Scots mum opens up on adopted son's daily struggles after birth mother drank during pregnancy

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A mum has backed calls for national FASD (Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders) services after her adopted son waited six years for a diagnosis.

Karen, from West Lothian, has opened up on the daily struggles her 10-year-old son 'Dylan' faces after his biological mother's heavy drinking left him with the condition.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.

Karen and husband John said Dylan became prone to violent outbursts and struggled to control his emotions as he grew older. The couple then became locked in a six-year battle for a diagnosis.She told the Record: "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.