West Lothian mum on adopted son's struggles after birth mother drank while pregnant

A mum from West Lothian has spoken out about the daily struggles her son has after his birth mother drank heavily during pregnancy.

Karen has backed calls for national FASD (Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) services following a frustrating six year wait for a diagnosis.

At just aged 10, Dylan has been left with the condition that affects his emotions and behaviour. Karen and her husband John noticed that he was struggling to control his emotions as he got older and was then locked in a six-year battle looking for answers.

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The 53-year-old mum adopted Dylan when he was just seven months old after his birth mother - a relative - got in touch out of the blue asking if Karen would raise him.

Speaking to the Record, Karen and John said that Dylan became prone to violent outburst and struggled to control his emotions as he grew older.

She explained "When he was 2, we noticed he was different to other children. His behaviour was a real issue.

"He can be aggressive and have violent outbursts. But he's not a naughty child, he's been impacted by his mum's drinking during pregnancy.

"He finds it hard to make and keep friends and struggles to regulate his emotions.

"When Dylan was three, we took him to a GP and paediatrician looking for answers but it felt like we were pushed aside and our parenting was being questioned.

"It was really exhausting. FASD was never mentioned to us."

As Dylan began to struggle after starting school, Karen decided to tell loved ones he had Autism in a bid to explain his behaviour.

She said: "We could see he was struggling but teachers didn't seem to share our concerns.

"We spent years going back and forth to the doctor. Despite Dylan's characteristics and medical records showing an alcohol-exposed pregnancy, he still wasn't diagnosed."

The parents were then put in touch with FASD Hub Scotland - part of charity Adoption UK - and after meeting with a specialist, Dylan was diagnosed in just 20 minutes.

To ensure no one else has to go through what they did, Karen is now backing calls by Adoption UK for national FASD services to be established. This will help families get diagnosis and have access to expert support at every stage of their journey.

The mum added: "There were barriers at every stage for us. It was fighting a constant battle for six years. There is such a lack of awareness amongst everyone who works with children.

"Children need a diagnosis quickly. I'd like to see a specialist in all council areas so families can access the support they need. We don't blame anyone for what's happened to us, but it has been difficult going it alone.

"Changes are needed urgently so other families in our situation can get the help they need."

New data by Adoption UK has revealed that many children often wait more than two years to be diagnosed - and five per cent of UK babies have the condition.

FASD Hub in Scotland says there "remains a lack of service provision and unnecessary challenges in accessing a diagnosis".

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are determined to prevent harm caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and support those impacted by FASD. We have provided more than £528,000 for Adoption Scotland UK's FASD Hub and our investment of £600,000 has supported the Fetal Alcohol Advisory Support and Training Team to improve the knowledge, attitudes and confidence of professionals working with individuals with FASD."

Dr Tracey Gillies, Medical Director, NHS Lothian said: “FASD is a complex condition requiring multidisciplinary assessment. Needs and supports can be identified early but the assessment process can be lengthy. A child's neurodevelopmental presentation changes as he or she grows and develops and it is often not possible to make a diagnosis until the child is older."

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