Category Archive

Audrey McFarlane has been the Executive Director for CanFASD for the last 2.5 years, and of the Lakeland Centre for FASD (LCFASD) for the past 20. Before becoming ED, Audrey had been on the board of CanFASD since 2005. Her interest in FASD began in the 1990s while she was working as a behavioral specialist for people with developmental disabilities. … Read More

Wanda Beland is a member of CanFASD’s Family Advisory Committee and the Executive Director of the North West Region FASD Society. She and her husband are the adoptive parents of four adolescents and adults with FASD. Trained in education, Wanda has coordinated diagnostic clinics, FASD programs for all ages and Parent-Child Assistance Programs. Growing up  in a traditional First Nations … Read More

According to a new study published earlier this week, women with intellectual and developmental disabilities are at an increased risk of rapid repeat pregnancy (RRP), which is defined by researchers as a pregnancy (live or lost) occurring within 12 months since the previous birth. RRP is associated with a number of negative outcomes, including stillbirth, preterm birth, growth restriction in … Read More

CBC news recently covered the story of an Edmonton woman who is finding creative ways to promote healthy living and alcohol-free social opportunities. Kaitie Degen is familiar with the negative effects of alcohol use, having grown up in a family impacted by substance use issues. After taking steps towards reducing drinking in her own life, she founded Sober Saturdayz, which … Read More

Dr. Sarah Treit is currently appointed in the Department of Biomedical Engineering in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. Dr. Treit is making important strides with her research to better understand FASD. Her study on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of brain development of children with FASD revealed delayed development of white matter (brain ‘wiring’) and … Read More

Without proper support, we know that individuals with FASD can face many life adversities. One of the most common of these challenges is inappropriate sexual behaviour (ISB). It is important to note that individuals with FASD may be involved in ISB as either a victim or a perpetrator. ISB can include many different problematic behaviours such as: inappropriate sexual advances … Read More

Myles Himmelreich is a mentor, public speaker, FASD consultant, and advocate.  Born with FASD, he provides exceptional insights to the challenges and success he has faced throughout his life. His personal journey unites audiences across different disciplines, ranging from mental health professionals, caregivers, researchers, and policy makers, to people with FASD. He is an extremely effective communicator and leaves a … Read More

Every year on September 9, the international community celebrates FASD Day. September 9 is chosen to represent the 9 months that women should abstain from alcohol consumption while pregnant. This year, in preparation for FASD Day, we have interviewed some amazing people to learn a bit about how their lives have been affected by FASD. They include caregivers, researchers, policy … Read More

The Kids Brain Health Network recently posted an article on the value of engaging parents of children with disabilities in the research process.  The article highlights how these types of partnerships help us to “learn with each other, about each other, and from each other” and make more meaningful impacts on the lives of children and families. Here at CanFASD, we … Read More

Congratulations to the Northwest Territories for their commitment to advancing FASD and autism services! On March 7, 2018, Minister of Health and Social Services, Glen Abernethy, spoke in legislature about the concrete steps the NWT is taking to enhance its services for those with disabilities. CanFASD Board Chair, Tim Moorhouse, was in the legislature when this announcement was made and he … Read More