Morgan Fawcett on living with FASD

Summary

A young adult reflects on the impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) caused by their mother's alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Despite facing significant physical, neurological, and cognitive challenges, the individual has found success with the support of their grandparents, who help with daily functioning and decision-making. Now a 4.0 student in college, they emphasize the importance of accepting disabilities and understanding one's limitations. They also advocate for the prevention of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, stressing that no amount of alcohol is safe and urging others to consider the long-term consequences on a child's life.

Takeaways

• 😀 Acknowledging and understanding one's disabilities is crucial for self-acceptance and success, as it helps to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• 😀 Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are a result of prenatal alcohol exposure, and individuals with FASD face a variety of challenges, including cognitive, neurological, and physical disabilities.
• 😀 The stigma around FASD often leads to misunderstandings and judgment, but it's essential to recognize that affected individuals are victims, not perpetrators.
• 😀 Despite severe developmental challenges, the speaker has become a successful 4.0 student in college, thanks to support and adaptations in their learning style.
• 😀 The speaker experiences severe cognitive fatigue, with their brain reaching a point where it stops functioning after intense focus or exertion, requiring rest and support from others.
• 😀 The importance of having external support is emphasized, especially during moments when the speaker experiences cognitive overload, meltdowns, or difficulty making decisions.
• 😀 Having a support system, such as family members, is vital for survival and success, particularly in managing everyday tasks like eating and making decisions.
• 😀 The speaker advocates strongly against drinking alcohol during pregnancy, stressing that no amount of alcohol is safe, as it can cause irreversible harm to the developing child.
• 😀 The speaker's personal experience with FASD helps highlight the devastating effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, and they regularly speak out in educational and medical settings to raise awareness.
• 😀 The speaker encourages individuals to consider the long-term consequences of their actions, asking whether a moment of fun is worth the potential lifetime of struggles for another human being.
• 😀 Despite the challenges posed by FASD, the speaker has found ways to adapt, achieve success, and make a positive impact, demonstrating resilience and the importance of support and understanding.

Q & A

What challenges does the speaker face due to FASD?

The speaker faces physical and neurological disabilities, including spinal curvature, scoliosis, cleft palate, deformed hips, short-term memory issues, and cognitive delays. They also have problems with sensory integration and brain development, which affects their ability to focus, learn, and function in daily life.

How did the speaker come to understand their struggles?

The speaker initially struggled without understanding why they had difficulty thinking, learning, or focusing. Over time, they realized that their brain development was affected, which led to a deeper understanding of their challenges. Reading about FASD helped them understand their conditions and alleviated feelings of inadequacy.

What is the speaker's opinion on labels and diagnoses for children with disabilities?

The speaker believes that denial of a diagnosis is harmful. They emphasize that understanding disabilities through proper diagnosis helps individuals recognize their strengths and weaknesses, leading to better support and relief. Labels provide clarity and a foundation for seeking the right help.

How does the speaker view their mother’s role in their condition?

The speaker acknowledges that their mother drank during pregnancy, but they emphasize that their mother is not a bad person. They advocate against stigmatizing mothers of children with FASD, pointing out that the true victims are those affected by the disorder, not the mothers themselves.

What role does the speaker’s family play in their success?

The speaker credits their grandparents for providing continuous support, acting as their 'external brain.' They help the speaker navigate life by offering emotional and practical support, especially during difficult moments when the speaker cannot function independently.

What significant achievement has the speaker accomplished despite their challenges?

Despite their challenges, the speaker has become a successful 4.0 student in college, the first time in their life. This achievement was made possible through adaptive learning techniques and the ongoing support of their family.

How does the speaker cope with their limited energy and brain function?

The speaker acknowledges that they have limited energy and brain function, which causes them to need rest after intense focus. They can only work steadily for a few days before needing recovery time. This highlights the importance of pacing themselves and having support to manage their energy and tasks.

What happens when the speaker experiences a meltdown?

During a meltdown, the speaker loses the ability to make decisions, and their cognitive and physical abilities are severely impaired. They may forget to eat, struggle with basic tasks, and lose the ability to distinguish between things, such as colors. The speaker requires someone to intervene and provide basic care during these times.

What does the speaker stress about alcohol consumption during pregnancy?

The speaker stresses that no amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy and advocates for complete abstinence. They caution against doctors who might suggest it’s safe to drink and emphasize the need for societal awareness and responsibility to ensure healthy pregnancies.

How does the speaker approach discussions about alcohol consumption during pregnancy?

When discussing alcohol consumption during pregnancy, the speaker asks audiences to reflect on the consequences of their actions. They challenge individuals by asking whether it is worth potentially causing harm to another human being, like a child with FASD, for the sake of a brief moment of enjoyment.