 Randy's Graduation Picture |  Randy with nephew Jordan |
Randy's Graduation Picture | Randy with nephew Jordan |
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18 year old Randy was born in Saskatchewan, Canada and adopted at 2 months of age. His background is native Canadian (Sealteaux, pronounced Soto, Cree, Sioux), French and Scottish. We were told that his birth mother was drawn into drugs and alcohol by his birth father and when she discovered her pregnancy she discontinued drugs, alcohol and also the relationship with the birth father and took care of herself for the duration of the pregnancy. Randy was 9 years old when diagnosed with FASD. (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) more commonly known as FAE. His specific diagnosis is ARND - Alcohol Related Neurodevelopment Disorder, ADHD, ODD and Bi-polar. He graduated with a Certificate from a vocational high school after a high level of supervision and a greatly modified program. He is considered high functioning due to his verbal skills and IQ. Total orthodontic work contributes to his current good looks. He has full native status and recently received AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped). He is currently living with his sister, brother-in-law and two nephews. He suffers from a number of the secondary disabilities associated with having FASD, however he is committed to avoid alcohol and drugs and shares those feelings with others readily.
Randy is an active member of his church where he is involved in many different activities. Previously he achieved his Chief Scout Award (equivalent to US Eagle Scout), attended Air Cadets and really enjoys church dances. His motto - meet as many girls as you can... cause they'll introduce you to their friends. He plays the drums, is artistic, skilled on the computer, enjoys working with his hands building things, and loves to ski. (His father is a professional drummer) His mother, Nancy, has studied FASD (FAS/FAE) ARND ever since Randy's diagnosis and is dedicated to helping him achieve his potential. She is Co founder of a project called Family Alternative Supports Network of AB, was the Parent Professional Advisor to a local multi agency committee for 3 years a member of Joining Forces Fetal Alcohol Society, maintains contact with FAS issues both locally, nationally and internationally and actively involved in giving assistance and information to people as well as doing presentations and seminars on the FAS issue. She received specific training in Seattle, WA at the FADU (Fetal Alcohol and Drug Unit) with Dr. Ann Streissguth and Dr. Sterling Clarren. She has a PhD in Randy and another PhD from the School of Hard Knocks. Both Randy and his mother have been featured in books, the local newspaper , TV and radio stations. Nancy is also the local coordinator for FASday Sept. 9th (FASworld). More recently Randy has given of his time to speak to groups about what it's like to HAVE FASD and how that impacts his life and has written poems published online showing great insight into his disability. We welcome comments and questions and thank you for visiting this page. Read Randy's Poems "My Life" and "Invisible Weights" here. Email Nanci at nmmclennan@shaw.ca in Canada near the Rocky Mountains. See Nancy'sfamily web page. |
