Welcome to FASD Family Life, the podcast for families by families where we get real about raising children and youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. I’m your host, Robbie Seale, FASD Educator, advocate and mom of four children with FASD. I know the struggle is real, but so is success.
Whether this is your first episode, or your 65th, I am grateful to be spending this time with you. Please join me with a hot cup of coffee as we listen to the remarkable story of Paul Thompson and Glenda Jansen and the power of relationship to transform lives.
Paul Thompson and Glenda Jansen candidly share their lived experience; that of an individual who navigated homelessness from the age of 16 for thirty years with an undiagnosed disability (FASD), and that of the person who came into his life with unexpected advocacy and support. Resiliency, the power of relationship, and connection are woven throughout Paul and Glenda’s back-and-forth style presentation as they combine facts with story, humour, and love through tumultuous times. Listeners will leave with a sense of hope, and the understanding that it is never too late for a diagnosis or a new beginning! This promises to be an evening of laughter and learning for all.
Paul Thompson lived for more than 40 years with the undiagnosed effects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, of which 30 were spent on the streets or incarcerated. He also experienced severe childhood trauma which affected many areas of his life. In 2009 Paul’s life turned around with unexpected advocacy and support; he willingly walked through the open doors and hasn’t looked back. Paul exemplifies why it’s never too late for a life to change.
Glenda Jansen worked with individuals who have special needs before she retired; as a care aide for three years, and then as a special education assistant at an independent school for fifteen. Glenda is passionate about FASD and believes relationship is key to success. In 2009 Glenda and her husband, Pete, met Paul at a Sunday dinner outreach to the homeless, and a couple of months later he moved into their home and they were instrumental to Paul’s life turning around. People often ask Glenda “Why Paul?” As they share their life experiences you’ll understand why!
Glenda Jansen's message is clear about what works:
"Hope is passion for what it possible." Søren Kierkegaard