Hello, I am writing to convey my support for Bill HB2314 and request your co-sponsorship of this important bill. 

This legislation would provide funding for an outreach-education-advocacy center for FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).  This potential funding personally affects my family and many others I know.

In 1999, we adopted a 10 month old boy from a Russian orphanage.  Armed with videos of a little boy and medical information, we felt secure believing that we were adopting a generally healthy child who was meant to be our new son.  Fast forward to today, Nathan is 10 years old, has received multiple diagnoses related to his symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, poor or no judgment, poor memory, difficulty understanding time concepts, unable many times to retain information, lack of eye contact, immature social skills and more. 

Parenting a FASD child can be incredibly frustrating with few people who truly understand how complicated it is to teach a child judgment and decision-making skills which are inherent to "normal" children.  It goes far beyond average parenting issues to requiring a unique understanding and ability to educate children at a level for which few parents are prepared.  For many parents, it is simply too much to bear.  The road has been long with many tearful, sleepless nights questioning our adoption decision and what kind of life this would mean for our other son (also Russian adopted), our marriage and our future.

We have met some horrible doctors - from one who said there was absolutely nothing wrong with our son to another who diagnosed 5 different disorders with a grim prognosis and yet another who said if Nathan were her son, she would beat him. Our goal is for Nathan to lead an independent life and avoid the criminal pitfalls that many of the FASD kids fall into due to their ongoing social issues.

If you saw Nathan, you would think he is completely normal. I've attached a picture so you can see the face of FASD.  It is only after spending some time with him and seeing the way he interacts and socializes that you begin to notice a clear difference.  Other children quickly pick up on his differences and cast him aside.  Nathan does not get invited to birthday parties or playdates.  He does not have a best friend.

So what does the future hold?  Resources are minimal.  Awareness and education are lacking.  The attached document is something that I provide to any adult working with my son so that they have some level of understanding of his struggle. For most of them, they have never dealt with a child with FASD diagnosis - because it is often not diagnosed correctly.   

And, we are not alone.  While adoptive parents may seek out resources - they find there is not much help.  Additionally, personal funds to afford any services found (therapies, medications, etc) can prove excessive - especially for those who have already spent over $30,000 to adopt the child.  This doesn't even introduce those mothers who unknowingly caused FASD for their children and are trying to raise a child under the cloud of guilt for something they caused while potentially coping with their own alcohol addictions.  Likely, these children are the most at risk.  The statistics regarding FASD prevalence in incarcerated individuals is staggering. 

You have the ability to make a difference for these children and families.  Please consider co-sponsoring this important legislation. 

Respectfully,