Explore every episode of the podcast The FASD Success Show
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Still Growing: Why Slower Doesn’t Mean Stuck in the FASD Brain | 30 Nov 2025 | 00:41:52 | |
The scans are in, and they tell a different story. Dr. Catherine Lebel, Canada’s leading FASD brain imaging researcher, joins Jeff Noble to share what MRI research reveals about how the brain develops after prenatal alcohol exposure and why the story is far more hopeful than most people think. Through years of ground breaking studies, Dr. Lebel and her team have shown that the FASD brain doesn’t stop growing. It just grows differently and on its own timeline. Her work connects science and lived experience, giving caregivers something we all need more of: evidence-based hope. In this conversation, Jeff and Dr. Lebel talk about: Dr. Lebel’s message is simple but powerful. The brain is still growing, still learning, and still capable of change. Different doesn’t mean broken. It means still developing. Watch the full episode Listen on Connect with Jeff | |||
| What Prenatal Alcohol Exposure Really Does to the Brain(even low levels) | 23 Nov 2025 | 00:36:01 | |
What if your loved one with FASD’s brain wasn’t misfiring — it was miss-messaging? In this powerful episode, Jeff sits down with Dr. Long from the University of Calgary’s Developmental Neuroimaging Lab, one of the key researchers on Dr. Catherine Lebel’s team, to uncover what really happens inside the brain after prenatal alcohol exposure. Dr. Long explains how the brain’s network — the system that keeps messages moving between regions — changes after prenatal alcohol exposure, and what that means for learning, behavior, and everyday regulation. Together, they unpack how the brain adapts, reroutes, and finds new ways to communicate, even when signals get jammed. In This Episode You’ll Hear • Why FASD is less about “broken” wiring and more about “busy” messaging systems Why It Matters This episode is a reminder that behaviors aren’t failures they’re feedback. Dr. Long’s work helps caregivers, teachers, and professionals see FASD through a brain-based lens, turning frustration into understanding and burnout into compassion. Different doesn’t mean broken it means we need to look deeper, respond smarter, and keep believing that change is possible. Resources & Links Join our FASD Success Facebook Group: facebook.com/groups/FASDforever | |||
| Why Getting an FASD Diagnosis Matters: Barb Clark’s Story (Part 1) | 31 Aug 2025 | 00:39:15 | |
In this raw and powerful episode of the FASD Success Show, Jeff sits down with his friend and colleague Barb Clark just hours after she received her official FASD diagnosis. Barb has coached, trained, and supported caregivers for years, but this time she’s on the other side of the story talking openly about what it feels like to finally have confirmation of something she always suspected. She shares the shock, the relief, and the validation of putting a name to her lifelong struggles — and how her neuropsych report revealed both surprising strengths and challenging weaknesses. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:
We also dig into:
Barb’s story is brave, real, and exactly the kind of conversation caregivers need to hear. Whether you’ve wondered about diagnosis for your child, or even yourself, this episode will show you why naming it matters and why it’s never too late. So whether you’re deep in the struggle or standing at a crossroads, this episode is packed with relatable moments and real-world insight you can carry into your own journey. Show Notes: Stay Connected and Empowered
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| #071 Miranda Eodanable: Educational Psychologist | 04 Jul 2021 | 00:44:15 | |
My good friend Aliy Brown from FASD Hub Scotland reached out to let me know about some interesting research going on right now in Scotland with young people with FASD. And while it may not apply to where you live, I believe we learn from each other and can be inspired to bring this type of research into our own communities. We do talk about the school system and educational assessments and interventions as well which will help you prepare for the next school year no matter where you are. Miranda Eodanable is an Educational Psychologist in Scotland with responsibility for neurodevelopmental assessment pathways with health services in areas of FASD and Intellectual Disabilities. Miranda has worked in education systems for the last 20 years and has guest lectured on the Scottish Masters in Educational Psychology courses. Currently, she is working on a Ph.D. at the University of Edinburgh on the value and impact of an FASD diagnosis. “Lots of research talks about professional views about diagnosis and I was like, where is the balance here? What about parents? Young people with FASD? Where is their research?” Miranda’s research project is to understand the experiences and identity of young people with FASD. Scottish youth (ages 12 – 19) with FASD are invited to talk with Miranda and participate in a PhotoVoice Project to take photos of their daily experiences. Her goal is to clarify what an FASD diagnosis means to them and what kind of support they value. In addition, we talk about Miranda’s background, her FASD journey and her role in the Scottish education system. | |||
| #070 Keeping You and Your Family Safe Online: Jess McBeath | 27 Jun 2021 | 01:15:57 | |
How do I keep my child/teen/adult safe online is a frequent question I get from caregivers. In fact, just a couple of days ago in our private Facebook Caregiver group, someone asked that very question. Caregivers responded with everything from, we never allow access, lock it up, only supervised use, to parental controls. I get it. We want to keep our kids safe. And for some this may still be the answer … but today’s guest is going to challenge your thinking a little. She sure did mine. She says the most important parental control is you … but it might not be in the way you think. Jess McBeath is an online safety specialist in Scotland, who believes everyone should be empowered to live a good life online. She has trained thousands of people, including teachers, social workers, foster carers, and police across the UK, to keep children, vulnerable adults and themselves safe online. “Online safety is so fascinating because we have completely transformed our understanding of what we need to do to be safe online.” This episode, like the presentations Jess makes, is about deconstructing and reconstructing our online presence and thinking about digital safety and citizenship. You likely have some expectations or ideas, but I bet many of you are going to leave with different ones. We cover mental health and screen time, pornography, cyberbullying, gaming, sexting, live streaming, FB lives, fake news, examining through a specific set of lenses:
“If you really want to understand the world, then you want to try and get a wider perspective on it. The problem at the moment is that we are not informed because the technology decides our information for us and that’s what we need to change.” Now I get it, this episode might trigger some values clashes and long-held beliefs. But the fact is we live in a digital world. Unless you are living in the woods without access then you really do need a planned and mindful approach. I think Jess provides excellent advice. Let me know what you do to keep your kids safe and if you are going to do anything different after listening to today’s show. | |||
| #069 Bill Michaud: Lessons from Someone Who Gets it | 20 Jun 2021 | 01:24:06 | |
We know our active audience has a higher percentage of moms over dads … but we know the dads are out there. Whether they are in the main caregiving role or behind the scenes with their partner, dads or male influences are an important part of the caregiving journey for many families. That’s why I’m super stoked to have my next guest Bill Michaud talk about his FASD journey. And it just happens to be Father's Day when we release this episode! Bill is a husband (to previous podcast guest Debbie Michaud), a foster and adoptive dad, works in the developmental services sector, and as he reveals on the show today, suspects he is also on the Spectrum. This guy gets it. “We don't take on what's going on internally for (our kids) and apply it to what's going on externally, because we don't know and they don't have the ability to tell us. So, everyone is going around assuming...we need to stop making judgements.” I suspect if you are a dad or in a role like Bill, you may not give yourself enough credit for helping to create the environment and be the support that your child/teen/adult needs. If so, I invite you (and anyone who wants a unique perspective) to spend some time with Bill and me. | |||
| #068 Eating Disorders: Insight and Support with Dr. Anita Federici | 06 Jun 2021 | 01:18:41 | |
Today’s guest is a little bit different from the others. Her specialty is an area caregivers ask a lot of questions about (eating, food and therapy). Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot of specific FASD knowledge about treatment. When we discovered Dr. Federici through a webinar on eating disorders and saw the intersection between FASD and Eating Disorders was so great, we knew we had to get her on the show. Dr. Federici is a Clinical Psychologist and the Owner of The Centre for Psychology and Emotion Regulation. She holds an Adjunct Faculty position at York University and is a distinguished Fellow of the Academy for Eating Disorders. “You have to be able to combine what you know to be true about working with people who have FASD and what you know to be true about eating disorders and emotion regulation – and that’s what I love to do in my career. Adapting and fine-tuning treatment for people who are often missed.” We know FASD is a whole-body disorder. We know there are over 420 co-occurring conditions. What I did not know was how interconnected FASD and Eating Disorders are. Dr. Federici and I explore this as well as:
“Eating disorders are not chosen.” FASD is a complex disorder – just like eating disorders. And just like we talk about behaviour as a symptom of FASD, an eating disorder is a symptom or manifestation of something else. It is not about the food. It is what is below the surface that needs to be addressed. And just like many doctors do not receive appropriate training and education on FASD, many are not informed enough on recognizing eating disorders. Dr. Federici provides accessible resources on her website. Let me know what your biggest aha moment was. | |||
| #067 Amanda Burley: FASD Miracle Baby | 31 May 2021 | 01:04:27 | |
Anyone that has followed me for a while knows about Amanda Burley – Amanda and her family were the first family I coached after graduating from the FASD Program at the Toronto CAS Child Welfare Institute. Both Tara and I have had the privilege and the honour to become friends with her and her family. I love sharing updates for caregivers so they can follow her journey. “I am here for a reason. It’s to help kids with FASD who can’t speak like I speak.” Amanda candidly shares some of her struggles, achievements, philosophy and lets us know what is new, including:
Amanda says whenever someone has doubted her, that makes her try even harder to prove them wrong. Whenever she doubts herself, she remembers her reasons for being and the goals she has set that keep her going. She is sweet, enthusiastic and has proven me and others wrong on her road to getting to where she is today. I believe you will be inspired by her journey and her words. | |||
| #066 Dr. Catherine Lebel: New INFO on FASD and the Brain | 17 May 2021 | 01:06:33 | |
Today I am stoked to have a returning guest, Dr. Catherine Lebel. We get down to science today. But don't worry, I help make this accessible. We are talking about a recent FASD research paper she wrote and a current study she is working on. While this research is valuable, and while the information is interesting, it doesn't necessarily mean it will change practice by itself. But it can be a building block and I felt that people would be interested in finding out what is going on in the research field. | |||
| #065 Talking Social Work, FASD and Parents Helping Parents | 10 May 2021 | 00:59:44 | |
The episode this week is a chat with three cool and awesome advocates who are doing great things for caregivers and individuals with FASD. It may be in my home province of Ontario, but what they have to say and are doing can inspire and help where you are. Today I’m talking to Sharron Richards, Mary Hutchings and Mary Ann Bunkowsky about social work, advocating for system change, building support teams and The Parents Helping Parents Project, a phone support resource provided by parent Mentors for parents and caregivers of individuals with FASD in Ontario. Sharron Richards received her Master of Social Work degree from Carleton University and worked in child welfare for close to 40 years, primarily as a community development worker. She chairs the Toronto FASD Network and is committed to bringing her knowledge, experience, resources, and social privilege to ensuring that individuals and families affected by FASD have access to the resources and supports they require. Mary Hutchings has a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Toronto. She spent 38 years with the Children’s Aid Society of Toronto on the front line and as a Manager. She Co-Chairs the Toronto FASD Leadership Team and is a member of the Toronto FASD Network. She is motivated by the resilience and courage of parents/caregivers as well as an understanding that unresolved grief impacts lives in significant and often overlooked ways. Mary Ann Bunkowsky participates in many community activities and FASD-related projects, but most notably is the co-founder of the Halton FASD Parent/Caregiver and Adult Support Groups. She also serves on the Halton FASD Steering Committee and served on the Family Advisory Committee with CanFASD. Mary Ann and her husband Brad have two sons. She often states that her children are her teachers, and they remind her often of the important role we all play in each others’ lives. In each podcast, the aim is to not only let you know you are not on this journey alone, provide interesting stories about what is going on around the world but also give you inside tips and knowledge to help you advocate for services to make your life as a caregiver and for your children/teens and adults that much better. Today we talk about:
and
"You have to be a champion for families and kids. It isn’t bad kids or bad parents. It is they have a lot of diagnoses. They have a list of labels. When we realized that those labels really didn’t fit them, when you realized what the disability was and you learned about the disability those labels just went out the window. If you put in the right supports, give them the right opportunities a lot of that behaviour stops.” It is so important to keep talking and connecting. Not only as caregivers but also as professionals. You just never know what you are going to learn – and I learned about some resources that are in Ontario that I wasn’t aware of and some interesting projects the Toronto FASD Network is undertaking. Even if you are not in Ontario, there are some great discussions about social work and social workers in this episode that I think are helpful for anyone. We know that when caregivers feel supported, they feel less overwhelmed, less isolated and more hopeful. I hope listening to these podcasts provides that.
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| #064 Reinier deSmit: My FASD Engine | 02 May 2021 | 01:24:55 | |
Language Warning Imagine living five decades thinking you didn’t fit in, but not quite sure why? Despite having a high IQ, you feel like you are a ‘problem child’ because of your behaviours. Today I talk to an adult on the spectrum: a storyteller. He weaves stories through his words, music, and photography. He is a super cool dude, and I can’t wait for you to hear about him and his outlook. As much as I’m an absolute advocate for being who you are, I still in my deep gut and heart know that we all have to modify a bit to relate to each other. It doesn’t make it wrong. To be authentic. (I moved) from being a victim to it’s a choice how I interact. Reinier has led an interesting life and has a unique perspective. We talk about his journey of self-reflection. How his high IQ masked his disability and the lengths he went to trying to figure himself out - and how it all changed when he found out late in his life that he was on the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum. This interview has a lot of metaphors and contemplation, including:
“Why can’t I be normal, was my universal mantra for 5 decades. Now it is, I don’t want to be normal. My job (now) is to re-inspire people that you are dealing with a conscious being and their brain is not a signifier of their ability of consciousness. Neurotypicals don’t know how hard someone with FASD is working.” This episode is full of stories. Stories about changing his name, conversations with his mom about alcohol use during pregnancy, how getting a diagnosis cleared up wasted life energy and what his philosophy of below the neck and above the waist living means. He has advice for caregivers and explains how he views his role in advocating for and supporting other individuals with FASD. There are so many metaphors and wonderful stories in this episode that I am sure you will find something that fits with your philosophy not only as a human being but as a caregiver or an individual on the Spectrum. Let me know what your favourite quote, story or piece of advice is. Show Notes: Home Page - AwesomeAwareness.com Email: reinier@brillianteye.ca | |||
| #063 Dr. Nancy Poole: FASD Prevention - More than Awareness | 25 Apr 2021 | 01:11:13 | |
What do you think prevents people from getting the message about no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy? Do you think it is even possible to prevent FASD? Why do we support individuals with FASD but not moms? What about messages geared only to women? These are questions I get answers to with today’s guest, Dr. Nancy Poole, who talks about the 4 Part FASD Prevention Model she was part of developing. Nancy is the Director of the Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, a research and knowledge exchange centre hosted by BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre in Vancouver and is the Prevention Lead for the CanFASD Research Network. She has published over 125 academic papers, book chapters and technical reports over the past decade, and co-edited five books. She has a doctorate in education and recently was awarded a Doctor of Laws (honoris causa) by the Justice Institute of BC in recognition of her contributions to women’s health, including trauma-informed practice and the treatment of substance use and addiction. Guests are rare where you are not going to hear much of me. But this is one. The stories and knowledge that Dr. Poole weaves in this interview about why the current one-step method of prevention is just not working speaks for itself. There is a lot here, but it is user-friendly so that you can apply it in conversations or advocacy with family, friends, professionals, and others. When I started in this field, I realized most people thought if you just made a pamphlet or a poster, that if you just make people aware of the problem, then they would just change. That is only a very small piece of the story. I felt if we could map out all the pieces that are needed and if we could get all the people that are needed interested in those pieces to see how they could synchronize their efforts, we would have such a better chance in preventing FASD. We talk about that history of awareness, the transformation from those “poor children and bad moms” to how intertwining Nancy’s research on addictions with FASD resulted in the 4 Step FASD Prevention Model, as well as:
I think the idea of wrapping care around women who have these more complex needs makes a lot of sense. It makes it less like you have a lot of problems to we just want to support you and your baby to be as healthy as possible. Come at it with kindness and compassion, rather than bad or willful behaviours. We all know how difficult it is to change behaviour but adding addiction complicates things even more. That is why a multi-level approach works. We need to provide wrap-around services to moms and families as much as we do to children. Nancy also speaks to her admiration and work with birth moms and the importance for them to be free to “move forward without feeling for the rest of their lives they have to hide in the corner, but instead be part of the story with us." What an incredible conversation. Dr. Poole’s work impacted my own life with the pregnancy for Tara and me. I hope it empowers you as caregivers, advocates, and birth moms. Let me know if you are as moved by Dr. Poole and her work as I have bee | |||
| #062 The FASD Justice League: Doctors McLachlan and Flannigan | 12 Apr 2021 | 01:18:58 | |
In the 1996 landmark study by Dr. Anne Streissguth, it was revealed that up to 60% of individuals with FASD will have contact with the justice system. Youth are 19x more likely to be incarcerated compared to youth without FASD. In Canada, justice-related costs are among the highest FASD associated costs. While not everyone with FASD will be involved, it is a significant number. Today I talk to two researchers who devote their time to examining justice and FASD. Dr. Kaitlyn McLachlan, MA, PhD. is an Assistant Professor in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Guelph, holds an adjunct faculty affiliation the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University, and is a member of the Peter Boris Centre for Addictions Research at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Katherine Flannigan, PhD, R. Psych. is a Registered Psychologist in Alberta and British Columbia and is a Research Associate with the Canada FASD Research Network. Even if your child or the person you support is not involved in the justice system, it is still good to know the latest information and research. Drs. McLachlan and Flannigan recently completed a study: Difficulties in Daily Living Experienced by Adolescents, Transition Aged Youth and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. We discuss their research, the Study, if individuals with FASD are more likely to get in trouble or stay in trouble, and so much more: “The folks who end up in the criminal justice system have so many needs and such complexities it’s so important that we use evidence-based decision making and policy applications to help improve outcomes for them, for their families, for communities, for Society, and this felt like a major vacuum and gap that needed to be addressed.”
“We don’t have great data that lets us say, if ‘a’ happens, then ‘b’ happens, then ‘c’ is going to happen. But we do have good tools and approaches for understanding if all of these things are happening, we need to address them so that we can improve the outcomes and reduce risk in different areas.” This is a “heavy” topic. Probably one of the most technical of my podcasts so far. I do my best to break down the language, but you are going to need to reduce your distractions for this one. There is a lot of information to absorb, but the passion Kaitlyn and Katy have is clear. They are working to improve outcomes for individuals, caregivers and communities. They have some interesting thoughts on assessments throughout the lifespan and give us a sneak peek at a new study they are conducting right now looking at factors that contribute to the understanding of not only individuals with FASD within the justice system but also judges, lawyers and others. I even appoint the Doctors as Minister and Deputy Minister of Justice to get their thoughts on what they think needs to shift within the system. I talk a lot about looking for individual’s strengths when supporting individuals with FASD. Kaitlyn and Katy echo a paradigm shift is required from a medical model of FASD to a strength-based perspective. Going from what is wrong to what is right and then determine where we want to go. | |||
| FASD Without Borders: Raising a Family, Building a Movement with Cornelia Fornefeld | 25 Jun 2025 | 00:57:24 | |
In this powerful episode of the FASD Success Show, Jeff sits down with Cornelia Fornefeld, a fierce and funny foster mom from Germany who's turning personal adversity into national impact. Cornelia opens up about the whirlwind journey of raising her daughter Dana, who came into her home at just five weeks old. Despite being a trained social worker and early childhood educator, Cornelia quickly discovered that parenting a child with FASD meant learning a whole new playbook. From chaotic daycare days to total school refusal and aggressive behaviors, she shares what life was like before they knew what they were really dealing with. After years of misdiagnosis and confusion, Cornelia and her husband pushed for clarity and finally received an FASD diagnosis. But even then, support was hard to come by. So, like many caregivers, Cornelia rolled up her sleeves and built the resources she wished existed. Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:
We also dig into:
Cornelia’s story is raw, inspiring, and full of those lightbulb moments that help you feel less alone. Her honesty about the burnout, the frustration, and the eventual breakthroughs is exactly what so many caregivers need to hear. So whether you’re deep in the struggle or trying to find your next right step, this episode is packed with relatable moments and real-world strategies. Tune in and get ready to feel seen, supported, and maybe even a little fired up. Show Notes: Stay Connected and Empowered
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| #061 FASD from all perspectives: A Mom, A Professional, An Individual with FASD | 05 Apr 2021 | 01:15:21 | |
It isn’t too often we find someone who has Prenatal Alcohol Exposure covered from all angles, but today’s guest certainly does. She is an individual with FASD, a caregiver for individuals with FASD and a professional who works with individuals with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. This episode is a 10 timer – there is so much incredible information from different perspectives you are going to want to keep coming back to it. Once I realized that it was probably the PAE, I started to feel like OK, I can start to work with this, and I can help everyone around me work with this too. Debbie Michaud is a Social Worker with a BSW and MSW – she is currently working on a Ph.D. in Educational Sustainability. She has worked for 24 years in the child welfare field in both front-line and supervisory roles. She is teaching at Confederation College in the Social Service Worker Program and at Sault College in the FASD Certificate Program. Debbie shares a very candid and intimate retelling of her journey and how she came to realize she was prenatally exposed to alcohol. She is a great example of how unique individuals with FASD can be because of what’s called “scattered profiles”. She tells us that despite being on her way to getting a Ph.D., FASD does affect her in some unique ways, as well we:
I have had the advantage of raising so many kids that I got to try different ways of raising them. I wanted that normal too. I fought with my kids to go to school, to do this, to do that, to be in girl guides and cub scouts and hockey and all of that stuff. And at the end of the day, some of that stuff ruined my relationship with them. There is so much in this episode. We touch on how systems need to respond to the unique needs of caregivers as well as individuals with FASD. She shares how a PhotoVoice Project created by caregivers of children with FASD came about and shares what the future holds for her. This is an episode about weaving the stories, tapestries, and intersections of our lives together and the importance of relationships. Be sure to check out the incredible and moving Photo Voice Project (link below) and let me know what you think. Show Notes: | |||
| #060 Vanessa Hrvatin: Journalist and FASD Champion | 28 Mar 2021 | 01:00:44 | |
Weaving FASD Stories, Science and Research When you think of media coverage for FASD what stories immediately come to your mind? Is it a respectful and honest piece or is it stereotypical and sensationalized? Do you know how feature stories are pitched, decided, and developed? In April 2018, an in-depth feature on FASD appeared in one of our National newspapers. A year later three more features. Last month, a fourth appeared by the same reporter. I decided it was time to dig behind the scenes to find out who this reporter was and how and why she become such a champion for FASD. Vanessa Hrvatin is a multimedia journalist, science writer, and science communications specialist currently working as a freelance journalist and writer. She is also a part-time Communications Coordinator for the DjavadMowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at the University of British Columbia. She holds a Master of Journalism from the University of British Columbia and a BSc. in biology and environmental science from Queen's University. She was the 2017/2018 recipient of the Michelle Lang Fellowship and spent a year working at the National Post and Calgary Herald on a special series about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Her work has also appeared in the Globe and Mail, Maclean's, Reader's Digest, the Canadian Medical Association Journal News, the Toronto Star, and Canadian Geographic, and she spent time at Global News BC as a broadcast writer. Her goal is to tell important stories and she has a special passion for science and health reporting. She also happens to be the first journalist I have interviewed for the podcast. And to say I was a little nervous is an understatement. When Ontario released their first FASD strategy I was hearing from people that it was a great start, but we have so much more work to do. When developing my pitch for the feature, I was asking people, what do you not like about FASD coverage in the media. What do you think we haven’t covered? I love how she found a way to combine both her passion for science and writing for the benefit of the FASD. Join me as we go undercover and behind the scenes in the making of an FASD feature and a champion. You will hear:
Not much has changed. We still don’t know how to properly support people who are transitioning into adulthood. Despite knowing about this (FASD) for a long time, we still have a gap in research and data. We need to move faster. I am so thankful that we have Vanessa on our team who continues to identify the gaps and tell the stories. She told me because she has spent so much time with the FASD community she has many more story ideas. I can’t wait to see them! Do me a favour and check out the pieces she has written (links in the show notes), leave a comment on the stories and let Vanessa and the newspapers know the importance of sharing personal, research and science-backed stories about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. | |||
| #059 Shana Mohr: FASD Trainer, Advocate and Mom | 21 Mar 2021 | 00:52:55 | |
A couple of weeks ago CanFASD shared a letter written to a teacher by a student with FASD. I had already reached out to Shana Mohr to interview her, as the Training Coordinator for the FASD Network in Saskatchewan, but was stoked to find out it was her daughter that wrote the letter! Shana has trained hundreds of professionals, caregivers, and individuals with intellectual disabilities about the complexities of FASD. Through her experiences, she has developed an intimate understanding of the services available for individuals with FASD. Shana believes in the need for more research to fill the gaps in these services and to increase the accessibility for individuals with FASD and their caregivers. Shana is also a member of the Family Advisory Committee with CanFASD. “Starting my journey, I googled FASD. Google tells you everything that is terrible and negative about FASD and nothing good, so I was pretty scared about it. But that’s when I reached out and connected to other caregivers. Then I shifted my focus and decided: We are not going to live scared anymore. We are going to get educated.” While Shana does not always talk about her origin story, we are honoured she shared with us the background behind the letter. We talk about how her daughter motivates her and is her most important teacher in the complex world of FASD, as well as:
“A lot of the stress that comes as a caregiver to a child with FASD doesn’t actually come from our kids. It comes from systems – systems that are not set up to work for our kiddos. If I didn’t have to advocate so hard in systems, my stress level as a caregiver would be a whole lot different.” We also touch on systems, stigma and what she has learned from her membership on the CanFASD Family Advisory Committee. Shana has a natural ability to connect with people, and having seen her present, don’t miss the opportunity to attend one of her trainings if you can. If you cannot, then check out this podcast. Be sure to stay to the end, and try not to get emotional, as she reads the powerful letter from her daughter. | |||
| #058 Nancy Lockwood: Practical Tools and Tips for Caregivers and Advocates | 15 Mar 2021 | 00:55:33 | |
Like a few of the guests I have interviewed for the FASD Success Show, our professional lives have intersected at various points. I first met Nancy Lockwood eight years ago when I was invited to present at the Ottawa FASD Caregiver Group. A lot has changed in the last eight years. Nancy has been living and working in the FASD world for a lot more than eight years however – it has been over 25 years. Her interest in the field was sparked while supporting loved ones with FASD, and then grew through her role as an educator supporting individuals with special needs including brain-based disabilities. “I became aware of how my actions and reactions were influencing people (with FASD) and if I could stay really calm and patient and listen, that they were giving that back to me.” From 2015 until recently, Nancy was Manager of the Fetal Alcohol Resource Program (FARP) at ABLE2, formerly Citizen Advocacy Ottawa, a program she helped to design and launch in 2015 in collaboration with Kids Brain Health Network, CHEO and the Children’s Aid Society of Ottawa. We talk about her roles and responsibilities with ABLE2, which I know will inspire you as to what can be accomplished by a dedicated group of advocates, as well as:
Nancy’s passion is bringing together collaborative partners to develop innovative ways to support people with FASD and their caregivers. She also shares with us how she arrived at her decision to move on in her career to become an independent FASD Consultant. “A key thing that worked for us – bringing together partners. You can’t do it alone.” I think after listening to this episode you will understand how Nancy can build teams and moved FASD to the forefront in her community of Ottawa and beyond. She is well-spoken, knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate. All key ingredients for success. I hope you will find something to spark you in this podcast and join me in wishing Nancy well in her new endeavour and welcoming Manon Kelso to her new role. | |||
| #057 Dr. Mansfield Mela: Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Clinician's Guide | 08 Mar 2021 | 01:10:13 | |
Have you ever met a doctor, social worker, therapist who just didn’t understand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder? Have you walked out of the appointment thinking, “If only they could just get it? What can I do to help them get it?” Today, I have answers for you. I am “geeking out” big time with one of our most popular FASD Success Show guests, Dr. Mansfield Mela about his new book: Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Clinician’s Guide. Dr. Mela is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Saskatchewan. His clinical practice is out of the Forensic Outpatient Clinic at the University of Saskatchewan and the Forensic Inpatients Services at Regional Psychiatric Center. He is one of the international team of experts that created the world’s first psychotropic medication algorithm for FASD/Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. And now a published author. His interest in FASD began with a desire to better understand and assist his clients. After discussing his frustration with a colleague, he realized it was the manifestation of symptoms of Fetal Alcohol - which led him on a path of greater understanding. “There are a lot of myths about FASD that discourage clinicians from engaging with it.” Dr. Mela starts today’s podcast with a simple, but powerful statement: “I knew I had to write the book.” He says this is the book that he wished he had in his possession when he was starting out. He shares how he was led to put pen to paper after a comment made by a clinician: about how knowing about FASD was a “waste of time”, as well as:
“We asked individuals: Can you tell us your experience in the mental health system? Just mentioning the word FASD and the system will tell them: ‘Well we don’t deal with that here.’ You’re seen as being adequate enough to look after yourself, when you cannot, but not ill enough for a system to take you. Where do you belong?” Always a humble man, Dr. Mela gives a shoutout to caregivers, parents and individuals on the Spectrum for their role and inspiration for the book. We also touch on some of the exciting research on bio barkers and neuroimaging techniques. I know you are going to leave this podcast agreeing with Dr. Mela, that there are significant advances in FASD. If you want to get your own copy, while it is a hefty read, Dr. Mela does a fantastic job of breaking down each chapter. We also detail how you can present this book to your doctor or clinician - to get them on board with what they can do as a person with the clinical power and clinical skills to help individuals with FASD. Lastly, I will leave you with another simple, but powerful statement which you should pin to your bulletin board or make your screensaver, for when you are feeling discouraged about recognition of FASD/PAE in the clinical world: “Don’t despair. We started this journey. We are not going back.” Grab your own copy: Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Clinician's Guide | |||
| #056 Chris Fillion: From Incarceration to Inspiration | 28 Feb 2021 | 00:54:37 | |
If there is one thing I think we can agree on, people with FASD will never cease to amaze us with their resilience and strength in overcoming significant obstacles or barriers in their lives. Chris Fillion, my guest today, is no exception. I have no doubt you will find his story a little familiar and “a lot of” inspiring. It is a true testament to his strength and the people who believed in him. Chris Fillion was diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at the age of 9. He grew up in the Child and Family Services system. He has some experience in the justice system, and currently is head of a non-profit organization called WEAREYOU Services for at-risk individuals with a disability. WEAREYOU exists to assist individuals who may become involved with the law. Chris is also an advocate within the FASD community worldwide. His main goal in life is to help others and to provide education on FASD to help break the stigma against people who have been diagnosed with it. “I owned it (my FASD). I live with FASD. I can’t see myself exist without FASD.” We delve right into Chris' early life and talk about how he came to be placed into the foster care system. Despite being diagnosed with FASD and ADHD, he was never told about his disability. This lack of understanding likely led to his involvement in the justice system. There are some interesting themes woven throughout Chris’ life so far, including the importance of:
“I see the world differently than others. I see things in patterns. I see people do the same thing everyday…and then I can do a little bit of this and a little bit of that and now I become a better person.” Chris has devoted himself to helping people with FASD not only navigate the justice system but also people in the community understand the disability through his advocacy work and the creation of his non-profit. Our vision is to help Youth, Teen and Adults with special needs (unofficial diagnosis) stay out of the justice system and find them the right program within the community. Help the community understand avenge is not the answer. Provide the tools to support staff and families to understand the differences in the way these individuals may perceive and react to varying situations, thereby helping to solve problems before they get out of control. I have had the fortune to meet and talk with many individuals on the Spectrum who are doing incredible things and are finding meaning to their lives – whether that be as parents, working in a field they enjoy or pursuing something that speaks to their soul. It does not matter if one develops this vision early or late in life: what matters is they have come to a point where Chris says, they accept their disability, accept support from others and have the courage to go after their dreams. Chris ends our discussion with a quote that has kept him going. Let me know what you think of this cool dude and his story. Chris has great insight and thanks to the people who provided lifelines to him, he is now providing hope and lifelines for others. | |||
| #055 Brain Domains, Diagnosis and FASD Research with Dr. Valerie Temple | 22 Feb 2021 | 01:28:32 | |
Can you believe we are at Episode 55 of the FASD Success Show podcast? Over the last year, we have interviewed caregivers, birth moms, advocates, individuals on the Spectrum, as well as professionals like my guest today: Dr. Valerie Temple. I reached out to her after seeing a recent research paper she shared on Twitter. I knew she would have some knowledge bombs – and having discovered she has published over 25 research papers and book chapters about FASD, I think you will agree! Dr. Valerie Temple, Ph.D. C. Psych. is a Clinical Psychologist and the Professional Practice Leader for Psychology at Surrey Place, an agency supporting children and adults with developmental disabilities in Toronto, Ontario. She is also Clinical Lead for the Surrey Place Adult FASD Diagnostic Clinic. She works with Canada FASD Network and FASD-ONE an Ontario advocacy group. Along with family members, researchers, and clinicians from across Canada Dr. Temple helped to create the 2016 Canadian Guidelines for Diagnosis of FASD across the Lifespan. "When I first started my practice, FASD wasn’t on my radar. Attending the International FASD Conference in Vancouver changed everything. Change is happening (in the field), but change is slow. " We talk about her experience and growth in the field of FASD as well as the important work she assisted with on those Canadian Diagnostic Guidelines, including:
"Once you have a framework to think about FASD and once you understand what you’re looking at, you have a much clearer path on what to do next and what you can do to support. " We also talk about the recent studies she was involved in looking at Autism & FASD and FASD & Substance Use. There are some surprising statistics and interesting observations Dr. Temple shares from these studies as well as, interdependence, diagnostic services, and the upside of COVID for her Centre and clients. We also do some myth-busting about behaviour therapy that you aren’t going to want to miss. So many nuggets of information and knowledge bombs that you will just have to dive in. Make sure you have a pen and paper or your notes app open. There is so much here, that this is one of those “10 timer” episodes you will be going back to. Be sure to keep up to date by following Dr. Temple on Twitter and Surrey Place. Also, do me a favour... let me know if you had any aha moments during this podcast!
Show Notes: Surrey Place – Living Your Potential All Your Life
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| #054 Simon Laplante: Inside Education and Housing | 14 Feb 2021 | 01:04:44 | |
We have had a variety of guests on the show who have been involved in the education system in one way or another, but today I have a guest who is not only the parent of a now adult with FASD but is a school principal AND an Assistant Superintendent. He shares his FASD journey and provides some great inside knowledge and specific tips in transitioning for adulthood and working within the education system. Simon Laplante has a master’s degree in education and did his thesis on the impact of children with FASD on parents’ relationships with the school, community and each other. Simon has been working in the Manitoba public school system for 30 years as a teacher, vice-principal, principal and assistant superintendent. He is presently a professor at the Université de St-Boniface in the Faculty of Education. Simon’s areas of interest are educational leadership, second language learning, Aboriginal education and FASD. Fully bilingual, he has been involved in public speaking engagements on FASD for the last 10 years both in educational settings and provincial conferences. “Inclusion is about a system that meets the needs of every kid, whatever the needs are. Most of our systems tend to integrate kids. We give them support but, in the end, they want them to fit the system. Whereas inclusion requires the system to change. It’s very difficult to achieve.” Simon also serves on the Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD) Family Advisory Committee. We talk about his role on the Committee, inclusion, and:
“The biggest danger is you become socially isolated. You will not be successful by yourself. You cannot do this by yourself.” Talking to Simon was just like hanging out at a coffee shop with a good friend, shooting the breeze. But since many of us still can’t do that right now, you can have the second-best thing – this podcast. I think you will enjoy his laid-back style combined with the years of experience. So, let me know what you think and maybe even wish Happy Anniversary to Simon and his wife who celebrated 35 years together on December 28, 2020! | |||
| #053 NOFASD Australia: A Global Leader for FASD | 07 Feb 2021 | 01:09:14 | |
If you think not enough is happening in the FASD world, or wonder what exactly is happening, then you will want to tune into today’s podcast. The FASD Success Show is all about highlighting success stories and today we go to the top of the leading FASD organization in the world – NOFASD Australia. I think it is so important that we take time to see the bigger picture, because sometimes when we are focused on our own reality, it is easy to think nothing is changing. Maybe it isn’t fast enough, but things are changing. I believe this episode is the inspiration some will need right now. In this episode, I talk to Louise Gray, the Executive Officer of NOFASD Australia. She is an experienced leader in the not-for-profit field. She holds a Master of Sociology degree from Murdoch University awarded for a research project centred on community knowledge and awareness of alcohol in pregnancy and has travelled to Canada to observe approaches to therapeutic prison environments, FASD awareness and education, and employment programs. She has been the EO for the last seven years, however, has been part of the FASD community for much longer. “Too often FASD globally suffers from ‘Let’s do an FASD alcohol and awareness project, and let’s solve the problem in 10 months and let’s solve the problem short term.’ Short-termism is deadly for FASD'.” Louise and I talk about what led to her involvement with NOFASD and how Australia came to surpass Canada as the global leader in FASD awareness and support. Including:
“The term FASD describes a very specific disability that has a very broad range of symptoms that cause a lot of impact on individual's lives.” We also talk about Louise’s thoughts on the global awareness campaign: Red Shoes Rock and why she feels that it is an excellent tool for awareness. And if you stay with us until the end, I ask and Louise answers: “Wouldn’t it be nice if…” I think as caregivers you will be interested in her first response. So have a listen. Let me know what you think and if you are inspired by what NOFASD Australia has achieved and some of the ideas presented. Show Notes: Website: NOFASD Australia - National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Podcast: Pregnancy and Alcohol: The Surprising Reality: What is FASD? - NOFASD Australia A five-part podcast series. Report: The hidden harm: Alcohol's impact on children and families | FARE | |||
| #052 Tracy Mastrangelo: School Success | 01 Feb 2021 | 01:25:27 | |
One challenge many caregivers have is how to both respond to the struggles their kiddos with FASD have in the school system and how to appropriately work within that system to make change. If you don’t have access to an Education Advocate, then today’s episode is going to help arm you with specific research-backed information from a professional who works with educators to identify integrated supports to reduce barriers to learning in schools. But don’t worry – some of the tips and strategies she suggests are just as relevant for at-home learning and we break it all down for you. Tracy Mastrangelo has focused her career on the social work and education field in both Alberta and the Yukon Territory. Her work has focused mainly on supporting families and children/youth with complex needs, including as the Provincial Coordinator of Wellness, Resiliency and Partnerships (WRaP) an education-based initiative for students with FASD. Tracy has a master’s degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on psychosocial interventions in school communities. “How do we provide integrated services into schools for students to reduce the barriers to learning? The business of school is to teach students and deliver curriculum. But we know for multiple different reasons some students have barriers to learning or things getting in the way of learning. “ In this podcast, we define and discuss her role in helping educators and students with both academic and non-academic barriers to learning. Our discussion also touches on her motto for teaching students and:
We also delve into some studies and the three overarching themes that define her work, what she does for self-care and what she is doing now. We have had guests on previous podcasts that provided caregiver specific advice – this episode will not only validate what we heard and already know – caregivers are the experts when it comes to their kids and what they need – but it will also let you know about some of the unique ways people are working to incorporate FASD into classroom settings. “I keep looking for opportunities to integrate research into practice because any way that I can take research and help be someone that integrates it into actual lessons and daily activities that can change practice and hopefully influence policy, it is those kinds of things that jam me and get me up in the morning.” Even if you don’t have kids in school, I think you will still gain some insight into ideas about self-regulation and FASD. Check it out and let me know what you think or if you have any interesting programs in your school district. | |||
| Ready to Run: Crystal’s Breaking Point and How They Found a Way Forward | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:38:06 | |
In this episode of The FASD Success Show, I sit down with Mike and Crystal, a couple who have been through the wringer raising four kids—all on the FASD spectrum. They open up about their darkest moments and the journey that brought them from surviving on the edge to finding peace and understanding. Crystal shares how she was on the verge of running away, feeling overwhelmed and without support. But through education and connection, they found the tools to change their family dynamics. Now, their home feels calmer, and they have the confidence to tackle even the toughest days. Tune in to learn about:
This episode is packed with hope, real-life strategies, and inspiration. If you’re feeling burnt out or stuck, Mike and Crystal’s story will show you that change is possible. Show Notes:
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| #051 Megan Tucker: FASD and Harm Reduction | 25 Jan 2021 | 01:20:36 | |
Today’s episode comes with a trigger warning. Also, if you play our episodes while your children are in the room, I suggest you wear headphones or listen when alone because we talk openly about challenging behaviours, addictions, mental health, truancy, running away and suicide. I have known my guest for many years, having attended conferences as presenters and worked with Megan in my CKS program. She is the Training Coordinator, as well as a Prevention Conversation Facilitator at the Lakeland Centre for FASD (Alberta). She studied Humanities at the University of Alberta. Megan has worked at the Lakeland Centre for almost 10 years in multiple capacities. She created and implemented the Transition to Adulthood Program currently in place at the Centre and was also Children’s Coordinator as a part of the Centre’s Post Diagnostic Services. She provides FASD training in the Lakeland region as well as at conferences outside of the region. If you haven’t heard of harm reduction or harm minimization, it refers to policies or programs designed to lessen the negative social and/or physical consequences associated with both legal and illegal human behaviour. This is a model that is now being adopted to help people who support people with FASD. So do you need to implement harm reduction? You might if you feel you have tried “everything” and “nothing” has worked, and you view your child's or client's behaviours as purposeful and willful. Are you constantly frustrated and mad? If so, it is unlikely you are providing the supports they need and harm reduction might be what you need. “We get so angry at the behaviour and we misinterpret it and then we disconnect and that’s when our child (teen, adult) goes to look for connection elsewhere. What does the brain need? Connection. We all need a connection. We need to be cared about. We need to know that we are good and valuable people." Megan and I explore what we need to understand about individuals with FASD, as well as:
Harm reduction is unorthodox, as it goes against what we were taught or how we are used to parenting. It can feel like it won’t work, or you are giving in. You need to ask yourself, what part are you playing in the behaviour? And you need to understand the brain basis behind the behaviour. But the more you can make sense of it, the better off everyone will be. This is a difficult topic for many caregivers. There is no judgement here and like with anything about FASD, you don’t know what you don’t know. So, we offer different ways to provide support to ensure success for caregivers and individuals on the Spectrum. Harm reduction is peeling back the layers to find the disconnect. Figuring out how we can reconnect and show up for our kids, to let them know they are good and valuable, so they don’t find that connection somewhere else. If you want to learn more about Megan’s work, and the Lakeland Centre for FASD, she is hosting monthly Lunch and Chats on Facebook (link in Show Notes) to explore different topics. Show Notes:
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| #050 Linda Rosenbaum: Not Exactly as Planned | 17 Jan 2021 | 01:05:23 | |
It is so interesting how the FASD journey intersects. We all have mentors and people who have inspired us in our journeys. Linda Rosenbaum, author of Not Exactly as Planned, A Memoir of Adoption, Secrets and Abiding Love has been one of mine for a long time. I refer to her as one of the “OGs” – original (FASD) gangsters. Well, she was also the inspiration for another person I recently met on my journey – but before we get to that, we do a deep dive into Linda’s journey. Linda and her husband Robin moved to Canada from the United States during a time of political upheaval. Unable to have biological children, they first adopted Michael in 1987 and later Sara. Linda did not know about fetal alcohol upon adopting Michael and this podcast is her journey from then to now. Linda shares:
All these years where people had told me I was a bad mother …. Maybe I wasn’t a bad mother. It reinforced that I knew my child better than anyone else did, which I think is an important message for parents out there – that nobody knows your child the way you do. We also delve into the sibling relationship, how they supported Sara and the grief and loss the family has gone through. We get an update on where both her children are today and how both are thriving in their thirties. Oh yeah, and that intersection of FASD journeys? Stay tuned to the very end when she gets a surprise entry for her “Couldn’t Put It Down Folder.” Check it out, let me know what you think! | |||
| #049 Katie Adliff: FASD and Independence | 10 Jan 2021 | 00:58:52 | |
If you are wondering what the future holds for your son or daughter, there is no better way to start 2021 than listening to this inspiring story of a young woman on the Spectrum. Katie Adliff came into the child welfare system at six years old. My wife Tara and I met her when she arrived at a Group Home run by an Agency we worked for at the time. Despite a rough beginning and some challenging years, Katie used all of her experiences as stepping stones to land her where she is today – working full time, living on her own and dreaming of returning to College to help others. We talk about all this as well as: “I have nothing to be ashamed about being on the Spectrum.”
“My own thoughts are my worst enemy, but the hustle and bustle (of work) helps me.” I have shared Katie’s story in some of my trainings and it was a real pleasure to catch up with her and allow her to share her story with you. We know each individual with FASD is different, and not all will achieve independent living. And that’s okay. But I want caregivers to know what could be possible. I have learned never to say never. Especially when it comes to our guys. Individuals on the Spectrum have hopes and dreams and it is our job to help them achieve them. Katie started with one dream, ended up doing something else and has plans for a different career. I’ve no doubt she will achieve whatever she sets her mind to. Our kids will get to where they want with the right support, accommodations, understanding and time. Let me know what you think of the episode and Katie as well as any dreams and goals your kids, teens or adults have.
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| #048 How to Build Your Resilience with Patricia Morgan | 20 Dec 2020 | 01:02:57 | |
If you want compassion for your children, you must start with yourself. And that is exactly where we are starting in today’s podcast. Patricia Morgan is a therapeutic counsellor, author, motivational speaker, coach and caregiver for her now 52-year-old daughter on the Spectrum. She is past president of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers, Calgary and has won both the Spirit of CAPS award and the YWCA Woman of Vision award. “Resilience says I have the capacity to stay steady in the face of adversity, challenge, change, the behaviour of others and myself. It is also the ability to rebound after falling and reach out for help.” Our lives as caregivers require resilience. Patricia gives us insight into the lessons she learned and what she did to build her resilience, as well as:
“If you put all your self-esteem and your self-concept into being a caregiver, you are going to make yourself vulnerable for exactly that – make me look like a good caregiver. That is a risky road.” I am telling you this episode is filled with aha moments. You know I am big on self-care (so is Patricia) but part of self-care is self-compassion and that is built through resilience. So much of you gets lost in parenting a child with FASD and it is time to reclaim yourself. Have a listen. Check out the links and be sure to watch Patricia’s video Holidays 2020: We Can Still Have Fun and if you care to share, let me know what your “I am statements” are! Show Notes: Website: https://solutionsforresilience.com YouTube Channel: Solutions For Resilience - YouTube Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SolutionsForResilience Holidays 2020 video special: https://youtu.be/FVWF98SNgjI
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| #047 The FASD Project: Uncovering an Epidemic in a Pandemic | 13 Dec 2020 | 00:51:30 | |
Have you heard the reports of the increases in alcohol consumption during this pandemic, including a significant increase in women’s intake and frequency? A group of advocates in the United States had been talking about ways to raise FASD awareness, and these news stories nudged them to take immediate action. So much so that they undertook a cross-country journey in the mid-western United States in the middle of a pandemic to film The FASD Project. “We continue to come across no understanding of FASD. The ball has inched forward, it’s just time to move it forward more quickly & robustly.” – Gigi Davidson I talk to two members of the Project in today’s podcast: Gigi Davidson, Executive Producer and President of FASD Communities and Justin Shepherd, Director/Filmmaker. We talk about the statistics which was the catalyst for this Project as well as why Justin, who with his brother jumped in an RV, dubbed The Rust Bucket, in the middle of a pandemic to interview a cross-section of professionals, front line workers, caregivers and individuals with FASD. You will also gain insight into:
“The difference will change when we hit that critical mass and that comes from a grassroots level. Your voices have been there. The film is the catalyst – I am hoping to build an amplifier – a megaphone.” – Justin Shepherd Documentaries can be game-changers in raising awareness of issues. Let’s hope The FASD Project does become the catalyst for a renewed effort. As Justin said, whether you know it or not, you likely know someone with FASD. This film will bring the statistics and the stories right into people’s living rooms. The road trip may be over, but you can still get involved by donating or sharing your story in a social media campaign. Let me know what you think of The FASD Project and if you are going to get involved. Website: The FASD Project | |||
| #046 Turning the Spotlight on the Creators of the UK's first FASD podcast | 06 Dec 2020 | 01:05:19 | |
We know Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder isn’t in the spotlight very much as it remains one of the most misunderstood or misdiagnosed disorders yet is the most common developmental disability. It is so important for us to work together to get the messages out, that I knew I just had to reach out when I heard about a new FASD podcast. Jessica Rutherford, a final-year Ph.D. student in the School of Design and Creative Arts, with her friend, colleague, and caregiver of three children on the Spectrum, Clare Devanney-Glynn recently launched the United Kingdom’s first FASD podcast. Spotlight on FASD aims to raise awareness of FASD, highlight the risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, share strategies around parenting and education, and have open conversations around real-life experiences. “We want to normalize it. It is what it is.” This is an interesting interview as we discuss FASD from not only the caregiving perspective but also from a front-line worker perspective. We talk about both women’s origin story with their journey to FASD, as well as:
We also discuss grief and loss, what it is for Clare and how she manages it, why Jessica chose FASD as the focus for her Ph.D., as well as what they would like the future for FASD to look like. Really interesting episode with the two roles converging into a common way forward. | |||
| #045 Jay Derting: Doing it for the Dads | 29 Nov 2020 | 01:03:06 | |
I am so pumped to present this episode of The FASD Success Show podcast because this guy has a ton of experience that I just know other Dads, Moms and caregivers will benefit from. Also, with 98 % of my audience female, I just thought it would be a great addition to have another dad/male caregiver speak. Jay Derting has been teaching math for 34 years at a small farming school. He and his wife, along with their three bio kids first spent three months opening up a street centre for 200 homeless children in Madagascar, then spent a year as directors. As much as he enjoyed the work, he felt something was missing, and when he came home and went back to teaching he knew that was where his passion was. Wanting to still help children, he and his wife became foster parents. Two years ago he became a Trust-Based Relational Intervention Practitioner. His wife works with Homes of Hope, a nonprofit she started, which covers eight counties and supports over 500 foster/adopt families. Over the last 16 years, they have fostered 35 kids and adopted 4, two on the FASD spectrum. I get right to the point with Jay, asking him, “Why do you think more Dad’s aren’t listening or engaging?” He gives his four thoughts on that, plus:
I wish there was something at the age they are now that says, here’s what you need to do to help yourself, and here’s what we need to do to help you. This is the hardest part of the journey. Jay also talks about the four things he believes you need for this journey and lets us know what he does for self-care. He advises other male caregivers out there who may be stuck where he used to be. I am so glad Jay reached out to me. I enjoyed his mix of hope and realism. I can’t promise I can interview everyone who reaches out, but if you have a story or idea to share, please reach out to me at jeff@fasdforever.com. And don’t forget to let me know in the comments what you thought of this episode! Show Notes: Contact Jay: training@homesofhopeproject.org | |||
| #044 Lisa Murphy: Leading by Example at the Lakeland Centre for FASD | 22 Nov 2020 | 00:45:40 | |
In today’s episode, you are going to learn what is possible in creating an agency to serve individuals with FASD and their families and caregivers. I’m talking to Lisa Murphy, the Executive Director of the Lakeland Centre for FASD. This Centre is one of the leaders in Canada for FASD programs and services. Lisa started with the Centre as a practicum student while taking a social work program and has risen over the years to the top. She has worked in many capacities including advocacy and coordination of services for children, complex youth, and adults diagnosed with FASD and their families, consultation, and data collection, and as a program manager. We talk about her beginnings with the Agency and how she has got to where she is today, as well as:
“The one thing that makes FASD so different is that there are no black and white answers. You can’t pick up a handbook and say, heath, this is what you have to do, because every individual needs something different and it’s completely about understanding that specific person.” I have known Lisa for many years. She is an incredible leader who remains down to earth and continues to inspire her staff and Board in being the best at what they do, and it shows with the caliber of programs they offer, and the success of those they serve, to not only their community and province but now with COVID, offers training anywhere in the world. If you desire a multifaceted centre for your area, I recommend getting in touch with Lisa and the Lakeland Centre for FASD. Be sure to check out their website for more details and some excellent resources. Show Notes: | |||
| #043 Dr. Susan Rich: Calling a Spade a Spade | 16 Nov 2020 | 01:22:35 | |
I have the honour today of talking with Dr. Susan Rich. This is a fascinating interview with some frank discussions about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and reasons why Dr. Rich believes we are still struggling with prevention, awareness, recognition, and support. Susan D. Rich, MD, MPH, DFAPA is a psychiatrist who holds a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from North Carolina State University, a Master of Public Health in health policy, and a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed psychiatry training at Georgetown University Medical Center Dr. Rich first learned about the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the early embryo in April 1992 after reading The Broken Cord. Dr. Rich has written and spoken internationally on Neurodevelopmental Disorder associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and is the author of, The Silent Epidemic: A Child Psychiatrist's Journey beyond Death Row. She is also the founder of 7th Generation Foundation, and operates a green care farm animal sanctuary for individuals with FASD and related neurodevelopmental conditions. Did you know she was one of the experts that created the recently published FASD Psychotropic Medication Algorithm? We dive right in and talk about her and others’ efforts to get recognition of FASD/PAE in the psychiatric community. “Why is it that this topic, which is the most important topic in psychiatry today, is being held on the very last day of the conference, first thing in the morning.” – Dr. Carl Bell She provides insight into what it will take to change this recognition as well as her thoughts on:
“Why are we making the most vulnerable individuals pay?” I follow Dr. Rich on Twitter. I love her spunk and say it as it is attitude. She calls a spade a spade. She has the educational background and experience to voice very strong opinions on how we respond to FASD/PAE. She talks about how caregivers can play a part. This was a jam-packed interview, but we also managed to touch on Dream Catcher Meadows and her book, The Silent Epidemic. I will be inviting Dr. Rich back as there is so much more to unpack and learn. Let me know what you think. Show Notes: Contact: Susan D. Rich Book: The Silent Epidemic, YouTube Channel and Documentary Non-profit Farm: 7thGeneration Foundation Inc Social Media: Twitter: @SusanDRichMD and Facebook
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| #042 Natalie Vecchione: Mom on a Mission with a Microphone | 08 Nov 2020 | 00:54:57 | |
One of the best parts of my job is talking to all the caregivers who have such a wide range of experience and offer so much practical information to help others on the journey. Natalie Vecchione is one of those. She and her husband are parents to a 5-year-old daughter and an 18-year-old son (with FASD). She has been a Board-Certified Music Therapist for 25 years and began homeschooling six years ago. She and John are co-founders of FASD Hope and recently began a new adventure in the world of podcasting. They live in the farm country of North Carolina. Her journey to a diagnosis for her son when he was 15 was a rocky one like so many of our listeners have been down. We talk about that journey to get the diagnosis and how when she and her husband brought up FASD as a possibility she was dismissed. “Anytime it would be, nope, that’s not it. Because so many practitioners were under the impression that you had to have a facial characteristic and you have to have all of these symptoms, which our son did not.” We know less than 10% of individuals have those facial features. Interestingly enough her son was eventually diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. We discuss that long road, what her son is doing now, as well as:
“If you embrace that okay this is brain-based and that you can focus on strengths and you meet them where they are, you can do this!” I love sharing resources and we can lean on and learn from each other. I love that she used her spark to create a bonfire of change. In fact, she has created her own podcast, FASD Hope. She shares what her goals are with it, including amplifying the voice of dads and male role models and caregivers. So get your pen and paper or notes app ready … this episode has lots of great practical information. Show Notes: Email: fasdhope1@gmail.com Facebook & Pinterest: @fasdhope1 Instagram: @fasdhope Other: Books: Not exactly as planned, Linda Rosenbaum If you’d like a PDF of Making Sense of the Madness, An FASD Survival Guide all you have to do is join my mailing list! Welcome to the Team otherwise, it is available for purchase, along with my FASD Sound Bites and Sanity Savers: A catalogue of collective wisdom and things that make you go 'hmmm' on your local Amazon site. | |||
| Breaking Through the Overwhelm: Ryan Jolly’s Path to FASD Caregiving Success | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:45:02 | |
Welcome to another inspiring episode of The FASD Success Show! In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Jolly, an incredible single mom of four, two of whom have FASD. Ryan's story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformation that comes from finding the right support. Ryan opens up about her toughest moments—like dealing with explosive behaviors and feeling completely overwhelmed. However, she also shares how she shifted her mindset through training and community support and found new ways to navigate the challenges. Her journey proves that, no matter how tough things get, there’s always hope. Tune in to learn about:
Whether you’re feeling isolated, exhausted, or in need of encouragement, Ryan’s story will inspire you and offer practical advice to help you on your FASD journey. Show Notes:
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| #041 The visions and voices of adults with FASD | 01 Nov 2020 | 00:57:22 | |
It’s great to be back to our Podcast! How important are stories in your life? Not only do stories help entertain us, but they also educate, and in some respect are medicine. To celebrate our return after a brief pause in our schedule, we have a double feature. First, we hear about a unique program that provides adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder an opportunity to share their stories or medicine, and then we hear from an individual who is living his life on his terms. Individuals with FASD want their voices to be heard. They should be heard. I am excited to bring those voices and highlight programs bringing those voices to educate, entertain, and highlight success stories. “We believe storytelling is a powerful tool to increase dignity for those living with FASD. They are the expert at telling their stories.” In the first half of the podcast, Emma and Suzanne outline how the program started, topics covered, how they recruit and train the speakers, how they have adapted for COVID, and some ideas about the future. There are great benefits to this program not only for the adults but also for the audience. While it would have been great to have an individual on the show, we just couldn’t pick one over the others – so I encourage you to check out their website, read the speaker bios, and if you are in Manitoba, be sure to check them out when they start speaking again. Despite having both physical (Cerebral Palsy) and mental health challenges that led him to some dangerous situations in his early 20s, he has worked part-time for the last 12 years at the US Naval Base in Groton and the last nine as a volunteer firefighter with the East Great Plain Fire Department. Stephen talks about his work, volunteering, his passion for photography, and how his desire to lead a healthier lifestyle led to his new hobby biking (up to 20 miles I might add), and lost 60 pounds in the process. We talk about his typical day, as he lives on his own and he gives some solid advice for not only caregivers but also individuals on the Spectrum. Stephen is a great example of what individuals can achieve, however, make sure you stay tuned until the very end, where I provide some thoughts on how I accommodated him during this session and a few tips for caregivers as you look to the future for your loved ones. It sure feels great to be back! Let me know what you think of our double feature in the comments! | |||
| #40 Katharine Dunbar Winsor: A Rock on The Rock | 28 Sep 2020 | 00:48:43 | |
https://www.facebook.com/fasdnl
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| #039 Claire Mafranc from Struggling Single Mom to Successful with a Vision | 21 Sep 2020 | 00:39:29 | |
Are you a single mom, or even feel like a single mom – alone, isolated, without close family or friends? Wondering if life as a caregiver with an individual with FASD is going to be a constant state of chaos and confusion? It doesn’t have to be that way. Take it from today’s guest, Claire Mafranc. She was where you might be right now, and you could be where she is right now. Claire is a single mom to two teenagers, both with different needs, but one with FASD. She felt alone, isolated, and had no one to discuss strategies, solutions, or decompress with. She was overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, and relying on consequences and behaviour modification. Until she found our online community and the Caregiver Kick Start program. We talk about what that was like for her, including how she:
“I am the one that made the changes. The physical environment, but I changed how I interact and react.” Claire did all the things she was supposed to do. She got a diagnosis. She researched and read up on FASD. Joined free online groups. But she needed to take that extra step. To become part of a community that would take her caregiving to the next level by providing specific strategies and the support she was missing as a single mom with no close relatives and few supportive friends. Clair went from wondering how her daughter would survive to how can she coach her to live her best life. This podcast is a testament to the Caregiver Kickstart program, but it also provides some tips, strategies, and suggestions if you are where Claire was. She now has a vision for her future, and I hope you will be inspired. | |||
| #038 The Berrys: Transforming From Trauma | 14 Sep 2020 | 01:35:11 | |
What an episode we have for you today! If you are like my guests, Kristin and Mike Berry, from Honestly Adoption (formerly Confessions of an Adoptive Parent) and desire to do good and be good parents, and feel like no matter what, you are “doing it wrong” then you will want to tune in as we deep dive into their experience parenting eight adopted children. We also look at trauma and FASD. Mike and Kristin are authors, bloggers, speakers, parent coaches, adoptive parents, and former foster parents. They are passionate about reaching adoptive and foster parents around the globe with a message of hope and transformation. They are the creators of both an award-winning blog and podcast (links below). Between them, they have written nine books. They have been married for 21 years and have eight children, all of whom are adopted. They live on a farm in Indiana (USA). “We are parenting very different kids from who were growing up and so that led us to question how effective we were and caused us to dig deeper. How that trauma has now impacted the way that they behave.” The Berrys discuss how they internalized their early struggles, including how they “stumbled” into an FASD diagnosis and dealing with doctors who felt they were “bad parents”. They share how they removed shame and disappointment after experiencing an aha moment at a conference. As well:
And if you are a regular follower of this podcast, you will know I always ask about self-care – but I also asked Mike and Kristin how they have stayed married for 21 years because we know a lot of relationships break up when parenting children with FASD or other high needs. “Have I ever played something out in my mind that was going to be my role as a mom or I thought XYZ? Whatever your expectation is, is there some disappointment that plays into parenting? Yes. And when you are parenting children who have experienced trauma, particularly the trauma of drug and alcohol exposure, it has actually changed the way our child’s brain works.” There are so many quotable moments and I just know you are going to get immersed in their experiences and knowledge. Let me know what your most profound or aha moment was. Because I’m going to bet you will have at least one. Show Notes: Website, Blog, Podcast: www.honestlyadoption.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/honestlyadoption Instagram: www.instagram.com/honestlyadoption Youtube: www.youtube.com/honestlyadoption Email: info@confessionsmail.com | |||
| #037 Aliy Brown: Providing Supports in Scotland and Beyond | 06 Sep 2020 | 01:07:25 | |
Do you struggle to get medical professionals to listen to you? Are you looking for ideas about what you could implement in your community to help caregivers? Do you know why Scotland is leading the charge on FASD in the United Kingdom? If you want to know the answers to these questions, you are going to want to tune into today’s podcast with Aliy Brown. Aliy holds a BA (Hon) in Social Policy from Newcastle University. Currently, she is the Project Manager for FASD Hub Scotland, a support service run by Adoption UK Scotland for all parents and carers across Scotland who are parenting individuals with FASD and the networks and professionals who support these families. Aliy and her husband are parents and home educators to three children who are adopted, one with an FASD diagnosis. Aliy is passionate about raising awareness of FASD, breaking down the barriers for parents/carers, and empowering all those who have an interest in FASD, whether that is professional or personal, to work together for the good of those with FASD. Aliy and her team have a lot going on in Scotland to help not only adoptive parents but especially parents and caregivers of children with FASD. Aliy is an interesting juxtaposition between a super nice individual and someone not to mess with. Her journey to get a diagnosis took two years. She says: We were convinced there was prenatal alcohol exposure and it was FASD. But people weren’t on board with that. We had to fight. Our GP was like, “here are some parents who aren’t happy with their child.”
We also talk about the importance of partners being on the same page and why connecting with others and self-care is critical. I love how she reflected that all she has gone through has led her to where she is today and how her boss inspired her and her team to “go for greatness” to continue and expand their network. Show Notes: Email: fasdhub.scotland@adoptionuk.org.uk Facebook: FASD Hub Scotland FASD Helpline: 0300 666 0006 - select option 2 for FASD Hub Scotland. FASD Advisors are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10 am - 2.30 pm | |||
| #036 The Dougherty Dozen Doesn’t Quit | 30 Aug 2020 | 00:58:54 | |
A couple of weeks ago FASD made the cover of PEOPLE magazine. And boy did that create some conversations in our private Facebook Group. There were two camps: those that thought it was amazing that FASD made it to the cover of an international magazine – and those that were disappointed in the “sunshine and rainbows” slant the article seemed to take. So I went straight to the source. Well, thanks to some help from another caregiver who knew them. Alicia and Josh Dougherty are parents to 10 children – six adopted (with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and four biological children. Their journey was not, and is not sunshine and rainbows. In fact, their first adopted son started with extreme physical violence towards Alicia when she was pregnant. After receiving a diagnosis, Alicia wondered how she had not known. “When you get hit with that diagnosis you are so overwhelmed and washed over with, What does this look like for the rest of their life? What is going to happen? What do we do? How do we help? And you don’t know the answers at that current moment. “
“We get told all the time by friends and family that we’re too strict. It is what it is. This is my life and I know I’m doing what’s best for these kids, so you can do what you want to do and I am going to keep doing what I’m doing.” Stories like these are good in helping awareness but can perpetuate a lot of misconceptions. Get the meds, food, and therapies right and it will work out. Certainly for some that is the story. Alicia and Josh were honest about how hard it is. But in the end, a couple of hundred words printed out of a thousand spoken came across like if you don’t give up it will be fine. And then the judgement. But I wanted to go behind the story to find out the real story. I thank them for agreeing to let another stranger into their lives. To read the article visit: People Magazine online Follow the Dougherty's on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram: @doughertydozen To register for The Caregiver Kickstart Workshop: CKS Workshop | |||
| #035 Amy Patterson: Solutions for Siblings | 23 Aug 2020 | 00:56:11 | |
This is definitely a topic of great interest for caregivers. Lately, there have been requests for more information on how to help siblings navigate, respond, and manage their relationship with a brother or sister who has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. You asked … I delivered! But before we get going, maybe hit pause and gather your kids so they can listen and learn from someone who has been there! Amy Patterson has a younger brother with FASD. It was this relationship that ignited her passion to work with children who present with externalizing behaviour. She grew up immersed in the everyday stress that her brother faced due to developmental, social, emotional, and cognitive deficits, and the resulting impact it had on the entire family. Even at a young age, she felt like the world around him could and should do a lot better in setting him up for success. Accordingly, this reality led to her obtaining a Bachelor of Applied Child Studies degree and subsequent employment in the child and youth development field. Now, she is completing a Master’s in Counselling Psychology and then plans to register as a psychologist in Alberta so she can support families and children impacted by neurodevelopmental disorders. With the value of hindsight, and her background and education, Amy is able to articulate exactly what life is like living with a sibling who has FASD. “The first time I really started to advocate for him or notice that things seemed unfair was when he was in school. At (the age of) 14 I wrote a letter to Children’s Services and his school because they talked about whether he was safe enough to stay home with us. I wrote why he needed us as his family but also why we needed him. He was just my brother and I needed him home.” We talk about how this desire to help and how that advocacy was a springboard for further education, as well as:
I have siblings with Fetal Alcohol in my family. And this interview definitely brought up some memories I wasn’t expecting or that I forgot. I think it’s important to keep talking with your kids, even as teens, and understand this is hard for them as well. Let me know in the comments what you think and if you have any suggestions or solutions to add to help another family struggling with sibling rivalry. | |||
| #034 Niki Marshall: A Bad A$$ Birth Mom | 15 Aug 2020 | 01:09:23 | |
What picture comes to mind when you think of a birth mom of a child with prenatal alcohol exposure? The fact is whatever you thought, there is no one version. There are thousands of stories of birth moms. But the one thing I do know is any birth mom I have ever met has never wanted to intentionally hurt their child, and today’s guest is no exception. Niki Marshall had a troubled youth. As a result, she was addicted to drugs and alcohol at 13, kicked out of school at 14, and living on her own at 15. All the time seeking to self-medicate an undiagnosed mental health disorder. Eventually settling into a relationship, being told she nor her partner could have children, she found out on a visit to a doctor she was 4 months pregnant. We talk about what that was like for her when she found out and what she did immediately, as well as:
“I don’t feel like professionals or anyone broaches the subject of drinking during pregnancy if you don’t look a certain way. It’s not okay because I didn’t look the part.” As one of the alumni of our Caregiver Kickstart online course for FASD caregivers, I have known Niki now for almost two years and watched her incredible transformation. She certainly is not the media depiction of a birth mom – nor are the majority. She has defied her own odds and carved a life for her and her son. She will be the first to admit that the grief and loss are ever-present but that you have to be “more graciously accepting the successes that happen all the time that you forget about or you don’t notice because of what you lost.” Let me know what you think of this incredible transformation of one determined bad a$$ birth mom to beat the odds and the stereotypes. I know Niki will continue to use her transformative story and voice to educate. | |||
| #033 Sara Messelt: Arming FASD Advocates | 09 Aug 2020 | 01:10:02 | |
Sometimes I go on Twitter – not much – but what I do notice is there are a lot of people who talk about how the system needs to change but then they don’t do anything about it. My guest on today’s podcast – Sara Messelt, the Executive Director of PROOF Alliance - saw a need, gathered resources, and together they did something about it. I hope you will be as inspired as I am by the end of this episode to invite or join others and go make a change in your community. Sara’s origin story is a little different. She started her passion for FASD through a desire to ensure healthy families by volunteering for March of Dimes while in high school in a Youth Peer Education Network! She graduated with a degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota then worked with the March of Dimes for 18 years. She has spent the last 20 years with the former Minnesota Organization for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) – now known as PROOF Alliance. In this episode, we talk about what do we need to do as a Society to really make the deep commitment that is required to have every person have every support they need to have an alcohol free pregnancy. We also dive into: • Sara’s background and the mentors that inspired her to dream big. Her vision for the future is one I think we all have. That one day: That child and that family have an experience of the world understanding and aligning around their disability as opposed to having it seen as some obscure thing. With the roadmap PROOF Alliance has laid out and the resources they are open to sharing, I think this is a vision we can all work toward. We know that FASD reaches into every area and it is time to break down the silos and work toward a common goal. Just like her mom challenged her to make a difference all those years ago, and the mentors along her path fueled her fire, I think you will be inspired by her and her team. Let me know what you think and what your community or you are doing to build advocacy and capacity. | |||
| #032 Dr. Jacquie Pei: Towards Healthy Outcomes: A Brand New FASD Intervention Model | 02 Aug 2020 | 01:31:44 | |
I know I say every episode is my favourite and they are – but this one is another home run in terms of a professional that truly not only gets FASD but she hits it out of the ballpark. In fact, the analogy of cars and roads, and the journey is exactly how she describes her document. But before we get there, we cover a lot of ground (did you see what I did there?), including:
“My responsibility is to identify information that is useful for families and educators and service providers to meaningfully respond to the needs of these children, adolescents, or adults. If I’m not doing that, I’m not doing my job.” We also spend quite a bit of time talking about the inspiration for, the professionals involved with, and the content of her excellent new FASD intervention model: Towards Healthy Outcomes for Individuals with FASD. “We have been looking at the potholes, not the road. We have been focussed on where we want to avoid, not where we want to go. The evidence-based document depicts what a healthy outcome looks like for any human being and so at its crux, it is about healthy outcomes for human beings. Because FASD is not something that extracts you from the human condition. You are a human being first, so let’s talk about healthy outcomes for human beings and then let’s consider areas that we want to promote healthy outcomes, and then let's think about how we might tailor the supports in the vehicle, the roadways, the systems that are around these individuals to accomplish those. But the outcomes are not any different for someone with or without FASD.” Dr. Pei is so good at taking complex information and putting it in a context and format that is so easy to understand. Maybe that is why I enjoy interviewing her. We both strive to make information accessible and understandable. There are quite a few take-a-ways that caregivers will be able to implement immediately as well as start planning for the future. Let her and I know what you thought and be sure to check out the Document and the Webinar. Links are in the show notes on the webpage. | |||
| Teamwork and Transformation: Ray and Jen’s FASD Success Story | 04 Sep 2024 | 00:39:59 | |
Join us for a raw and real episode of The FASD Success Show. I’m your host, Jeff Noble, and in this episode, I chat with Ray and Jen, parents of five kids—four of whom are on the FASD spectrum. Before joining our community, they were constantly overwhelmed by daily blowups, meltdowns, and behaviors that left them walking on eggshells. But through training and education, they found the tools to stop engaging in the chaos and create more peace at home. Ray and Jen share their honest and inspiring journey from being stuck in survival mode to finally getting on the same page as a parenting team. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the brink, this episode will give you the hope and practical tools to help you take back control. Tune in to learn about:
Whether you’re feeling burnt out or just looking for new strategies, this episode will give you actionable tips and a renewed sense of hope for your FASD journey. Show Notes:
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| #031 Annette Kunzman - A Moth to a Flame or Helping Teens Transition | 26 Jul 2020 | 01:12:41 | |
Annette Kunzman co-founded FASD Network of Southern California in 2010 and was integral in establishing it as a non-profit organization in 2014. She has served as Secretary and Treasurer and currently as President. Annette holds a Master’s in Management degree from Northwestern University and received her undergraduate degree at the University of Nebraska. She was certified as a Chartered Financial Analyst in 1988. Following a long career in commercial lending and investment management, Annette retired in 2006 to focus full-time on raising her young sons with Fetal Alcohol. In 2019, Annette was named to the California Department of Education’s Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond. We know caregivers spend years knowing their child is struggling, but not getting the support or appropriate diagnosis they need. Annette is no different. She poignantly shares her story of her sons’ early years but more importantly, many will be interested in her journey of how she shared their diagnosis with them, the timeline of their gradual acceptance and transition to adulthood. In this podcast, we also touch on:
“I have so much to be grateful for. The hardest part is they are both so lonely. They don’t have friends.” And while Annette may feel her sons are lonely, she and her husband are still there when needed. You will hear how each son is carving his way into the world and finding their connections. A mother never stops worrying. Despite some turbulent times, Annette and her husband continue to be a haven for their sons. This was a neat update for me as I stayed with her family during a talking tour of the States. If you are looking for some great advice and insight into transitioning, please check out this emotional but heartwarming podcast. Show Notes: Email: annettek@fasdsocalnetwork.org Web: http://www.fasdsocalnetwork.org | |||
| #030 Sheila Burns: Turning Regret into Momentum | 19 Jul 2020 | 01:22:30 | |
I’ve interviewed and learned from a lot of people over the years, but this latest podcast guest has an interesting perspective and an engaging way. This is one of my 10 timer episodes – you will want to listen at least 10 times to unpack everything Sheila Burns has to say. I first saw Sheila at a Conference in Northern Ontario. She tells me her background in children’s mental health, women’s health, and community development has informed the emerging vision for FASD prevention and improved intervention in her province of Ontario (Canada). To build capacity, she developed tools to guide and reinforce best practices. One of these tools is the My Kind of Mind booklet which we delve into later. Sheila has held leadership roles to address individual and systemic issues related to FASD in Ontario since 1998 including FASD Ontario Network of Expertise – Network Chair and Leads on the Diagnostic and Justice Action Groups. She held a fellowship with the Law Foundation of Ontario and is a member of the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services FASD Expert Group. After attending her first workshop presentation on FASD she had an epiphany: “When I heard about the impact of alcohol on the developing fetus, I saw the overlap it had with the women who came to the programs that I managed, and I thought we are doing a really poor job of telling women that they should avoid alcohol during their pregnancies.” This realization was a “sucker-punch” - ½ her career had been spent missing the disability. We talk about how that impacted her, her work, and:
“We are expecting individuals with some known vulnerabilities to manage and cope and I want us to give them the words and the framework for all of us to support them better. And that’s what My Kind of Mind is designed to do.” There are so many quotable pieces and interesting insights in this podcast. You are just going to have to listen and listen again. And let me know what you think. Show Notes: | |||
| #029 Ali McCormick: FASD Service (Dogs) with a Smile | 13 Jul 2020 | 01:08:01 | |
What a fun episode this is - because come on - who doesn’t love dogs - especially assistance dogs who help individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Ali McCormick has gone from dog trainer to Foster Carer to FASD Caregiver to Social Worker to Assistance Dog Trainer. And what a wild ride it’s been for her and her family. Ali, like most of our caregivers and professionals, learned about FASD after she adopted her daughter Jane, who came from an adoption breakdown. Eventually, she and her husband adopted Jane’s two siblings, all with FAS. She has fostered 36 children and raised 4 children but nothing prepared her for the journey she was about to embark on with the sibling trio. It’s much easier for those that should know, to blame the parents, then it is to look at the failed system and their lack of education.
So if you’ve ever wondered what makes a great assistance dog and what goes into training a dog, join us for this entertaining podcast. | |||