Celebrate World Book Day this Saturday by reading a little more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder! World Book Day was created by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading. This year they are celebrating its 25th anniversary.
Why Read?
Reading is known to expand your focus, memory, empathy, and communication skills. It can reduce stress, improve mental health, and increase one’s lifespan. It is also known to promote wellness, improve relationships, increase knowledge, and promote restful sleep. Reading with children is beneficial to their future success as it can enhance their well-being and everyday lives.
Read About FASD
What better way to celebrate this day than to read books about FASD? Here are some books we recommend:
For Families
FASD and the Online World by Ira J. Chasnoff, M.D.
Dr. Chasnoff describes the risks for individuals with FASD, how their brain processes information related to internet use, and gives practical strategies of what families can do. He covers the need for managing behavioral expectations online, setting up and reinforcing the ground rules, and how to handle things when they are not followed.
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder by Maria Catterick
This book explains how FASD affects individuals at different stages of their lives. With simple, illustrative diagrams, photographs, and charts, it demonstrates how to identify FASD and help mothers at risk. Accessible and informative, this essential guide can be used by social workers, family placement teams, child protection workers, foster carers, adoptive parents, midwives, and teachers.
For People with FASD
The Way I am is Different: A Children’s Book about a Boy with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder by Helen Simpson-Orcutt
A boy with FASD embarks on his third-grade year and discusses his struggles from an honest viewpoint of living with FASD in elementary school. He reveals that the support from family, friends, and teachers certainly makes a positive difference. This book helps children understand their “different” is perfectly okay, and they are not alone.
Hugs for Teens with FASD: A Book of Encouragement by Judy Torralba
Written for teens and young adults who struggle with their disability, this book is filled with helpful quotes and ideas to help teens understand and cope with the different emotions they may be feeling.
Forgetful Frankie, the World’s Greatest Rock Skipper by Jill Bobula and Katherine Bobula
Frankie creates a wonderful world full of fun and forgets about the rules and consequences. He shares the challenges and joys of having FASD. Join Frankie as he brings you along on his exciting journey.
Tenacity by Rebecca L. Tillou
This is an inspirational book about adoption. It is about reunion, loneliness, addiction, unconditional love, and fetal alcohol syndrome. This book is the author’s story of her journey as she discovers what makes her who she is. She has tenacity as she relentlessly searches for her birth family. What she discovers is beyond what she expected.
For Professionals
Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Clinician’s Guide by CanFASD Research Lead, Mansfield Mela
Comprehensive, clinically relevant information for mental health practitioners and professionals in educational, vocational, legal, child welfare, and correctional settings who treat individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE).
Clinical Forensic Psychology and Law by CanFASD Research Lead, Kaitlin McLachlan
This compilation of recent and classic articles provides detailed coverage of clinical forensic psychology and law. Selected articles explore the main areas of the discipline, including criminal and civil forensic assessment, forensic treatment, youth assessment and intervention, and professional and ethical issues in forensic practice.
Decolonizing Justice for Aboriginal youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders by Harry Blagg, Tamara Tulich, Robyn Williams, Raewyn Mutch, Suzie Edward May, Dorothy Badry, Michelle Stewart
This book reflects multidisciplinary and cross-jurisdictional analysis of issues surrounding FASD and the criminal justice system, and the impact on Aboriginal children, young people, and their families
Start Reading Today
Spending just ten minutes a day reading and sharing stories with others is fun and beneficial for all involved. Happy World Book Day!