Fantasy

Akila has had a vivid imagination for years. I can't tell you how many times I have gotten an email or call from a teacher at school thinking I'm pregnant, I have cancer, we just adopted a fifth child, my sister was shot (don't have a sister), we were in a serious car accident and Akila's cousin was killed, etc. She is always making up crazy stories and they are usually full of tragedy or something big. I have told her teachers, that I will be sure to let them know right away of any large drama going on at our home. We have talked about this tendency to tell fantasies, or to lie, at her IEP meetings. Thankfully.

I say thankfully, as yesterday she told a whopper of a story at school that has some kids upset, and rightfully so. I won't give the details here, but it was not good. I know that false allegations are a common issue with kids who have FASD. It is scary stuff. It makes you think.

I tried to have a conversation with Akila tonight about the story she told. It did not go well. Imagine having a very serious conversation about something very mature, with a 4 1/2 year old (the age her emotional maturity is at). I was very calm. I told her I wasn't mad and that she wasn't in trouble, but she got pretty mad and emotional. We talked about the words she used, the serious meaning behind the words, and why it scared some other kids. She didn't get it. There was a real disconnect. She just wanted the conversation to be over.

It is really scary to think of what possibly lies ahead of us. She is 9. When I imagine her at 12 or 13, or even older, I get really nervous. I pray that I am wrong.