Sam who cares for Jazpa who has FASD says:
“I actually got Jazpa as a newborn. Biologically he is my nephew, but I am raising him as my son. Jazpa was diagnosed in August of 2014. He was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
When I got the diagnosis, the first thing I remember hearing was “a permanent brain injury”, it could not be fixed. I remember hearing that and it’s like my whole world fell apart.
Getting the diagnosis was hard to hear but it was the best thing that could’ve happened because for years I’ve struggled to say to everybody, different professionals like something’s wrong with him. His short term memory’s not good at all, so I’m pretty much his external brain, I have to tell him what to do and when to do it.”
Occupational Therapist Fiona Anderson says:
“Well done, you went for ten seconds that time that was terrific!”
Paediatrician Dr Doug Shelton says:
“Sam brought Jazpa to see us a couple of years ago now. He was one of the first clients that we saw and Sam has really done an amazing job. Now, whether that means having to explain for the 20th time to a new teacher or a new support worker, what FASD is and how that affects Jazpa. She never tires in doing that."
Sam who cares for Jazpa who has FASD says:
“I got Jazpa started in bowling, we just went there for fun and he really liked it. It’s good for balance, coordination, for memory, for interacting with other people, for sensory for noises. It’s something for him that he can look forward to, and he can enjoy with no pressure.
We actually are finding it hard to find health professionals that deal with FASD. I’ve rang different places, you know OT’s and speech therapists but none of those deal with that or half of them haven’t even heard of it.”
Psychologist Judith Warner says:
“When you’re counting which number comes next after ten?”
Jazpa says:
“Eleven.”
Dr Doug Shelton says:
“I think there’s definitely a role for better education and training around FASD, and that’s for people who are already health professionals. We all as health professionals need to know something about FASD.”
Sam says:
“One day I hope that Jazpa will live independently. He wants to be a builder. Anything that he wants to be I will support him. Just because he’s got FASD doesn’t mean he can’t follow his dreams.”