FAS STAR WATIO


Watio (FAS) age 4
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At 6 days old, on December 18, 1995, beautiful Watio came into our lives. After a wonderful first Christmas together, we had a call from a pediatrician telling us to bring Watio in for a check up on his heart murmur. We knew nothing of his birth and were relieved, when after 2 months, the murmur was gone. All was well and we enjoyed planning and dreaming for his future. Our 'thinking, planning and dreams' would soon have to be adjusted to meet the needs of our special son.

At 6 months Watio woke screaming. After 7 days in the hospital the Urologist told us his right kidney is abnormally small and the drainage tube had not yet developed. At 8 and 11 months X-Rays were taken of his kidney. At 2 years old a surgical internal examination showed the kidney is turned and growing sideways but the tube had opened and was draining. Watio visited the Urologist monthly for kidney scans. For 2 years he was exposed to environments that traumatized him. It broke my heart when my screaming terrified baby could not hear my words of love. At times he could not cope and would shut down.

In his home environment, Watio was a happy, smiling and loving baby. At 6 months, when he made no attempt to roll over, sit or hold his head up, I knew he was an exceptional child. The doctor said Watio has the facial characteristics of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. He referred us to a Neurologist. The Neurologist referred us to a Geneticist. After 1 1/2 years of waiting we received a diagnosis that Watio has FAS, our son is brain damaged.

At 2 Watio started Dexedrine to help him focus. The benefits were amazing in 3 short weeks. He was proudly saying 3 word phrases and stopped running long enough to enjoy playing with toys. At 3 he was on Clonidine. His vocabulary tripled in a month, he enjoyed playing with mom and dad, and for the first time in three years he slept through the night without having night terrors.

Watio has taught us that by keeping his routine predictable he is a happier and compliant child. We take him to the same restaurants, department stores and play areas. It is easier for him to enjoy outings as the environments become more familiar. Of-course he still has difficult days and we are prepared to leave when the signs first appear.

Overstimulation for Watio at 4+ years old is a challenge for all of us. We never know what he is able to cope with from one day to the next. The same environment can present different reactions from Watio given his mood swings, compromised Central Nervous System and ability to absorb stimuli.

Transitions are difficult. We repeat what will happen next and where he is going. This gives him time to prepare himself for company, shopping, day care... If his routine is disrupted, unexpected company arrives, Watio will appear to have a good time. After they leave he can go through 3 days of destruction in the home, no release in his diaper for 48 hours, loss of appetite and sleep.

One morning at breakfast a fire truck went by with it's siren whaling. Watio stopped eating, put his head on the table and softly cried mommy, help please mommy. Watio has a low tolerance to most noises. When out for walks he will say noisy 'telephone' pole, 'street lamp' or 'hydro' box, high up on the poles. We quickly walk in a big circle around them. I can't hear the noise. While playing outside when a jet plane passes high overhead he will run to me for hugs and put my hands over his ears.

Musical instruments are a favorite. We play the harmonica and flute together. Saturday mornings are jamming sessions on the guitar with dad. He started playing the keyboard at 2 years old. This Christmas we are introducing him to the piano.

By nature Watio is a tender loving, caring and happy child. In his gentle moments he will softly touch my face and hug mommy. When leaving for school he comes back for more hugs and kisses. We have hours of fun building leggos, playing in Watio's little house outside, giggles playing 'gotcha' in the grass and blowing a gazillion bubbles on the deck. He is very intelligent in his own right and has an amazing memory. His self-esteem is growing daily, he can keep up with his peers on fine motor skills projects and is learning to cope with his behavior management.

We are so thankful for the medications that help our son enjoy most days. They are not a cure for FAS. His challenges will become greater as he develops, learns and grows. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is a life long disability of which our son is a victim.

I have met and spoke with parents whose children have far greater secondary disabilities then Watio. Children who will never hear, run, walk or talk. Children born with deformities inside and out of their little bodies. Children that may never know how to love. The impact of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome differs from one child to the next.

Please, if you are planning to have a baby or find yourself pregnant, stop drinking alcohol immediately. Your unborn child deserves a healthy life and an promising future.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the one disability that can be prevented.

Thank you and Bless, Viki Miller, Mom of Super FAS Star Watio.... Ontario, Canada.

p.s. If you wish to contact me I can be reached at tea@execulink.com.



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