Unmasking My Challenges: Elena Schmidt's FASD Epiphany

In this deeply personal and enlightening episode of Living with FASD, join host Patti Kasper as she warmly welcomes Elena Schmidt, a brave voice in the FASD community. Elena, who hails from Belarus and has recently begun to piece together the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on her life, shares her poignant journey with raw honesty and courage. Having grown up amidst the chaos of an orphanage near Chernobyl and later in a family where she often felt overshadowed and misunderstood, Elena's story is one of resilience and self-discovery. She recounts the struggles of her childhood, the challenges of adapting to a new country, and the complexities of navigating life with undiagnosed FASD. Elena's revelations about her biological mother's alcohol use during pregnancy, and her own subsequent battles with addiction, shine a light on the importance of understanding and addressing the lifelong effects of FASD. Her experiences underscore the critical need for proper diagnosis, support, and the grace of self-forgiveness. Listeners will be inspired by Elena's determination to pursue her passions in media arts and writing, despite the hurdles she faces. Her use of humor as a coping mechanism and her insights on finding joy in creativity offer valuable lessons for all. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by FASD, as well as those seeking to support loved ones on a similar path. Elena's story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and the strength found in community. For more resources and to join the conversation, visit the "Living with FASD Podcast" as well as the “Flying with Broken Wings” Facebook groups. Share your thoughts and questions at [email protected], and help us spread awareness by liking, subscribing, and sharing this episode. Additionally, if you would like to support the podcast by helping to cover production costs, feel free to join 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 per month, any of which is far less than a weekly cup of coffee, and ANY level of support helps spread this podcast out into the world! Patti Kasper, your FASD Coach, invites you to reach out for coaching services or to learn more about FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model by visiting https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation. Feel free to suggest topics or guests, as well as to ask questions by emailing [email protected] Join us next time on Living with FASD, where we continue to foster understanding, compassion, and hope for those living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.