This is the second part of the CanFASD Family Advisory Committee’s reflections on the Learning Together workshop themes: FASD as a Whole Body Disorder, Aging and Transitions, Supports and Strategies, and Advocating for Supports. Today’s post is Part 2, and includes reflections from FAC members on the third and fourth themes. See Part 1 here. Thanks again to FAC members Tammy Roberts, Simon Laplante, … Read More
Learning Together: Family Advisory Committee Reflections Part 1
In 2016, the CanFASD Family Advisory Committee hosted a workshop that brought together caregivers, individuals with FASD, government and policy representatives, and researchers to identify and inform the research priorities of those who provide support to individuals with FASD. You can find the full workshop report here. We did a Q&A with FAC members about each of the themes: FASD as … Read More
Article Summary: Protective Factors for Child Development
Protective factors for child development at age 2 in the presence of poor maternal mental health: Results from the All Our Babies (AOB) pregnancy cohort Authors: Sheila McDonald, Heather Kehler, and Suzanne Tough Journal: BMJ Open What is this study about? This study looked at … Read More
Student Spotlight: Aamena Kapasi (University of Alberta)
The ability to manage your thoughts, impulses, and emotions is an essential skill in order to stay calm, focused, and alert in everyday situations. This ability is called self-regulation, and is an area that individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) often struggle with. The Alert Program®, developed by Williams & Shellenberger (1996), is a self-regulation training program with reported … Read More
How should we talk about FASD?
In June, I wrote a post summarizing a Manitoba report on the overlaps and gaps between expert and public understandings about FASD. Today, I’m sharing the researcher’s recommendations for changing the FASD conversation. The authors identified two key issues that make it challenging for policymakers and service providers to cultivate public support for FASD initiatives: The narrow understanding of FASD as a … Read More
Honouring Jordan’s Principle
Honouring Jordan’s Principle is a report outlining the obstacles to accessing equitable health and social services for First Nations children with special healthcare needs living in Pinaymootang, Manitoba. Pinaymootang is a First Nations community about 220km north of Winnipeg. Jordan’s Principle is a child first principle intended to ensure that First Nations children do not experience denials, delays, or disruptions of … Read More
Success Story: Youth Archer Warren Collins wins Silver at NAIG!
In June, CBC did a piece titled Alberta archer shoots to win at North American Indigenous Games. When you read the article you’ll learn about Warren Collins, a 15-year-old from Cochrane, Alberta. Warren has FASD and says he wants to be an inspiration for others with disabilities. “I want to tell them that no matter what disability you have, you can … Read More
Sneak Peek: An Employment Success Story!
Our survey is still open! Are you an adult with FASD who is working? Are you a caregiver or service provider for an adult with FASD who is working? Complete the survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/employmentstudy Click here to download the poster: Employment Project Online Ad I’m excited to share with you a clip of a video from our employment success study. Blair gave … Read More
Student Spotlight: Josée Bélanger (Laurentian University)
Living with a Sibling Diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder By: Josée Bélanger As you may know, individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are not the only ones who are impacted by their condition. Often, family members such as parents, grandparents, and siblings are very involved with caring for the individual with FASD. Though research has highlighted the … Read More
CanFASD Media Release: Consensus on the TRC’s Call to Action on FASD
Reminder: Registration is now open for The 2017 National FASD Conference in Calgary October 24th to 27th. Program information: http://fasd.alberta.ca/documents/2017-registration-guide.pdf Registration form: https://www.eply.com/2017NationalFASDConference1881926 PDF: CanFASD Media Release on reaching consensus on enacting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to action on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder