Twelve Steps of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

based on the 12 Steps of AA

© 2003 Teresa Kellerman 

  1. We admitted we were powerless over the nature of FASD; that our lives had become unmanageable.
  2. Came to believe that the power of factual information, raised awareness, mutual support, and realistic expectations could restore us to sanity.
  3. Made a decision to turn our problems and concerns over to the support group.
  4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of FASD issues in our life.
  5. Admitted to ourselves and others the exact nature of our mistakes.
  6. Were entirely ready to let go of past regrets and mistakes and to face the reality of FASD.
  7. Humbly asked the support group to help us overcome our shortcomings.
  8. Made a list of all persons in our life that FASD has affected, and became willing to educate them about FASD.
  9. Shared relevant information with such people to raise their level of awareness wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
  10. Continued to take personal inventory and when FASD issues crop up to promptly share with the group.
  11. Sought through listening and sharing to improve our active participation with the group, asking for knowledge of effective intervention and prevention strategies and the power to carry that out.
  12. Having had a personal awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other families, professionals and providers, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

 

FASD Serenity Prayer

Grant me the serenity to accept the things about FASD that I cannot change, (such as permanent brain damage that results in poor judgment and impaired ability to function), the courage to change the things I can (such as the system, the environment, and the support structure), and the wisdom to know the difference (between what society tells me I should do and what FASD scientific studies tell me I need to do to maintain health, safety, and an acceptable quality of life).  Amen.


FAS Community Resource Center

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