Chris Reidy & Di Langdon: Raising a child with FASD in New Zealand

Chris Reidy and Di Langdon have spent 20 years advocating for their son with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) - a journey that started with multiple diagnoses and school refusals before finally getting the umbrella diagnosis of FASD at age 15. Their son's struggles with developmental delays, sensory processing issues, and social difficulties led to isolation, bullying, and eventually self-harm and addiction.

The FASD diagnosis was relief and revelation - suddenly everything made sense. They learned "brain-first parenting," shifting from behavioural approaches to understanding their son's unique neurobiology. But in New Zealand, FASD isn't recognised as a disability, meaning no funding or support despite it being a lifelong condition. Chris and Di have had to find training overseas, fight schools for accommodations, and navigate health systems where professionals lack FASD knowledge. Their message: listen to families living with FASD, recognise it as a disability, and provide the support these children need to reach their potential.

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If you need support, here are helpful links, phone numbers and resources: https://ember.org.nz/resources/in-a-crisis/