In time for FASD Awareness Month last year, this book was released titled “What is Your Superpower?”. This book reflects the power of individuals with FASD, and emphasizes how we can all contribute to making a positive impact in their lives.
Authour is a Master’s of Health Sciences, which helped her recognize that we have a role to play in supporting individuals with FASD and in shaping equitable environments. She had the privilege of focusing on FASD through her academic research and her time as a CanFASD trainee. Collectively, these experiences have taught her the importance of support systems for individuals with FASD, and that everyone – whether it be family, friends, or the broader community – plays a critical part in this support network.
Celebrating the strengths, resilience, and growth of children with FASD
Drawing from her experiences and research, she set out to write a children’s book that celebrates the strengths, resilience, and growth of children with FASD. She uses strengths-based language, and acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals with FASD as well as equally important to shine a light on their strengths. This book finds that balance by showing how challenges can lead to success when met with understanding and support across a variety of settings.
The process of writing this book was done by collaborating with individuals with FASD and their support person(s) throughout the process, to ensure that the story truly reflected diverse perspectives and experiences. The book’s imagery is equally significant, including many shared photos of nature, including trees, flowers, and beautiful landscapes, that symbolized resilience and growth. The authour aimed to capture these powerful conversations and themes throughout the book’s visuals, using nature as a metaphor for the ways individuals with FASD grow and thrive. Together, the storyline and imagery beautifully convey the strength of the FASD community.
A valuable conversation starter
Recognizing the importance of shaping environments that are inclusive of individuals with FASD, the autour wanted to create a resource not only for children, but also for families, service providers, and the broader community to foster conversations about FASD in a positive manner. While the book simplifies FASD in a way that’s understandable for children and young readers, it can still serve as a valuable conversation starter for service providers, community members, and families. This book is not designed to offer comprehensive information or guidance, but rather to introduce key ideas in a way that encourages further exploration.
This book will inspire greater awareness, spark conversations, and encourage readers to embrace and celebrate differences contributing toward a more understanding and supportive environment for individuals with FASD – Order your copy on Amazon today!
100% of proceeds are being donated to CanFASD to help advance research, resources, and supports for individuals with FASD, their families, and the service providers working alongside them.