Episode 488 - Finding Your FASD Tribe & Tools with Adoptive Mom, Crystal Dethlefs

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither  let them be afraid." -John 14:26-27

 

Welcome to The Adoption & Foster Care Journey—a podcast to encourage, educate and equip you as you care for children in crisis through adoption, foster care and kinship care.

 

On this episode, host Sandra Flach talks with adoptive mom, Crystal Dethlefs. Crystal is a woman of faith, a mother of 7 young adults, and has been married to her high school sweetheart, Mike, for 37 years. She homeschooled her older children thru graduation and has over 22 years of lived experience parenting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). 

 

Crystal’s personal journey began when 4 of her adopted children—initially diagnosed without guidance by a doctor at an ADHD clinic—were later confirmed to have FASD. This launched her into years of dedicated research, advocacy, and training. She has received training in FASCETS, TBRI®, Families Moving Forward, and participates in Jeff Noble’s Caregiver Club coaching program. Crystal currently serves as the Parent Advocate at The Florida Center FASD Clinic and sits on her local Behavioral Healthcare Advisory Committee. With ministry training from the District School of Ministry, Crystal continues to serve families with both compassion and practical support.

 

Listen in as Crystal shares her family’s adoption journey and about the importance of finding your tribe and the right tools when parenting kids with FASD.

 

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Links mentioned in this episode:

justicefororphansny.org

justicefororphansny.org/hope-community    

Email:  sandraflach@justicefororphansny.org

sandraflach.com

Orphans No More—A Journey Back to the Father book on amazon.com

crystal.dethlefs@thefloridacenter.org

The Florida Center

TBRI

FASCETS

Jeff Noble