So, we got back from an ENTIRE day of testing at the FAS Clinic (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome). The results are affirmative: our 13 y/o daughter has full-fledged FAS. It was difficult for the doctors, because of the vague and incomplete medical, social, environmental, etc. backgrounds, also because she is now a teenager and the common facial characteristics begin to fade somewhat.
So we have this diagnosis now. We can FINALLY get the help we need, officially. But regardless, it is something we will live with for the rest of our lives. Our daughter will always face extreme challenges no matter what, all of her life. We don't know if she will ever be able to read well; it will likely be just as much of a problem for her then as it is now. We don't know if she will be able to sustain a job, or live on her own. Hopefully she will be able to do both, even though she will probably never be the outstanding doctor she has dreams of. But I certainly won't stop her from pursuing that kind of dream! Right now we are just trying to teach her how to function in life, i.e. basic life skills! Her safety is a big concern regarding jobs and independant living.
But there is hope. She is a great kid, and we just have to work with, through, and around the challenges that FAS brings into everyday living. It's on those well-known "bad days" I have to remember, "it's the FAS, it's the FAS," gently reprimand/discipline (after all she can't get off scot-free!) and move on with life. I have to control my own anger and frustrations and set a better example. I haven't been the best at that, myself. She sets me off, I admit.
Well, anyway. Just thought I'd let you all in on these new things in our lives. Lots of things around here hopefully will change, and she and us will be able to get therapy and counseling (not to mention respite!!!) and county resources and disability resources. Pray for us!
So we have this diagnosis now. We can FINALLY get the help we need, officially. But regardless, it is something we will live with for the rest of our lives. Our daughter will always face extreme challenges no matter what, all of her life. We don't know if she will ever be able to read well; it will likely be just as much of a problem for her then as it is now. We don't know if she will be able to sustain a job, or live on her own. Hopefully she will be able to do both, even though she will probably never be the outstanding doctor she has dreams of. But I certainly won't stop her from pursuing that kind of dream! Right now we are just trying to teach her how to function in life, i.e. basic life skills! Her safety is a big concern regarding jobs and independant living.
But there is hope. She is a great kid, and we just have to work with, through, and around the challenges that FAS brings into everyday living. It's on those well-known "bad days" I have to remember, "it's the FAS, it's the FAS," gently reprimand/discipline (after all she can't get off scot-free!) and move on with life. I have to control my own anger and frustrations and set a better example. I haven't been the best at that, myself. She sets me off, I admit.
Well, anyway. Just thought I'd let you all in on these new things in our lives. Lots of things around here hopefully will change, and she and us will be able to get therapy and counseling (not to mention respite!!!) and county resources and disability resources. Pray for us!
