The Best I Can Be: Living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Effects

by Liz Kulp, Jodee Kulp

Mom's Choice Recipient, Liz Kulp, as a young teen with Fetal Alcohol Effects challenged the world to peer inside her life and brain. Through her own writings the reader is taken on a life changing journey that will impact their thinking about how to help and understand children with brain damage due to Fetal Alcohol. "Mom, I want to write a book anout what it's like to have FAS/E (fetal alcohol syndrome/effects) I think people need to know ... and so began Liz's and my journey in writing The Best I Can Be - Living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome or Effects. Liz was right, it was a story that needed to be told. Fetal Alcohol Exposure is a leading cause of cognitive challenges and intellectual disability in the western world. It is estimated that one out of 10,000* children born each year in the United States as FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) and one out of 100** have FAE (fetal alcohol effects). Research and experience has proven one label is not better or worse than the other. Over tens of thousands of newborn US children each year will have to learn to cope with this disability. It is time to come out of denial - alcohol consumption during pregnancy is not safe. Let Liz take you on our journey - it is a journey of hope, of dedication and of perseverance. Thank you Liz for your courage to share your story. The Best I Can Be Living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders by Liz Kulp and Jodee Kulp is a recipient of the prestigious Mom's Choice Award for Best Young Contributing Author. The Mom's Choice Awards honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. Parents and educators look for the Mom s Choice Awards seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book/product has been honored by this distinguished award.

Genres: Adoption

110 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2013

About the author

Jodee Kulp, is the author or co-author of eight books supporting healthy and creative approaches to living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. She is an international and national speaker to help families and professionals balance the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual needs of a person with this disability to allow for healthy community living. It is with sincere hope The Whitest Wall - her debut novel will herald further public understanding."

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful

[sologdin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Solid presentation by someone afflicted by FASD. Works well with clinician texts on management of the disorders.

[Toni Ladd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for families that have a child with FASD.

[ratherastory · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not at all what I was expecting, but still a heartwarming read. It's a memoir written by Liz, who has FAS, on index cards. The rest of the book is written in her mother's words, describing their family's journey after adopting this baby girl who would not have a proper diagnosis for another twelve years. Food for thought, if nothing else.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great insight. For anyone who suspects their child or someone they know may have been prenataly exposed to alcohol this book helps to know you are not alone. It also gives hope. Helpful list of resources at the end.