looking for FAS experience

[luvsviola]

Originally Posted by Ontariomama He is my child and I wouldn't change him. But I'm glad I didn't know how hard it would be, because I'd have run screaming! lol

I think this is REALLY important. DS has many issues, and if I knew when I got that call what I know now, I would have said NO WAY!!!! But I am so glad I didn't.

You learn. You adapt. You find what works for you. You get together a great medical team and pick their brains. You connect with other moms who have gone down this path before you and get ideas. You find a really great therapist. You have the child evaluated for EI as soon a he/she is placed in your home because the earlier you start therapy, the better the end result.

While I never would have imagined the life I have now, I wouldn't change it for the WORLD!!!

[momofdestructobaby]

My friend adopted siblings with FAS. Neither showed any facial features. As PPs have mentioned if can be a huge spectrum.

In my friend's case, her DS (who is 1 year older than his sister) is extremely delayed. At 13 he functions around what you'd expect from a 3 year old. He has no understanding of consequences and steals (especially food) all the time. He is very easily manipulated by older kids and will do things he knows are wrong to get them to like him. Things with the DS are really escalating right now and they are looking to get some respite care for him. He will require life long care.

Her DD on the other hand seems relatively unaffected by her exposure. She is smart and a gifted artist, articulate, and very pretty. She does have some issues with controlling food, but that may not be related to her FAS. She will likely live a normal life.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[megs715]

I have a son who is now 18 (adopted at age 9) with FAE/FAS. The UW Med clinic with Dr Bledsoe and Dr Davies is amazing. We've been seeing them for 10 ish years now, and I can't say enough how wonderful they have been.

[Kinrice01]

Thank you for the stories to consider. Please keep them coming. We are still awaiting medicals..