When I was a post-adoption support social worker, I got tired of watching kids fall through the cracks, and seeing families give up. I learned about the many, significant challenges that come with having an FASD and spent more than a year training to share a more effective approach with families. In the process, I came to learn that I too am on the spectrum. All of a sudden my own quirks and challenges made sense!
My passion then shifted a bit to include the millions of adults, who like me, spent their youth being blamed, shamed, and punished for things traditional approaches were not helpful for and of which they could not control. Awareness of the role of prenatal alcohol exposure on one’s life changes nothing and everything, all at the same time. It brings understanding and liberation from shame.
Real Talk
As a group, before and following diagnosis, most of us spent our youth being marginalized and misunderstood. I needed to address this feeling. My book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with People Diagnosed as Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders was the first fruits of my new focus in life. My podcast, Living with FASD: Candid Conversations with Patti Kasper, was the next. Living with FASD podcast is for those on the spectrum, their loved ones, and for anyone else wanting to learn more about FASD. Some of my weekly guests are individuals who are living on the spectrum. Some are professionals in the field, either researchers or providers in various fields. All my content is casual and authentic; editing is minimal and usually non-existent. By creating these two avenues for candid conversations, I feel like I’m making a difference and can share these discussions with the community. For individuals and their families that experienced negative feelings, I hope to give a space to be and grow, to feel heard.
Patricia Kasper
Self-Advocate, Author, Podcast Host, Coach
Learn More:
website: patriciakasper.com
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