In this keynote, Anita will focus on the systemic experiences and impacts for children, youth and adults primarily living with FASD, but also other neuro-divergent identities like ADHD and autism. Systems impacts and failures to accommodate neuro-divergence across health, welfare, education, justice, disability and mental health systems have led to catastrophic and abusive outcomes for people who are neuro-divergent. We will explore these systems and identify common issues across the systems, as well as, how professionals can be better trained and supported to accommodate neuro-divergent children, young people and adults. To realise healthy outcomes and wellbeing for people living with neuro-divergence we need to address the systemic factors that promote ableism, criminalisation, and racism towards vulnerable and disadvantaged populations. It is only in recent times that those belonging to neuro-minorities have been recognised, and have their own voices and needs understood. This presentation will ensure the living experience of people from neuro-minorities is prioritised.
