SERVICE     
   I did my service learning and enjoyed every minute of it, unfortunately I
didn't get to put in all the hours, I had 2 hours left to do and because my parents took my car for another family member. I had no way of getting to my scheduled appointments after thanksgiving break (the car being taken away was last minute, or I promise I would have planned better). The experience was amazing. I felt like the individuals came to know and understand their strengths through this program. They were learning so much about social skills. They were kind to each other and even to every new stranger that came into the building (at least from what I saw). I also realized that amongst their growth in many situations there is a lot of work that comes with helping them be on a schedule and being taken care of. though difficult and challenging it may seem at times, it is possible and  beneficial to those individuals in the end, because even through those experiences not only do you learn but they learn as well.




High Wider Deeper

Do these students ever fall through the cracks due to the fact that may not be as severe?

Children do fall through the cracks- Joey a young man I know was put into a military academy because his family didn't want to handle or deal with any of the side effects from his FAS. As this boy grew, he suffered emotionally, and scholastically. Inside he felt broken like he couldn't be fixed and it wasnt worth it. So he dropped out of the military academy and joined the job corps, so he could feel somewhat accomplished by his own doing. Do they fall through the cracks? Absolutely! There was a point in this young mans life a teacher should have intervened, pushed for an iep,  done something to affect his education in a more positive way instead of hand him off to the next family, next teacher, next school district. 

Now maybe not all situations are this way, but this was this young mans experience and so ther are those who slip beyond our grasp because if only we had a tighter hold they would have been better off.

 

What types of programs or help is available to them through out life?

This website is super helpful when it comes to ways to help them through life: http://www.psychiatry.emory.edu/PROGRAMS/GADrug/Edfas.htm 

 

Is it a common thing to just drug the child to calm many of the side effects?

I know in my sisters case, my parents prefer (as i asked them) to not rely on a worldly substance to numb a child's life experience. However i still do not know if it is a common thing.

what other programs are set to replace the us of medication?

Surgery repairs some of the physical problems and a special school program can be developed to assist with mental and physical development. It is important that early intervention be provided to the child with FAS.

Another great resource for info on FAS: 

http://www.specialchild.com/archives/dz-011.html