Life in the Fasd Lane - by Rossi Griffin (Paperback)

About the Book

In this vibrant insight into life with foetal alcohol spectrum disorder, Rossi shares the tough bits, the highlights, and advice for other young people to live fabulously with FASD. Chapters from a specialist psychologist and Rossi's birth mum give context for parents and professionals supporting young people living with FASD.

Book Synopsis

This book shouldn't exist. No, seriously. It's not because the world doesn't need it. Somebody had to write it. I decided that somebody should be me. My name is Rossino Griffin, but please call me Rossi. I am 22 years old, and I have FASD.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder affects at least 4% of young people in the UK. It's linked to over 420 different conditions, from ADHD to hypermobility to epilepsy. Sure, there are all sorts of statistics and scientific studies about FASD, but what's it actually like?

Join Rossi as he guides you through his life with FASD. Through make-up, mayhem, and marbles (found, lost, and swallowed!), Rossi and his mum share their experiences and insights, and offer ways for other young people living with FASD to find their own Brilliant.

Review Quotes

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who finds themselves reeling in the aftermath of an FASD diagnosis. That post-diagnosis period can be crushing-filled with grief, guilt, fear, and far too many hours spent down unhelpful Google rabbit holes. But Life in the FASD Lane offers something that's often in short supply at that moment: hope. Not the fluffy, sugar-coated kind, but real, grounded, fiercely honest hope rooted in lived experience, practical insight, and boundless love.

Rossi doesn't shy away from the hard stuff. He speaks candidly about the challenges, the chaos, the exhaustion-but he does so with such humour and grace that you find yourself laughing through tears. And more importantly, you find yourself believing that it's possible to do this-that your child is not broken, that life doesn't have to be bleak, and that, with the right understanding and strategies, brilliance can shine through even the toughest moments.

If you are a parent, caregiver, educator, or professional supporting someone with FASD-read this book. Read it when you're crying in your car. Read it when you're celebrating small wins. Read it when you've hit rock bottom. It will remind you that you're not alone, that laughter still exists, and that-most importantly-there is a path forward.

Life in the FASD Lane is a game-changer. Compassionate, empowering, and brilliantly funny-it should be required reading for everyone in the FASD community.

--Jo Garofalo, FASD lead advisor at Adoption UK and parent of a child with FASD

The FASD community needs this book-thank you, Rossi, for helping individuals with FASD to better understand their brains and empowering caregivers and professionals to offer better supports.--Barb Clark, FASD Educator & author of "Raising Kids and Teens with FASD"

Rossi: I think you have found your next Brilliant. First, incredible make-up artist. Now, an author who opens up their soul to the world. You use the phrase, "Find Your Brilliant." Wow. What a description. Speaks worlds to me, as this book will to all who read it. If each person in this world found their brilliant, the brightness would be awe inspiring.

Thank you Rossi for defining the words that we use to describe FASD in such simple terms. I think simple is the way to go for both neurotypical and neurodivergent types. I actually understand confabulation FINALLY!!! Thank you.

I found myself smiling and laughing at our similarities from the start of the book. This book is going to be a must have for those with an FASD and their friends and family.

A little on Jan's perspective. I found it so raw and so honest. So beautifully stated. Jan's words have broken through the stigma barrier for moms who drank while pregnant. Jan is One beautiful soul gave birth to one another beautiful soul.

I am honored to be given a chance to give a review on such Brilliance.

--Rebecca Tillou - FASD self advocate, Voorheesville, New York

Rossi is one of my heroes! With characteristic humour, insight and sassiness, this award-winning, out-of-the-box thinking, awesome young adult gives voice to all our loved ones with FASD who want to be seen, loved, understood and celebrated. A fabulous read!--Sandra Butcher, Chief Executive, The National Organisation for FASD

In this heartfelt and honest narrative, Rossi shares what it is like living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder (FASD). With humour and sincerity, he explores challenges and triumphs, offering valuable insight and hope. This book is truly a gem for all.--Alexandra Carlisle, PsychD AFBPsS, FASD Clinic Lead and Neurodevelopmental Specialist Clinician

About the Author

Rossi Griffin (Author)
Rossi Griffin is an FASD advocate and winner of the 2024 National Diversity Awards. He co-runs Road2FASD CIC, serves on the Young Adult Advisory Panel for National FASD and is the voice of the FASD.me site. Rossi sang at Wembley with Voice in a Million to raise funds for Adoption UK and is a qualified makeup artist, featuring on BBC3's Glow Up season 6. Rossi uses his platform to advocate for hidden disabilities and inspire others to find the ability in disability.