Episode 85: Writing & Advocacy with Ab

Posted on by Victoria

Spending time with a blogging friend who embodies the pursuit of self-care along with advocacy for others is a joy. Wynne and I loved visiting with Ab, the author behind the blog, “My Life with T”.

Whether you’re a parent or not, Ab’s reminders about the power of choosing optimism and hopefulness – with a dash of humor – will inspire you.

Ab writes compellingly about what matters most:

…” I hope to use this blog to raise awareness about FASD and to help reduce the negative stigma often attached to it. In doing so, I will share our ups and downs, successes and stumbles, and light and darkness… I wholeheartedly believe there is always reason to live life with hope, humour and heart.”

Ab’s an ally and a champion, helping others learn about FASD – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Through storytelling, Ab invites us into his world where writing about the challenges and triumphs ushers in grace and gratitude.

The importance of advocating for resources for children and families affected cannot be overstated. As Ab said, the point is to reduce the stigma in order to support and accommodate those impacted. Most especially precious children and families.

Interested in learning more? Listen in – and check out some of the resources Ab recommends (linked below). As Ab said…”knowledge matters; language matters”. We couldn’t agree more!

Vicki and Wynne 😊

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Links for this Episode:

My Life with T blog by Ab

In Canada: What is FASD? – CanFASD

In the United States: FASD United

A great resource for caregivers trying to understand and support a loved one with FASD:

Trying Differently Rather Than Harder: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders – Third Edition: 9780972953207: Books – Amazon.ca

A book by recognized FASD educator Nate Sheets:

Essential FASD Supports: Understanding and Supporting People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Sheets, Nate: 9781977245083: Books – Amazon.ca

From the Hosts:

Vicki’s recently released book: Surviving Sue

Wynne’s book about her beloved father: Finding My Father’s Faith

41 thoughts on “Episode 85: Writing & Advocacy with Ab”

  1. Knowledge and language make a huge difference to any conversation. This was a fun and important one. It’s true the Toronto School Board along with many other Ontario school boards made enormous cuts to special programming, spinning the delivery of the message as if they were benefiting both types of students, by integrating them. Unfortunately, if we look at the data after a few years, both types of students have suffered. Terribly unfortunate. Beautiful that Ab is sharing his journey and helping others understand.

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    1. Thank you so much, Alegria, for sharing that perspective. Couldn’t have said it better…terribly unfortunate, indeed. All the more reason for Ab to lift us up with his voice as an advocate. Appreciate you! 💕

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    2. Thanks Alegria. The spin of the inclusive model was what pissed me off so much at the time. The Fors government had just announced education budget cuts and this happened. It was not a mere coincidence.

      I do agree that an inclusive approach is best, so long as it’s well funded and supported. If it’s not, both teachers and students of all types suffer indeed. And this has to change.

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  3. I loved this conversation with Ab, and his embrace and love of his child, exactly as he is, who, like all children, have challenges and gifts. How lucky they are to have found each other and I can’t wait to read more from him.

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    2. Thank you Beth. I do believe we were brought together not by chance. And I agree, life is a balance of blessings and challenges and we try to focus on the positives when we’re losing our minds. 😊😆

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  5. I love the recollection of the yellow notebook, the the nod to writing as a form of self-care. We had a “purple journal” in Mrs. Lucas’ kindergarten class that we were assigned to write in every night, and I feel like that shaped my love for writing.

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  6. T’s replaying of his aunt’s funeral was so impressive-and probably stress relieving. Ab is right-T has an amazing way of processing life. His blog is likely invaluable to parents grasping for helpful information and support for FASD. Great interview! 🙂

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    1. Thank you, Nancy. I was really touched by T’s processing power with the funeral reenactment, too. And yes! I can only imagine all the good Ab’s blog is doing for parents and families. Xo to you for your lovely comment. ❤️

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    2. Thanks Nancy. The funeral with his stuffed animals still blows my mind. I shared it with our family psychologist and she too was quite struck by it. I remind myself there is something pure and special about it him when we have the more difficult moments as a result of his FASD symptoms.

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  9. That was terrific. It’s a shame to see school boards like TDSB cutting programming for special needs students. I hear horror stories from teachers feeling pulled in all directions and not giving the right attention to any of their students. Kudos to Ab for sharing his experience and taking the time to educate others.

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    2. Thanks Michelle. The official stance is that they are pushing towards an “inclusive” model where all kids are integrated. I think this is wonderful. But without putting additional supports in place, both teachers and students lose.

      We are so thankful that in our son’s case, he does have a support in the class. And she is so wonderful. But this is not the case for everyone. And it needs to change.

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      2. I just noticed you live in Kitchener. That’s where my hubby and I met and I spent many weekends there visiting him while he studied in Waterloo. What a small world!

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  10. Thanks for introducing Ab to me. He is very well-spoken, and I related to his thoughts, especially from the perspective of how writing allows him to process his thoughts while also being an advocate. Having been a part of the school system for more than three decades, one of my biggest frustrations was seeing important programs like the one for FASD suddenly get cut. This is particularly aggravating when politicians spend money on unnecessary programs that are there for show rather than substance. Unfortunately, the sad reality is that so many cuts are made because of the budget, sometimes by people who aren’t on the front lines to know what is and isn’t working.

    Kudos to Ab for seeing the big picture of educating the public through his blog and not letting FASD define T.

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    1. What a thoughtful, insightful comment Pete. You know from your years of experience teaching and advocating for students that funding is essential. I love your praise of Ab. Well spoken, indeed! 🥰

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    2. Thanks Pete for sharing your thoughts from the perspective of something within the school system. It is indeed so frustrating when budget cuts are made in the guise of anything but. Teachers and students both suffer as a result and no one wins.

      Thankful for people who get it and who help advocate together for the greater cause. 💕

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  11. Vicki and Wynne, thank you having me on your podcast. What a joy it was to finally meet you both “in person,” and in Wynne’s case, about four years after we first met thru WordPress.

    It was like speaking with old friends and I could’ve chatted with you both for hours.

    And thank you for sharing your platform to help raise awareness of something very near and dear to my heart. 💕 Looking at the comments, it’s so affirming to see new minds made aware. 🙏

    Take good care. 🥰

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