Case Study: Sheri

Sheri is a 11 year old girl who was adopted shortly after birth by Doug and Susan. Although full term, at birth she weighed 4 pounds 5 ounces and had poor apgar readings. During the next 24 hours the nurses documented that Sheri was a poor feeder who had difficulty sucking. She tired easily and on one occasion the nurse found her blue in the crib. Vigorous ventilation resuscitated the baby and did a full septic work up. Two weeks later the adoptive parents happily picked up their new daughter.

Sheri’s first 4 years were unremarkable except for chronic ear infections, strep throat and respiratory infections. She not only met the usual developmental milestones, but in some cases exceeded them. Her parents simply adored her. She was a tiny child with long corkscrew curls and small, sparking eyes. Unlike other kids her age, Sheri was not afraid of strangers and did not hesitate to hug the closest person.

During elementary school, she was an average student but very talkative and friendly. Occasionally she had trouble sharing, but that was to be expected of a child her age. Her parents continued to be concerned about the frequency of Sheri’s ear infections, and after taking her to a specialist found that she had at least a minor degree of hearing impairment.

When she reached the 6th grade, everything seemed to fall apart. She now looked awkward and clumsy, rather than cute. She was failing most of her tests and frequently forget her homework. She became withdrawn and sullen. Her parents found out from neighbours that some kids at school had been calling Sheri “retarded.” They had told Sheri that she was so stupid and ugly, that her real mother gave her up for adoption. After a lengthy and persistent battle with the adoption agency, Doug and Susan were stunned to find that their daughter had been exposed prenatally to large amounts of alcohol and drugs.

Sheri’s parents were at their wits ends. They loved their daughter desperately and wanted to protect her from her own limitations, but they did not know where to start.

Questions for Thought:

1. What clues were present in the story of Sheri’s birth that might lead you to suspect FAS/FAE?
2. What advice would you give to Sheri’s parents?
3. Where could they go for help?
4. What might be an effective way to approach the school for help in dealing with the situation?

Check back next week to see what happened next.