September has been a busy month as advocates, individuals, caregivers, organizations and professionals came together to raise the profile of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. We all know that advocacy and awareness will not stop as the month ends, but a special month does provide increased exposure. I participate in a variety of activities year round, … Continue reading FASD: A Tale Told in 9 Ts
I registered to watch a webinar tonight with David Kessler and Dr. Gabor Maté on grief and trauma. He was promoting his new book The Myth of Normal. Which was the reason I registered. It was only an hour and I planned to watch while the maiden was on a call with her worker. The … Continue reading A lesson on grief and trauma from Gabor Maté
Gwendolyn sees a confidential school report listing her weaknesses. She knows she struggles. Now she has proof. She develops a list of fifty-four things to get under control. Because to go to horse camp, she must behave. And so begins the story of 11-year-old Gwen, who thinks she has only one friend, a half-brother, who her mother doesn't acknowledge, and a brain that cracks. They thought she had ADHD. If you read this book, you may think like me, it might be just be FASD.
Today is International Self-Care Day. Many caregivers have little to no time for self-care. But speaking from experience, not taking time for self-care does compound stress. In fact stress is the #1 factor impacting caregivers of individuals with FASD, a complex disability.
This is a book review of Diane Malbin’s Trying Differently Rather Than Harder - a foundational book for many caregivers of individuals with FASD. It lays the groundwork for creating a paradigm shift that is required to support people with FASD and others with brain-based conditions.
Do you know how red shoes became the most popular symbol for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder? Do you know when and why the Red Shoes Rock awareness campaign started?
Heartwarming Stories from the World of FASD When you first think of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, what comes first to your mind? Is it people and strengths? We know the narrative has been tilted for too long toward negative, blame, shame and stigma. It still is. But things are changing. As awareness grows, there is … Continue reading Book Review: On the Wings of Success
Update: Although the election is over, you can still contact your MPP to ask about a new bill.A Letter from Mary Cunningham, FASD ONE Education Action Group Co- Lead Dear FASD-informed Ontarians: Many of us care for Ontario students with FASD or know people who are caregivers. Most of us would agree that the education … Continue reading We Need a New Ontario FASD Education Bill
I recently finished participation in a six-month support and education group for "older" parents and caregivers of adults with FASD called the Ontario Senior Caregiver Action Network for FASD (OSCAN). They recently released a Resource Guide and announced a new Group.
Have you heard the phrase: expectations are just premeditated resentments? This can happen when we place expectations on our kids with FASD - but it can also happen to ourselves. I was reminded of this lately.
our sacred breath 
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