please?

I know a someone who also adopted a child with FAS, she originally fostered her.

My advice would be that the cause of the child's needs should not impact on the help he gets - so you need to get the school and any outside agencies - GP, SS, etc to help and input advice.

Good luck!

Thanks for your comments

I am becoming very frustrated with the "authorities" who initially thought his delayed development was mild but as the years progress it becomes more obvious that he is being left far behind his peers. Primary school just wants him out now there is no funding for any furthe help and high school will not provide help unless there is funding. It is a nightmare.

Still I battle on!

Might this help?? (Hoping I can cut and paste this info.... it is a session on FAS in Banbury)

FOETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER

Question & Answer session with Raja Mukherjee

FRIDAY 30 APRIL 2010 @ 11am-2.30pm

An unmissable opportunity for a small group of adoptive parents and long-term foster carers to learn from a leading expert on FASD and participate in a research project.

Venue:

Adoption UK

Linden House

55 The Green

South Bar Street

Banbury

Oxfordshire

OX16 9AB

Places: Limited to 25 people, so please contact us soon. Priority will be given to Adoption UK members.

Fee: A £5.00 charge will be made to cover the costs of lunch.

Thanks

This sounds great but Oxford is a long way from home and I have to be there for DS2 at end of school. I will contact Adoption UK to see if there are going to be another session at a venue that would be closer to me.