| Author: | Della Grant | ISBN: | 9781476093666 |
| Publisher: | Della Grant | Publication: | April 8, 2012 |
| Imprint: | Smashwords Edition | Language: | English |
| Author: | Della Grant |
| ISBN: | 9781476093666 |
| Publisher: | Della Grant |
| Publication: | April 8, 2012 |
| Imprint: | Smashwords Edition |
| Language: | English |
“Mending Matthew” is the story of a child’s first ten years of life, ten years he was not supposed to have. Born with severe Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, he has suffered major cranio-facial deformities, a defective airway, respiratory problems, cardiac problems, renal issues, and significant brain damage.
It is also my story: of my relationship with this child, as his foster mother, then as his guardian and advocate; my ongoing battle to keep him alive despite the medical odds, and the multiple barriers and failures within the systems meant to support him; all against the background of my own disability.
Matthew’s short life has encompassed more pain, tragedy, triumph and humour than most people experience in a lifetime. As well as multiple major surgeries and hospitalisations, he has achieved many things deemed impossible by the experts.
The story is also a warning to the community as a whole, doctors, other professionals, and particularly pregnant women, of the risks and responsibilities of alcohol consumption during pregnancy: Australia lags well behind other developed countries in its recognition, research, and attitudes towards Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. In the current debate around the alleged over-diagnosis of ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders, FASD deserves a prominent place.
There is little hope for Matthew, and children like him, until the Australian community accepts responsibility for the challenges associated with their lives.
“Mending Matthew” is the story of a child’s first ten years of life, ten years he was not supposed to have. Born with severe Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, he has suffered major cranio-facial deformities, a defective airway, respiratory problems, cardiac problems, renal issues, and significant brain damage.
It is also my story: of my relationship with this child, as his foster mother, then as his guardian and advocate; my ongoing battle to keep him alive despite the medical odds, and the multiple barriers and failures within the systems meant to support him; all against the background of my own disability.
Matthew’s short life has encompassed more pain, tragedy, triumph and humour than most people experience in a lifetime. As well as multiple major surgeries and hospitalisations, he has achieved many things deemed impossible by the experts.
The story is also a warning to the community as a whole, doctors, other professionals, and particularly pregnant women, of the risks and responsibilities of alcohol consumption during pregnancy: Australia lags well behind other developed countries in its recognition, research, and attitudes towards Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. In the current debate around the alleged over-diagnosis of ADHD and Autistic Spectrum Disorders, FASD deserves a prominent place.
There is little hope for Matthew, and children like him, until the Australian community accepts responsibility for the challenges associated with their lives.
