I am posting this because it is Wordless Wednesday and it’s past the time in Ontario where we should be doing this right. Supporting children with a disability is not a suggestion or an extra-curricular, or an add on for systems. It is the job. Period. Full stop.
If you have cancer and you go to doctor, do they say to you sorry my friend we don’t do that. And yet consistently in Ontario where we receive this diagnosis we have no follow up, no support or help. Very often we do not even have schools that support our children’s needs. So, families parenting children with a disability of this nature are called away from work 14 times a month and their child is suspended for having a disability and then you lose your job. And the stress is compounded. That’s not even close to health care, or appropriate social service or education or anything else that is kind, caring, compassionate or supportive.
Tonight I am devastated learning an adoptive family I know broke down. I don’t know why I am surprised, because I field these calls at least once a week from our adoptive families struggling with kids that are hard to parent and schools that do not help kids with special needs. Because nobody helped appropriately with the right intervention for the disability at the right time. Because a family asked for help and heard: We don’t do that.
I hope that support is found for the family. When it comes to children the earlier it is caught and treatment starts the better!!
This breaks my heart. My views changed when we lost our first child to Stillbirth – he had down syndrome. It changes you.
Oh what a sad post, Paula. FASD breaks my heart because it’s so preventable. How horrible that an adoption fell apart due to lack of support. 🙁
It saddens me sometimes when I hear about things like this going on in Canada. Yes, Canada is a wonderful place to live but we still have so far to go.
Aww my heart goes out to them! I’ll be praying tonight. Too many families silently struggle with special needs kids, and have a hard time asking for help. 🙁
Awe, this is so sad to hear. I hope they’re able to find something that can be done. I’ll be praying.
I have also known families (also adoptive families) torn apart by FASD. It is real and it is serious. It’s quite prevalent in my province although to be honest I’m not really sure what kind of support systems we have in place.
One of my best friends has three adoptive children and she has been fighting with the schools for YEARS over not having enough support. Elementary and high school. They are in Quebec. Parents definitely need better programs in place.
OH 🙁 that is awful.
This is so heart wrenching.
Oh no…that is heartbreaking!! I hope they find the support they need 🙁 I’ll be thinking of them!!
Wow, heartbreaking 🙁 Glad you are spreading the word!
I am so sorry – My husband was diagnosed with cancer and fought valiantly for three and 1/2 years but we had lots of support and a fantastic medical team. Continue to spread the word.
It is heartbreaking how little support there is in Ontario for special needs. Waiting list, waiting list… Sending thoughts your friends way, keep positive.