We’re excited to share a unique, child-friendly way to learn about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) – through puppets!
FASD Understanding is an education initiative designed to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and provide practical support for individuals and families.
This project brings together Canadian researchers, community organizations, families with lived experience, and leading puppeteers to create videos and other resources that are both informative and engaging. These tools are designed for educators, caregivers, and service providers, helping spark meaningful conversations about FASD in classrooms, homes, and communities.
The role of puppetry
Puppetry helps to communicate complex concepts in an accessible way that encourages curiosity and dialogue. FASD Understanding features acclaimed Canadian puppeteers who have worked on shows like Fraggle Rock and other major children’s productions. Their expertise brings clarity, accessibility, and heart to a topic that urgently needs greater understanding. As Blair McCormick, a project member, explains:
“…we believe that building understanding early in life is one of the most powerful ways to reduce stigma and strengthen support for individuals with FASD. The FASD Understanding project gives children a compassionate, engaging, and accessible way to learn about FASD, and the use of puppets helps create a safe and relatable space for kids to explore big questions and emotions. It opens the door to conversations that families, educators, and communities often struggle to start. We are proud to contribute to a resource that helps create a more informed, empathetic, and supportive future for everyone impacted by FASD.”
FASD resources for children
FASD Understanding is now live and available free of charge – we encourage families, educators, and children to check it out!
If you’re looking for other child-friendly FASD resources, we also suggest the following –