I found ALOT on the internet in just using a search engine and typeing in "fetal alcohol effect" etc.
One book that I can recommend is "Trying Differently Rather Than Harder" by Diane Malbin. You can purchase this at
http://www.fascets.org
We are starting in with two children with FASD. One child we KNOW has impairment, the other isn't old enough yet to know but we assume since he was exposed that there will be some level of impairment. I can't explain my gratefulness to have identified the tip of the iceberg while they are so young -- and to have found a source of information, encouragement and help. My attitude has changed significantly now that I know my DS isn't yanking my chain, but has a physical disability that interfers with his ability to process and act on information received. He needs reminders all the time, but I'm learning to not be irritated but just accept that this is my son and go forward.
We are learning to change our environment to enhance our son's ability to cope and we are willing to give him time, with the understanding that he may always need assistance of some sort. Oh, by the way, I've read some interesting information on FASD and the findings are that many of these children start to "catch up" in some areas in their later 20's, up to about age 30. So when I say we are willing to give our sons time, I'm thinking looong term (with the potential for life long help being needed).
It is interesting that Soulwhisper mentioned her ADHD son. ADD used to be known as "minimal brain disorder", but then changed over time to "attention deficit disorder". The interesting thing about AD/HD and FASD/ARND is that they center around brain impairment(s) of some sort. Attention is focussed on finding ways to enable the child to learn to their potential (and since we never really know what that potential could be, keep pecking away) and helping them to learn to cope with life in general.
The thing that just angers me no end is when professionals say, "Your child doesn't have dysmorphic facial features, so he CAN'T HAVE fetal alcohol problems." Oh, puhleeeeeze. We are NOT in the dark ages here folks! Brain impairment doesn't always show on the outside. Rather, brain impairment is often an invisble physcial handicap. See that "invisible" part there? This means that their legs don't drag, their face looks just like any random sample of humanity and the only visible sign we have regarding their physical handicap is their behavior.
Oops! Sorry to get on my hobby horse again.
