When asked to write this blog on what FASD means to me, I struggled. FASD is a complicated disability with many challenging aspects. I finally decided that, in my experience, FASD to this point has meant missed opportunities.
What FASD Means to Me
Caregiving has meant making my kids live on their own, knowing that they may fail, but also knowing I needed to keep others safe. Sleeping when I did not know where my child was, praying continually that they would live through the night.
Life with COVID-19 from a Caregivers’ Perspective
We are finally confident that people will understand what we mean when we say life is unpredictable and sometimes feels like it is spiralling out of control. It took a pandemic to have others experience what our lives are like routinely.
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).
Nunavut Members Needed for Family Advisory Committee
Are you a parent with a loved one with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) who would like to make a difference in your child’s life and the lives of others that have been prenatally exposed to alcohol? Do you like learning and contributing to discussions that lead to change and new discoveries? Do you presently reside in Nunavut?
Navigating the Holiday Season with FASD: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
December is here and the holidays are just around the corner. For some this is an extremely enjoyable rest period involving lots of time with family and a short respite before the new year. For other individuals and families this time of year can be a stressful, anxiety-inducing experience.
Learning Together: Family Advisory Committee Reflections Part 2
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