It was explained in the book that the reason for such problems stems from the diversion of the idea of "poverty, unemployment, divorce, guilt, or even the death of a family member. Alcoholism was a "curse" in Adam's situation. With his mother's negligence during the pregnancy Adam will no longer live the life he was born to live. He was given another chance to grow into a loving family, but with his disability he is permanently categorized by society. He will always be regarded as "LD" (70), learning disabled because of his mothers" carelessness during pregnancy. Alcoholism is a problem all throughout the world, yet most prominent in Native American culture. Alcoholism, being a genetic disease, stems through families with all different cultural backgrounds and can lead to repeat routines in the future. It not only has severe repercussions during pregnancy such as mental retardation and slow development, but also impacts the lives of family and friends. It can lead to abuse and disregard of the people in ones life. In Adam's instance, he was removed from the household because of something as tragic as the death of his parents. "But by then it was too late. After he was born, the damage had been done,"(192). Adam now has a probable future of "mental retardation and learning problems, not jut alcohol consumption." He is left with only a memory of his parents being his troubles acquired through their addiction. .
To better grasp the meaning of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, we take a closer look at the development of Adam, and his father. Michael viewed his son as a normal, average boy. He assumed his son was just slower than other children, but always kept the idea that he was normal. It took many hard and long years for Michael to realize that Adam's problems were more than small, and basic issues. As we know Michael was a single father who adopted Adam, he had no basis for comparison with Adam and his needs.
