Family Blog

Andrew Carnegie once said “Team work is the ability to work together toward a common vision. The ability to direct individual accomplishments toward organizational objectives. It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.” I consider myself one of the “common” people. I’m not known for doing great things and that’s okay. [...]

In January I had the opportunity to attend The Legal Aspects of FASD, sponsored in part by MOFAS. Judge Anthony Wartnik, a legal expert for FASDexperts.com, was the presenter. The conference was quite informative and of particular interest for myself, having been through the legal system a number of different times with our daughter and [...]

I recently had the privilege of reading an article published in the Journal of the Center for Families, Children and the Courts. The thorough, real life explanation of the daily challenges of FASD for the victim, the professionals, the family, the courts and the community was incredible. Seldom, if ever, have I read such a well researched piece that [...]

Has your child with an FASD ever been diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or been in an ASD program in school? Mine has! When Alex was four they gave him a diagnosis of PDD- NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified).  PDD-NOS is under the Autism Spectrum umbrella. It didn’t feel right to [...]

Here is another list of the differences between what we may expect a typical child would do and the second half of each phrase lists the reality of what to expect living with our affected children. Child is able to pour liquid into cup without spilling; Child spills everything, everywhere, almost all the time. Child [...]

Ever thought, “I’m only one person, what difference can one little voice make?” When it comes to changing our system, every little voice makes a difference. I used to think that speaking up couldn’t possibly change anything, until I tried it. Guess what? People listened and things began to change. Respite funding was designated in [...]

I’m sure all parents have a vision of what life will be like when they dream of having children. You know, the perfect child. We envision Norman Rockwell moments of sharing our life with that little cherub and how wonderful things will be. That’s the fantasy, then there is the reality. Raising children with Special [...]

So, cognitive function of the brain starts to deteriorate at age 45. That’s the new research. Memory, reasoning, and comprehension skills are all affected. Well, I’m over 45 but I think my brain started deteriorating when I added children into my life. I mean if you have just yourself to keep track of, how hard [...]