Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Here is a picture of a super cool boy with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome- (taken at the Bountiful Utah Temple where he was sealed to us for Eternity!)

Here is a picture of a super cool boy with FAS enjoying Ice Cream with his super cool new cousin-


As we have started therapy for our new little guy (we shall call him Little Linebacker or Little L.B) we have learned SO Much about little L.B's past, like the fact that he has Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Little L.B has the Best therapist in the world. He comes to our house and just watches the things L.B does. He talks to him and plays with him and the other kids. He really watches the break downs and issues that arise on a day to day basis in our home and then the therapist counsels us on how to handle it and how to help L.B. We shall call the Therapist "Mighty Man" because that's what L.B calls him.

Some of the issues related to FAS that we see and/or deal with are:

- Distinctive facial features, an exceptionally thin upper lip, a smooth skin surface between the nose and upper lip
- Delayed development
- Learning disorders
- Abnormal behavior, such as a short attention span, hyperactivity, poor impulse control, extreme nervousness and anxiety... it goes on and on.

Here's a website that offers more information about FAS and here is an article from the New York Times. There is no cure, only prevention and education.

It blows my mind that a mother would put her child at risk for this. L.B will have to deal with this for the Rest of his life. He already gets treated differently due to others ignorance and his own lack of comprehension. The State turned a blind eye to the issue, never giving him treatment or even getting it checked out when they had suspicions. His Facial Features alone are a big sign, add that to the fact that he couldn't hold a placement in the foster care system (we were his 3rd home in 5 months) because of behavior issues... It has all worked out well for us though. Despite all of the hard things, we are So Grateful things worked out this way and he came into our life!

He is a sweet boy, he just lights up whenever you play with him and cuddle with him. Needless to say... We Love Our Little Man!