Kathy Kidd-Wuest

Kathy Wuest is a mother to two wonderful children. She is a wife to her husband Phil of 22 years. Early in marriage; they had their two children; a daughter followed by a son 4 years and 16 days from his sister.
Kathy and her husband never thought their children would have a disability. Their lives were quickly changed. Their son showed signs of trouble from very beginning with trouble eating, sleeping and long bouts of crying, rages, destruction and other behaviors. By age of 10, getting a medical diagnosis seemed distant. This was a tough time for the family. Kathy’s son had received a medical diagnosis of severe ADHD, mild to moderate Mental Retardation, Hemi-cerebral Palsy, and Static Encephalopathy. FASD was suggested by one clinic, but itself was not directly documented.

Kathy and family were given information on advocacy training, courses, workshops & conferences, which Kathy attended. This helped the family gain knowledge and insight as to where to go from help. They did lots of research, asked lots of questions, all in an effort to help their son.

After many years of going through medical clinics, hospital stays and therapy sessions, Kathy and her family began using advocacy work to fight for a solidified medical diagnosis, support groups, in-home help, long-term care and more. Kathy found that there was such a lack of education or knowledge of FASD. Living in Wisconsin, Kathy did have access to a medical diagnostic clinic (Waisman Center) as well as Family Enpowerment Network, which works for awareness and prevention. However, Kathy found that once a child reached age 12 there were little to no services available for FASD individuals. Kathy has spent years working with the medical community, speaking with elected officials and learning about FASD in an effort to advocate for her son and other individuals with FASD. Kathy attended NOFAS Hill Day in 2005 and again this past June with NOFAS to meet with congressional leaders, encouraging them to support FASD issues.

Kathy says, “My aim in life is to be able to continue using the advocacy training; as I am very passionate about wanting to help others and always have been through life.” She would really like to see long-term ongoing, mandated FASD education for all government agencies & offices. In the future, Kathy would like to see housing for FASD individuals, so that the FASD population may live in a place of understanding and acceptance.

On top of being a mother, Kathy also advocates with city council members, helps with homeschooling families, and advocates for families of varying disabilities. Kathy and their family are located in Madison,WI.