A research project evaluating Acceptance & Commitment Training (ACT) for female caregivers of individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

The ACT intervention is spread over 1 evening followed by a full day and a “refresher” evening session, held 4 weeks later. It is required that you attend all three dates.

Understand the cognitive struggles and strengths of those with FASD, learn principles, and gain tools to support them.

Nate Sheets is an international FASD behaviour consultant, speaker, and advocate from Oregon, US. He has a decade of experience in the developmental disability field and helps families, schools, mental health programs, and government agencies understand the needs of people with FASD. Nate takes neuropsychology concepts and finds practical ways to apply them to challenging behaviours in a way that values the dignity and respect of all people involved.

Screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) is a proven strategy for improving pregnancy outcomes for women who are using a variety of substances.

Key questions to be addressed:  How should the community be involved in establishing an SBIRT system for pregnant women?  What is the role of the primary prenatal care provider? What is the best way to screen for substance use in pregnancy?  What good does toxicology testing serve, and what methodology is best?  What defines successful medication-assisted treatment in pregnancy?  What are the key barriers to establishing a fully functioning prenatal SBIRT system?  What responsibilities do prenatal care providers have in establishing a plan of safe care, as required by federal CARA legislation?

Why this is important:  Science tells us that SBIRT strategies are an effective and efficient means of prevention; however, widespread racial and social class bias as well as an inherent bias against women who use substances during pregnancy propel the call for punitive approaches that drive women out of prenatal care.  A successful SBIRT system will significantly reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality and drive down health care costs.

The newly appointed Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. James Reynolds, will speak with the Hastings and Prince Edward County FASD Care Giver Support Group on April 18 to share his research on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing brain. During the workshop, he will also explore the resulting cognitive, behavioural and socio-emotional deficits that may occur in children when the developing prenatal brain is exposed to alcohol include a discussion on the impact of treatment and developing community awareness of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing brain. This workshop is for parents, teachers, therapists, doctors and respite support workers. Find out more: bit.ly/2Z404CP