The question of how many people have FASD is commonly asked of researchers and service providers. This question is important for understanding the full scale of the issue in our communities, providing consistent statistics to policy makers, and for making decisions about where to target funding, resources, and services. Rates of FASD are very difficult to measure because the disability … Read More
Article Summary: Experiences of living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: a systematic review and synthesis of qualitative data
There is limited research on caregivers’ experiences of raising children with FASD, and even fewer studies that focus on the lived experiences of individuals with FASD. Providing these individuals with opportunities to voice their perspectives on how they manage the challenges of daily life is important for understanding disability, and ultimately for improving supports and quality of life for individuals … Read More
Article Summary: Sleep Health Issues for Children with FASD: Clinical Considerations (2010)
Sleep issues in FASD have not received much attention in the research world. Problems with sleep for people with FASD may begin in early infancy and often persist into adulthood. Authors: James E. Jan, Kwadwo O. Asante, Julianne L. Conry, Diane K. Fast, Martin C. O. Bax, Osman S. Ipsiroglu, Elizabeth Bredberg, Christine A. Loock, and Michael B. Wasdell Journal: … Read More
Back to School Series Wrap Up: Had I known then: A message to those in the school system
Over the past month, we have put together a series of posts related to school experiences for individuals with FASD, caregivers, and opportunities for FASD prevention in post-secondary school settings. To conclude our series, we have asked our newest staff member, Richard Mugford, to reflect on his experiences related to FASD and the school system. “Had I known then what … Read More
Back to School #7: Article Summary: School Curriculum Advice from a Young Adult with FASD
There are relatively few studies in the FASD literature that include the voices of individuals with FASD. Additionally, the school experiences for people with FASD also remains a significant gap in the research. To fill these gaps, this article shares the personal account of 21 year-old Nathan who described his own personal strengths, challenges, and strategies related to school. A … Read More
Back to School # 6: “Dry Days” on University Campuses
To wrap up this week’s focus on drinking among post-secondary students, today we are talking about initiatives at some Canadian universities to ban alcohol during Frosh or Welcome Week as a “dry” kick-off to the school year. Alcohol-free orientation weeks are believed to be one of the best ways to reduce the problems associated with drinking, and are meant to … Read More
Back to School #5: CCSA Report on Drinking Among Post-Secondary Students
Last post, we discussed a Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) report on the harms of youth alcohol use. CCSA released a similar report on Heavy Episodic Drinking Among Post-Secondary Students, summarized below. The CCSA ran focus groups on five Canadian post-secondary campuses to discuss students’ beliefs on binge drinking. Key highlights from this report include: Student attitudes … Read More
Back to School #4: CCSA Report on Youth Alcohol Use
This week we will focusing our Back to School posts on alcohol use among youth and post-secondary students. The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) recently released several reports about alcohol use among post-secondary students, the first focusing on Youth Alcohol Use and Its Harms. In this report, findings are presented from a joint venture with the community … Read More
Back to School #3: FASD in Educational Settings. Part 2 – Dorothy Reid
Dorothy Reid is the Co-Chair of the CanFASD Family Advisory Committee. She is also the owner of Reid Wellness Consulting, providing consultation and training to individuals and organizations on maintaining wellness. Dorothy previously worked with the Correctional System primarily in the area of mental health service development and delivery. She has extensive professional experience in working with individuals with FASD … Read More
Back to School #2: FASD In Educational Settings. Part 1 – Simon Laplante
Simon Laplante is the Co-Chair of the CanFASD Family Advisory Committee and the adoptive father of a courageous young woman who struggles daily with ARND. He has a master’s degree in education and did his thesis on the impact of children with FASD on parents’ relationships with the school, community, and each other. Simon has been working in the Manitoba … Read More