NATALIE: ON FAITH + BRAIN-FIRST PARENTING + ALL THINGS FASD
Hey friends! Today’s episode will statistically resonate with about 80% of you as I delve into all things FASD with my guest, Natalie Vecchione, from FASD Hope. Natalie is a homeschool mom of two and who built her family through adoption. Her son, who is almost 19, lives with an FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder). She has been an FASD podcaster for a year. In October 2020, Natalie and her husband cofounded “FASD Hope” - a podcast, website and a place for awareness, information and inspiration for those people whose lives have been touched by an FASD.
On today’s episode, we talk pursuing a FASD diagnosis, behaviors, and the effects on the body and brain. We talk about both of our ah-ha moments as we learn to see our children differently and learn to help them and accommodate them. It was just such a great conversation that I think will impact so many of you!
The intro song, The Source, is brought to you by one of the best new worship bands out there, The Evidence. Yes, the frontman is my (talented, brilliant, adorable, Jesus-loving) cousin. No, that's not why I love them.
FASD Hope is a podcast/website/resource Natalie and her husband created to share their viewpoint as parent advocates with over 18 years of lived experience.
Natalie shares that she’s not just reading, but consuming Dr. Ira Chasnoff’s new book, Guided Growth and you should definitely check it out…(she had about 100 post-it notes sticking out from marked pages.)
We also chatted quite a bit about Trying Differently Rather Than Harder by Diane Malbin and it is just such a fantastic resource that you should totally get your hands on.
Natalie recently co-authored "Blazing New Homeschool Trails: Educating and Launching Teens with Developmental Disabilities" with Cindy LaJoy and you should check it out!
Natalie talks about The FASD Respect Act, Senate Bill 2238 and House Resolution 4151 that has been introduced. This is National FASD Legislation that will help SO many children, teens and adults with FASD by providing connections, support and services and you can read all about it here.
