Psalm 43:5Why are you cast down, O my soul,and why are you in turmoil within me?Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,my salvation and my God.
The past two years has been an intense season for our family. We are still learning about our big kiddos' needs and how to best help them. While I thought that another diagnosis (FASD) would not be a stumbling block for me, I have to admit that it felt like a punch to the stomach (or a really bad bout of the stomach flu) for about a week until I had time to ground myself in God's sovereignty and grab hold of His sufficiency for us, even in this new diagnosis.
My husband clearly articulated the impact of this diagnosis on his heart, "Having an FASD diagnosis doesn't change our child, but it has changed me. It helps me to see our child in a different way, to understand her behaviors, needs, challenges and abilities. It helps me to educate myself and to love our child in the way she needs to be loved."
The MOFAS website calls FASD a hidden disability because many children with FASD appear so normal, but struggle so intensely with life skills (executive functioning, emotional regulation, etc.) because of permanent brain damage. It is hard for others outside the child's personal world to see and understand this disability for what it is. I have been living the past two years intensely hoping and working exhaustingly hard to rehabilitate the hurt, neglect, and trauma from my child's past. Dorothy at Urban Servant shares a glimpse into Treating the Symptoms of FASD and what that looks like for children, families and those who see us from the outside. Please take a moment to read it and support families like ours.
2 comments:
I'm so glad you are not alone. I know it feels like you are. I wish I could support you better and say the right things and encourage you the right way.
I found your blog through Urban Servant. Your posts have really, really encouraged my heart. We have been suspecting FASD with our son for a while now and are looking into possibly getting an official diagnosis. The Lord is teaching me so much through this...It gives me hope to hear others' thoughts on this topic as I have felt very alone trying to wade through mounds of information, but am really just longing to know of other adoptive families who are living through it. I look forward to reading more from you. Blessings!
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