Karli S.

Karli S. is a thirty-seven year old women with FAS. She was dianosed at age 16. Karli has volunteered with NOFAS for nearly 15 years and she illustrated the NOFAS logo. She has received numerous awards for her advocacy for FASD including a Point of Light award presented by former President George Herbert Walker Bush.

Karli sat down with Brianna Montgomery on a recent visit to NOFAS.

Brianna Montgomery: Welcome Karli. I am glad that you were willing to participate in our interview series about people with FASD.

BM: The first question that I have for you is what things are difficult for you with your disability?

Karli S.: Riding a bike and swimming are difficult and some times I can’t remember things.

BM: What is your life like with FASD?

KS: It is harder to do things.

BM: You are doing very well for yourself. I know that you have had a couple jobs, what was your most fun job to work at?

KS: I worked at TJ Maxx.

BM: What did you do there?

KS: I helped hang up clothes in the basement and worked with the boxes.

BM: That sounds like fun. I hear you like to shop, what are your favorite things to shop for?

KS: I like purses and make-up. I like to shop for clothes, wallets and sandals too.

BM: Those are all great things to shop for. I understand that you are involved with a group called Social Climbers, what activities do you like to participate in there?

KS: My favorite activity at Social Climbers is dancing.

BM: Why do you like to dance?

KS: Because the music is good and it is fun.

BM: What do you like about NOFAS?

KS: It is good and I like the work that you do.

BM: Thank you. Have you met other young people with FASD?

KS: Yes, Tracy Combs is my friend.

BM: That’s fun to be with a friend. Do you talk to others about having a disability?

KS: Yes, I go to NOFAS with my mom and talk about FAS.

BM: We love to have you here to help us spread our message.

KS: Thank you.

BM: What do you enjoy doing every day?

KS: I like relaxing, watching movies and playing with sticker books and coloring books at home.

BM: Do you like to be outside too?

KS: Yes, I take walks, relax outside with a magazine, and I like to go to the beach.

BM: What is your favorite part about going to the beach?

KS: I like the Boardwalk because I walk around and look at some of the stores and ride some of the rides.

BM: Sounds like a lot of fun. Who are your favorite people to spend time with?

KS: I like my dad and mom and all of my family.

BM: Family is always great to be with. One more question. What do you want others to know about FAS and your disability?

KS: I want to tell other people that people with FAS are smart and pretty.

BM: They definitely are! Thank you for letting me interview you. This was very fun.

KS: Thank you.