It is well documented that caregivers of children with disabilities experience increased levels of stress. But caregivers of children with FASD have been shown to experience higher levels of stress than most people. In a 2009 study, 92% of primary caregivers of individuals with FASD had clinically elevated stress levels. These number show that finding effective ways for caregivers to manage stress is especially important for this population.
FASD and Mental Health for Professionals
One in five Canadians experience challenges with mental health. This proportion is high, but the stats are even higher for individuals with FASD. Researchers have shown that approximately 90% of people with FASD experience mental health issues. These numbers show that mental health is an extremely important consideration when discussing needs, supports, and resources for individuals with FASD.
Mental Health and COVID-19
Our mental health is very fragile right now because of all the uncertainty and stress surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. We can protect our mental health by using healthy coping strategies when we start to feel negative emotions.
Mental Health Week and FASD
The goal of mental health week is to shift how we think about mental health and to promote behaviours that encourage good mental health. Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have unique needs and challenges that – when not met – can impact their mental health, and that of their friends and families. When we talk about mental health, we need to ensure that the voices of all Canadians are included in this conversation.
#FeatureFriday – Andrew Wrath
Our organization is excited to announce that we have a new member joining our team. Andrew Wrath is a research coordinator at the University of Saskatchewan. He received his Bachelor of Arts Honors Specialization in Psychology from Western University in 2011. He has experience in the areas of mental health, attachment, mood and anxiety disorders, stigma, and trauma. Andrew will be working … Read More
Alcohol, Memes, and COVID-19
Media, such as social media, plays a large role in the way that alcohol use is normalized. Culturally, alcohol is part of how we relax, how we celebrate, how we reward ourselves, and how we manage anxiety in difficult situations.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Caregivers
A member of the CanFASD Family Advisory Committee recently had the opportunity to participate in a research program that gave caregivers of individuals with FASD the skills to better manage the challenges and stresses of their daily lives using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
#FeatureFriday – FASD in Canadian news
People with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) can have difficult and stigmatizing experiences throughout their lives, as can women who drink alcohol while pregnant. For people who have never knowingly met someone with FASD, the news media could play a key role in shaping their understanding of FASD, alcohol, and pregnancy.
Patients with FASD: Tips for Healthcare Providers
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, frontline health care providers are working day and night to protect the health and safety of individuals all across Canada. We honor and respect their sacrifice and commitment to Canadians in this challenging time. This blog post provides a few tips to help frontline health care workers manage the specialized needs of individuals with FASD during COVID-19.
Attend a Virtual Presentation from the 2020 Sterling Clarren Award Winner!
We’re excited to announce that the 2020 Sterling Clarren Award winner is John Aspler from McGill University! John is completing his doctoral thesis analyzing the discourse surrounding FASD, alcohol, and pregnancy in major Canadian print news sources.