FASD is a complex lifelong neuro-disability impacting body and brain domains as a consequence of pre-natal alcohol exposure. The internationally accepted definition of FASD is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges. (https://canfasd.ca/topics/basic-information/)
FASD almost always co-occurs with a range of mental health conditions, trauma or adverse childhood experiences and other neuro-disabilities, or neuro-divergent identities, as these terms are often used interchangeably. In my first presentation, I will unpack key terms like FASD, neuro-disability, neuro-diversity, neuro-divergence, neuro-informed, neuro-typicality and neuro-typical humility, as a way to understand the impacts of having FASD on the person, and their whānau (families), as they traverse lifecourse experiences which misdiagnose them, misunderstand them, mismanage them and malign them as deviant. I will also explore FASD screening, diagnosis, primary features and secondary conditions, protective and risk factors. I will consider the importance of the intersections of trauma, colonisation, stigma and systemic abuse on the complexity of understanding FASD, and therefore intervening positively to enable people with FASD, alongside their families, to live their best lives. I will conclude my first presentation with an overview of helping models, interventions and strategies.
