An expectation is a belief that is based on the future which may or may not be realistic. Receiving a diagnosis and an understanding of that diagnosis can help families set realistic expectations, appropriate treatment, intervention and planning. Diagnosis is a starting point for a child with a developmental disability for his or her family. Prenatal alcohol exposure may vary greatly depending on a variety of factors, the amount of alcohol consumed and at what stage in the fetal development so each child’s abilities, life and social skills will be different so each child’s case, treatment and expectations for their future will be different.
To not be able to meet the expectations of our parents or teachers is something many of us have struggled with. I can see why a FASD student might wonder why they act like they do, why they aren’t like other kids, or why they can’t learn like other kids. Through parental support and counseling the child can come to terms with the fact that they have fetal alcohol syndrome. Learning to cope with his or her disability may be a lifelong process.
Parents of children with FASD will always need to support and or manage many aspects of their child’s life into or through adulthood to include medical, educational, and financial. Families with FASD must remain realistic as to their expectations of success for their child. Your and my expectations of success may differ but when it comes to a child any step forward should be considered progress.
No comments:
Post a Comment