Stigma. Not a pleasant word. Oxford Dictionary defines stigma as “a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality or person.” Synonyms include shame, disgrace, dishonor,… Read more “Stigma. Mental Health. And You.”
Category: FASD
I Am Rudolph Too
We all know the 1939 song. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. All of the other reindeer used to laugh and call him names. They never let poor Rudolph… Read more “I Am Rudolph Too”
This Trauma Dad Turns 60: My Bucket List
Two years into my adoption journey, I turned 40. I had energy – no task seemed too vast. I had courage to face Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and… Read more “This Trauma Dad Turns 60: My Bucket List”
I’m Thankful Your Trauma Isn’t Mine
I’m Thankful Your Trauma Isn’t Mine No, I’m not being selfish. I’m simply being real. Early childhood trauma and its devastating effects truly suck. That’s right, they… Read more “I’m Thankful Your Trauma Isn’t Mine”
The Kitchen Stove: A Place for Family Connection
Don’t look too closely. Most everything in my home has not stood the test of time. That’s because children with early trauma or FASD have big emotions… Read more “The Kitchen Stove: A Place for Family Connection”
Don’t Call Me A Helicopter Parent
We’ve all seen them. Parents who refuse to let their kids fail – and then overstep boundaries with the adults in charge. Maybe a little. Too often… Read more “Don’t Call Me A Helicopter Parent”
The Day My Son Michael Taught 500 Students about Respect
I can’t do it. After 50+ high school and college presentations with my sons Andrew and Michael – without incident, I immediately knew something was wrong. … Read more “The Day My Son Michael Taught 500 Students about Respect”
23 Years After the Fetal Alcohol Diagnosis
A public health crisis off the radar. 1973. A group of pediatricians and psychiatrists at the University of Washington Medical School publish their findings in a British… Read more “23 Years After the Fetal Alcohol Diagnosis”
The Prison Pipeline Begins with Trauma – My Son Included
You open your heart and adopt children. Because they’ve experienced more trauma in a few short years than most people in a lifetime. You offer a stable… Read more “The Prison Pipeline Begins with Trauma – My Son Included”
Trauma in the Real World
Everyone loves a good story. Ones that are personal. Authentic. They open our hearts. They allow us to break down walls. And they can change our perspective… Read more “Trauma in the Real World”