The FASD Success Show
Jeff Noble thought he knew all about FASD... until he became a full time FASD Foster Parent. Fast forward to now. Jeff has been coast to coast and from one side of the earth to the other talking, teaching and learning about FASD with other Caregivers, Front Line Staff and anyone who might sit and listen to him. In The FASD SUCCESS SHOW, Jeff and his gang of FASD Insiders will talk about FASD in a real way so that you can learn how to deal and cope with FASD in REAL life, to be a better advocate and a more confident caregiver. Jeff is going to tackle all the hot topics like FASD and aggression, sleep, hygiene, the education system, meltdowns and working with professionals. Pretty much all the things you need to know so that you can focus on being a happy, balanced caregiver. Jeff will make you laugh, he will make you think, but mostly he will give you hope that you CAN do this. Hit subscribe and get ready to transform into the FASD Caregiver you know you can be.
The FASD Success Show
#022 Matthew Pakozdy Winning With FASD Supports
I met Matthew at one of the very first conferences I spoke at. His story is definitely one of reinvention. He is a trained dancer, speaker and recently after working in an office environment went back to College, to study both cooking and landscaping.
We start the podcast talking about how he is dealing with the new reality of COVID 19.
“I am still surviving. It’s having to make my own plans. It’s having to make my own structure, my own consistency, day to day, week to week and it’s hard.”
But he is doing it. At 40 years of age he has a lot of practice and insight and he knows his strengths and limitations. In fact we talk about that and other important areas of not only struggle, but overcoming obstacles and growth:
- Learning to navigate questions about why he “looked different” than his mom
- Difficulty at school without accommodations or understanding of FASD
- How as a young adult, drinking, using illegal substances and an unhealthy relationship led to involvement with the police
- The difference in his life once he accepted help and support
- His advice for caregivers and individuals on the Spectrum
We also talk about strategies he uses to regulate his emotions, how he maintained a job for many years and what led to his decision to return to College at 40 and reinvent himself yet again.
Matthew grew up wanting to be a star. He achieved that as a dancer, and now as an FASD Speaker. And he achieved those goals because he knew he did better with a support system beside him. And while the pandemic may have put some plans on hold, I’ve no doubt he will be as successful and shine in his next reincarnation as he has so far.