From Adoption to Advocacy: Carl Young's Personal Fight in the FASD Arena

In this deeply insightful episode of Living with FASD, host Patti Kasper is joined by Mr. Carl Young, an advocate and parent from North Dakota, who brings a wealth of personal experience and passion to the conversation on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Carl opens up about his family's journey, beginning with the adoption of his son, born substance-exposed, and the long road to an FASD diagnosis at the age of 15. His story is one of perseverance, as he navigates through a myriad of misdiagnoses and a system ill-equipped to support individuals with FASD. Carl's advocacy work, driven by his own experience and his late self-identification on the spectrum, is a testament to his commitment to change.
Listeners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced by those living with FASD, from early childhood into adulthood, and the systemic barriers that hinder proper care and support. Carl's discussion on the importance of specialized training for foster parents, educators, and healthcare professionals underscores the need for a paradigm shift in the way society approaches FASD.
Carl also shares his involvement in legislative efforts, including the success of incorporating FASD into North Dakota's definition of developmental disability and establishing an FASD Awareness Day. His ongoing projects, such as co-authoring a series of books on embracing neurodiversity and contributing to a documentary, highlight the creative approaches being taken to spread awareness and education about FASD.
As the conversation unfolds, Patti and Carl delve into the physical health implications of FASD, advocating for individuals to proactively manage their health and for medical professionals to recognize the lifelong impact of prenatal alcohol exposure.
This episode is not only a deep dive into the lived experience of FASD but also a call to action for listeners to join the movement towards greater understanding, acceptance, and systemic change.
For those eager to learn more about Carl's advocacy work, the upcoming series of books, or to connect with the FASD community, stay tuned for future episodes featuring panel discussions with key figures in the FASD advocacy world.
If you have questions for Carl or topics you'd like to see covered on the show, reach out to us at [e-mail]. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share to support our mission of bringing light to the lives of those affected by FASD.
Consider joining the community at www.patreon.com/Livingwithfasdpodcast. This podcast will always be a free resource; however, if you have found value in these episodes and if you feel so inclined, you can join the community at a paid level, which will help cover production costs of this weekly podcast.
I am a Certified Facilitator of FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model. If you would like information about the neurodevelopment model and would like to book a training for agencies or community groups, please reach out to me here: calendly.com/kaspertrainingan...
If you would like to talk with me about coaching services, either as a parent of a child with FASD, or as a neurodivergent adult (perhaps by listening you’ve begun to question if prenatal alcohol exposure could explain some of your struggles in life), please reach out to me here for a complimentary consultation: calendly.com/kaspertrainingan...
Join us next time on Living with FASD, where we continue our journey of education, empowerment, and community. Together, we can make a difference-one story at a time.
Show notes created by headliner.app

[@emayhew4500]

Keep doing what you are doing Carl. Great interview! Thank you.

[@PatriciaKasperYourFASDCoach]

Thank you! Feel free to suggest topics you'd like me to cover.