Written By R.J. Formanek - FASD Educator, Speaker Red Shoes Rock and Flying With Broken Wings Living on the FASD spectrum is much akin to the difference between a standard and an automatic transmission in vehicles. They both do basically the same thing, but each has to be considered, understood and operated differently. Yet you … Continue reading FASD: Presumption of Competence
Although since my last personal post, One is a lonely number, things are still in a state of uncertainty in my life, (no luck yet on the job front, my last paycheque was not entered into the system, still waiting for Record of Employment so I can collect Employment Insurance until I find a job, and … Continue reading Finding Calm in the Chaos of Life
Using the Neurobehavioral Approach We return to another series of posts featuring the NB Approach for raising or supporting a person with FASD. You can find the first series of posts here: Day 12 of 99 Days to FASDay. Rather than posting individually over the last few days here on WordPress, I combined the posts into … Continue reading Days 75-80 of 99 Days to FASDay: Neurobehavioral Approach to FASD
Day 20 of 99 Days to 9/9 or FASDay is all about the relationship! This example is such a great one for me. I don't know how other parents, caregivers or support people will relate, but for myself, the crone and the maiden this one is one we need to remind ourselves about often. "Beeping … Continue reading Day 20 of 99 Days to FASDay: Encourage Relationship
Day 19 of 99 Days to FASDay and it's time to slow things down for people with FASD. One area you can really make a difference with those with FASD you support is stopping and waiting patiently for a response and action. Give your child or client time to process what you said and respond … Continue reading Day 19 of 99 Days to FASDay: Processing Speed
Even though today's FASD strategy tip or NB approach is huge, I won't offer much to illustrate as it's self-explanatory. It is a difficult one for parents of any child to follow. We want to instill values in our children - the values we hold near and dear - but your child is a unique … Continue reading Day 18 of 99 Days to FASDay: Your Values vs. Their Needs
I wasn’t skilled at advocating in the school system, but I always did my best. I wasn’t always able to get the maiden the accommodations she required, but I always supported her efforts and needs and tried to educate the teachers and principals about her strengths and challenges. I took an active interest in what … Continue reading Day 17 of 99 Days to FASDay: Recognize Effort and Energy
Today's NB tip is all about confabulation. I must admit I do not think I had ever heard the word confabulation before I adopted the maiden. I learned rather quickly though that she wasn't lying - she was confabulating: con·fab·u·la·tion [k uhn-fab-y uh- ley-sh uhn] NOUN 1. the act of confabulating; conversation; discussion. 2. Psychiatry. … Continue reading Day 16 of 99 Days to FASDay: Confabulation
What is Executive Functioning? The executive functions are a set of processes that all have to do with managing oneself and one's resources in order to achieve a goal. It is an umbrella term for the neurologically based skills involving mental control and self-regulation. The information below is an excerpt from an excellent article I … Continue reading Day 15 of 99 Days to FASDay: Key Executive Functioning Skills
Continuing today and for the next week, we will be providing some proven, effective strategies for supporting people with FASD. The tips shared over the next week, with permission from Families Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FAFASD), are suggested by parents on their Shifting the Paradigm discussion page on Facebook. People who have been exposed to … Continue reading Day 14 of 99 Days to FASDay: Trying Differently Rather Than Harder
