He looks like a regular boy. In many ways, he is one.
He likes gaming, reading and going to summer camp.
No one would suspect that Adrien Astill, 13, has a hidden disability. Adrien lives with partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS).
Adrien, a Grade 8 student, and his grandmother Kathy Astill agreed to speak about living with pFAS to help raise awareness about the condition.
Sept. 9 is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention and Support Day. The Astills would like others to know how to relate to someone with FASD, and to know what life with pFAS is like for Adrien.
FASD is an “umbrella term” used to describe a range of disabilities and diagnoses that come from prenatal exposure to alcohol.
While Adrien has some challenges, especially in school, he has many strengths, said Kathy, who Adrien lives with in a loving family environment where he receives positive support and role modelling.
“Adrien’s biggest advantage is reading. He struggles with short-term memory and being told what to do. If he can read it, that helps him remember,” said Kathy.
Making lists of specific tasks and chores is very helpful.
Attending a workshop on FASD helped Kathy understand her grandson better.
“We learned what’s it’s like to be in his shoes. Before we got the diagnosis, it was tough. We wondered why he didn’t remember things. We get along better now.”
Kathy would like others to understand what challenges Adrien will face as he gets older.
“It’s not just about right now. I’m here to protect him. One day, he will want to get a job and be in a relationship.”
One challenge is interacting with youth his own age.
“Adrien is great with younger kids,” said Kathy. “But these kids really do have a hard time with their own age group.”
Adrien can be easily distracted and doesn’t always understand consequences, said Kathy, who is very close with her grandson. The two often go on hikes and trips together as well as simply enjoying life at home.
“I like reading about how things work,” said Adrien, who also enjoys collecting antique glass bottles. “I like to read about physics and I like to build things, like an architect. I’m really good at reading and following instructions.”
Adrien described that he likes teaching himself about things.
“Adrien’s very good with animals and people with special needs,” noted Kathy. “He’s really good at going into new situations where he doesn’t know anyone. He’s very brave.”
Raising a grandchild with pFAS has been challenging, admits Kathy, but also rewarding.
“You have to be open-minded,” said Kathy. “It’s not right to keep it hidden because then you’re not helping the children.”
Shawna Rothwell is the Shuswap Children’s Association FASD Keyworker. Rothwell works with many families, including the Astills.
“With FASD, there are some common characteristics, but each individual is unique,” said Rothwell. “Families can be creative to find strategies for their child.”
Rothwell encourages families to use the FAS-friendly KISS Method: Keep it Specific, Step-by-Step and Strengths-based. Other positive “S” words like Self-Esteem can be added to the list.
This Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m Rothwell will have an FASD awareness and information table set up at the Ross Street Plaza. According to a Health Canada website, about 300,000 Canadians live with FASD.