Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is the leading cause of preventable brain damage and birth defects in Canadian children. This disorder impacts a significant number of Canadians, and impacts the lives of not only those with the disorder, but also for those families and caregivers who provide care.
Join us as award-winning journalist and author, Ann Dowsett Johnston discusses dismantling the stigma and how to address an alcogenic culture that blames and shames the FASD community. We will further discuss how in order to move forward in Canada, we must advocate for a more compassionate society, one ready to have an adult conversation about diagnosis, support and constructive solutions.
We will also hear from Dr. Dorothy Badry and Dr. Deb Goodman who will discuss a practical set of tools and resources that will be useful to healthcare practitioners and caregivers. The Caregiver Curriculum on FASD and the website www.fasdchildwelfare.ca were developed in response to an identified need for training on FASD that was accessible and available to caregivers supporting individuals with this lifelong disability on a day to day basis. Drawing on current research and knowledge, the key modules include: Understanding FASD as a disability; The Impact of FASD including neurological effects and co-occurring conditions, FASD informed care, strengths based approaches, caring for the caregiver including issues of grief and loss and compassion fatigue; FASD and behaviour and working with professionals. The curriculum was developed through a contribution from the Public Health Agency of Canada and the website is housed by the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto under the direction of Dr. Dorothy Badry and Dr. Deb Goodman.