I am the mother of a daughter who has fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Since adopting her 15 years ago, I have done everything that a mother can do to help her child, but our lives remain an incredible daily struggle. In this light, I am starting a support group in the Triangle to bring together other caregivers of children with FAS with the intention of meeting once a month.

It is my hope that we can not only help each other but also help educate the public about this problem that affects too many children worldwide, as well as in our own community. FAS is often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. FAS, which develops due to prenatal alcohol exposure, represents a cluster of symptoms often including developmental delays, poor coordination, small motor-skill difficulties, impulsivity, mental retardation, short attention span, frequent “melt downs,” poor hygiene, learning difficulties, poor social skills and seizures, to name a few.

You may contact me at kathyhotelling@embarqmail.com or 265-3390. Location and day/time of the group will be determined by the majority of interested caregivers.

KATHY HOTELLING
Pittsboro