Fantastic Antone Grows Up: Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

[..] Here is what I needed: a compendium of articles by young adults living with FAS/E and their parents, therapists, doctors, and caregivers. The book has three stated intentions: to provide examples of people living "successful" lives with FAS/E (and explanations of what that success means); to describe "strategies that work"; and to look at FAS/E from a community or holistic point of view. As a result, it errs a bit in the direction of optimism. It does not set out to cover the horror stories and nightmares, though enough sneak in by way of truth-telling that there is no gilding the lily. This form of brain damage is very, very difficult for everyone it touches, and many people with the disorder do end up in prison, on the streets, or dead before they're 25. But some young adults DO become relatively independent (if they have public services such as sheltered workshops, therapists, group homes, and income supplementation); some get married, and if they marry mature and capable people who are able to carry more than half the weight, some succeed in parenting, and/or finding jobs that satisfy them and use their special skills. That's quite a string of IFs, and yet the book opens a window on at least a distant possibility of life beyond the time when mom takes on the labor of supporting two households. I needed the view through that window. This is a really wonderful book. There's a little sappiness in it, because when you get parents talking about kids with disabilities, a certain amount of sentiment is naturally going to flow over the top; but for the most part, it's good science, good sense, and good human feeling.

As legal guardian for for the past 7 years to a 15 year old FASD girl, this book is a valuable resource and enormously encouraging. I'm only on the 2nd chapter and already I can see a difference in attitude and action on my part and hers. A must-have for any parent, teacher or adult working with teens who are living with FASD. Gives insight from both the adult and child. Wish I'd read it 2 years ago to help prepare for these teen years. Life would have been a bit more peaceful.

Educators, caregivers and families will appreciate Fantastic Antone Grows Up, written by affected young people and their families, which provides a focus on adolescents and adults with fetal alcohol syndrome. The sequel to Fantastic Antone Succeeds reports on experiences coping with the problems of coming of age and the special challenges the syndrome presents.