At a glance
FASD has affected my life in many ways. I was born 6 weeks early and weighed 3 pounds, 11 ounces. As a child, I never knew what it was, but it was hard for me to make friends. I found myself feeling afraid of others.
Frances's story
"School was very hard for me, especially math and English. I couldn't comprehend them. I completed high school and tried college, but it didn't go well. Then I got a job.
"Working was hard. I didn't know what I wanted to do and I went from job to job. I couldn't hold on to a job. It was hard for me because I developed anxiety, depression, and an eating disorder. I still deal with that today.
"I do a lot of writing to express my feelings and that helps me. I also watch people very carefully to learn how to do certain things. I tend to read everything twice to comprehend what I am reading. For my anxiety, I avoid loud and crowded places. I always surround myself with people that I feel comfortable and safe with.
"I got involved with an organization called Al-Anon because I grew up in an alcoholic family. I do share my FASD story at the Al-Anon meetings. If there's one woman who is thinking about having a child and is drinking and hears my story, it's worth it.
"I want people to know that there is hope. I keep telling myself, if I can survive, others can too."
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