Refracted Realities: Exploring FASD Across Generations with Neil Turley

In this profound episode of Living with FASD, host Patti Kasper is joined by Neil Turley, a cherished member of the FASD community and an active participant on the Flying with Broken Wings Facebook page. Neil, like Patti, discovered his FASD later in life, and in this candid conversation, he shares the complexities of living with this diagnosis and the impact it has had on his family dynamics. Neil opens up about his family's history with alcohol, the stigma surrounding FASD, and the challenges he faced in seeking understanding and acceptance from his loved ones. He delves into his personal journey of self-discovery, including his realization during an ayahuasca healing circle that he was living with FASD, and the subsequent struggles with suicidal ideation as he reframed his life around this new understanding. Listeners will be moved by Neil's reflections on the role alcohol played in his family across generations and his hypothesis on being a second-generation individual with FASD. He discusses the barriers to acknowledgment within his own family and the broader community, highlighting the pervasive stigma that often silences those affected. As Neil prepares for a comprehensive FASD assessment and looks forward to connecting with others at an upcoming conference in Seattle, he shares his insights on the importance of embracing one's dysmaturity as a representation of innocence and beauty. His message is one of hope, encouraging listeners to be open, transparent, and to find safe spaces where they can be warmly received and grow. For anyone touched by FASD, Neil's story is a testament to the resilience and courage it takes to live authentically and to seek light amidst the shadows. Share your thoughts and questions at [email protected] and you can also reach me there if you are interested in FASD training or coaching. Remember to subscribe and share this episode to support the journey of understanding FASD. If this episode was meaningful to you, I would invite you to consider becoming a member of the Living with FASD Podcast community at patreon.com/LivingWithFASDPodcast. Membership is free, but you will have the opportunity to support the costs of producing this podcast by joining on a paid level, either $5, $10 or $15/month; all of which is less than the cost of a weekly cup of coffee, and any level of support helps spread this podcast out into the world! Tune in next time for another engaging conversation that promises to enrich your perspective on life with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Until next time, Patti, Your FASD Coach Show notes created by https://headliner.app