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When John Hays sat down to write a book about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), his original goal was to educate parents and professionals about what he had learned raising a family with FASD. As a father of 13 children, 11 of whom have been diagnosed with FASD, Hays has experienced first hand what it is like to care for those with FASD.
But as he began to write, Hays realized a greater need to educate those living with FASD. “Just as someone has diabetes, you need to teach them about the disease and how to live with it,” Hays says.
In his book, “Pathways to Success,” Hays uses a variety of check lists, statistics, and communications tools to help those with FASD learn important life skills for the future.
The workbook is designed to be used by individuals and facilitators together, using a “let’s make a deal” method of compromises to learn about living with the disability.
Through writing the book, Hays said he learned the importance of communication. Having used the workbook with many of his children, he says he learned how to listen differently. “There needs to be a mutual understanding,” he says. “There needs to be a different approach to treating those with FASD in everyday life.”
Hays suggests beginning the workbook at age 14. At this age, he says, individuals with FASD are able to make independent decisions, and more likely to cooperate.
While completing the book is hard work, Hays says this is only half the battle. “The workbook is not the answer, but it can be part of the solution.”
The “Pathways to Success” workbook is free, and available online at Pathways to Success. Learn more about HaysKids and support their work at www.hayskids.com.
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