“Be Still and know that I am God.” -Psalm 46:10

What happens when the traditional school system simply isn’t working for your child? For families raising children impacted by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), finding the right educational environment can require flexibility, creativity, and a willingness to let go of what we thought education was supposed to look like.

In this episode of The Adoption & Foster Care Journey, Sandra reconnects with Melissa Dunn Corkum for an honest, informal conversation about their experiences homeschooling children with FASD. Neither approaches the conversation as an educational expert—they're sharing from the perspective of moms who have lived it.

Melissa and Sandra talk about the freedom homeschooling can provide to slow down, follow a child's strengths and interests, reduce unnecessary pressure, and create an educational experience around the child's actual needs rather than forcing the child to fit a predetermined curriculum.

They also explore the importance of structure, repetition, experiential learning, individualized accommodations, and recognizing that what works for one child may not work for another. From Ninja Warrior and bouldering to learning through everyday routines, their stories demonstrate how strengths-based education can open doors that traditional approaches sometimes miss.

But this conversation isn't just about educating our children. Melissa introduces the concept of blocked care and explains why caring for the caregiver's nervous system is essential for long-term parenting. Together, they discuss practical ways parents can recognize stress, reconnect with supportive people, regulate their nervous systems, and give themselves permission to make changes when something isn't working.

Whether you're currently homeschooling, considering a change in educational placement, or simply trying to figure out how to help your child learn and thrive, this conversation offers encouragement that there isn't one right way to educate a child—and it's okay to find the way that works for your family.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Melissa is also offering a free 10-question Blocked Care Assessment specifically for Justice for Orphans listeners: risetoregulation.com/jfo

Facebook Group: Homeschool the FASD way-a global community

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AFCJ on YouTube

justicefororphansny.org

justicefororphansny.org/hope-community

Email: sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org

sandraflach.com

Soul Care Saturday—52 Devotions for Foster and Adoptive Moms

Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on Amazon