Description

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD); A Four-Part Learning Series is designed address the complexities of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Across the lifespan, from preconception to adulthood, there is an opportunity for health and social service providers to offer effective, evidence based interventions to prevent the prevalence of FASD and improve the outcomes and quality of life for those living with the disability. Exploring prevention, assessment and intervention will provide participants with a better understanding of how they can integrate a FASD informed approach into their practice.

In the four learning sessions the following areas will be addressed: 1) Prevention, 2) Diagnosis, 3) Intervention and 4) Building FASD Informed Practices.

Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can be integrated into the practice of anyone working with women and girls of childbearing years. Learning about screening, brief interventions and referral can provide service providers with the tools to provide users of their service with non- stigmatizing and culturally relevant support (Poole et al, 2016).

FASD is often misdiagnosed. Recognizing and identifying Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can lead to a better understanding of functional abilities. This can lead to the development of supportive care plans that focus on developing brain-based accommodations and building circles of support (JL Cooke et al, 2016). The importance of embedding an FASD informed approach into individual practice, organizations and communities will be woven throughout all four sessions of this training.

Learning Outcomes:

1) Identify best practices for the prevention of FASD

2) Understand the importance of recognizing FASD and what to do about it

3) Increase knowledge about the diagnostic process and importance of accurate identification

4) Build a better understanding of practice-informed and evidence-based interventions

5) Understand how FASD impacts everyone and the importance of building FASD informed approaches into individual practice, organizations and communities.