Past Events

This session is suited for caregivers who identify as Indigenous anywhere in the province.

FASD workers Eric Marier, Randy White/ Kebeyaawsung, Chrysta Wood, Kim Stewart, Cereena Rows and Liane Guenette will present information about the ten brain domains that may be affected by FASD.

During breakout sessions, caregivers will discuss scenarios based on common challenges, examine how these challenges relate to the ten brain domains and learn positive responses to these challenges. The discussion will also explain how to identify symptoms of FASD, provide recommendations for support and help families see the benefits of focusing on their child’s strengths.

This event will feature content relevant to the broader indigenous community of Ontario.

Children with FASD of all ages may exhibit inappropriate sexual behaviours.

• All children and adolescents are curious about sexuality but individuals with FASD may need extra support learning about healthy sexuality for very complex reasons.
• They may have difficulty interpreting social cues from others.
• Caregivers may worry that their children and youths with FASD have difficulty understanding social boundaries, even with strangers.
• Children with FASD are highly tactile and may expose or explore their bodies at inappropriate times.
• Individuals with FASD may be vulnerable to harmful influences from others.

Pascal Gagné will explain indicators, as well as strategies for caregivers.

Pre-Registration Required: cathy.gales@fccniagara.on.ca or
cathy@contactniagara.org

Speaker: Barb Clark

Traditional consequence-based behavioral intervention strategies are often ineffective with individuals with an FASD and can lead to turmoil in the family, school or community setting. Trauma-informed approaches respond to the neuro-behavioral aspect behind the behavior; more effective, but requiring intention and effort hard to implement. Come learn responses to challenging behaviors that promote relationship and healing, creating an environment in which individuals with an FASD reduce anxiety and increase capacity.

Click here for the event flyer.

FASD workers Eric Marier, Tara Leskey, Meera Sidhu and Ginny Fazari will present information about the ten brain domains that may be affected by FASD.

During breakout sessions, caregivers will discuss scenarios based on common challenges, examine how these challenges relate to the ten brain domains and learn positive responses to these challenges. The discussion will also explain how to identify symptoms of FASD, provide recommendations for support and help families see the benefits of focusing on their child’s strengths.

This event will feature content relevant to residents of Central Ontario, including Simcoe, York, Dufferin, Wellington, Peel, Halton and Waterloo.

Speaker: Jodee Kulp

This webinar is about helping YOU help YOU!  FASD is a complex ongoing caregiving responsibility. For those who believed you signed on to the 20 year parenting plan, your time in the parenting trenches doubles to 40 as adult life settles in for the people we love. In 1997, just over a decade into parenting our daughter, I was told, “You have a 5% chance to live.”  Yikes! That woke me up! I did not want my husband left alone parenting our teenager recently diagnosed Fetal Alcohol Syndrome ALONE! People have asked how we have embraced FASD with such love – our daughter is not easy caregiving or parenting. What made the difference? Grab a cup of something warm and settle in to learn and grow.

Click here for the event flyer.

CanFASD will be hosting a new webinar with Dr. Brianne Redquest, their 2021 Dr. Sterling Clarren FASD Research Award winner, on March 19, 2021 at 1:00 pm Eastern Time.

Dr. Redquest is a postdoctoral fellow with the Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. Her research looks at the effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on supporting the wellbeing of caregivers of individuals with FASD. Caregivers of people with FASD report high levels of stress and a need for support. However, there are very few interventions that specifically target their wellbeing. Preliminary results suggest that ACT training can significantly reduce stress and improve psychological wellbeing for caregivers. It can also help caregivers to feel supported and valued.

Dr. Redquest is the recipient of this year’s Dr. Sterling Clarren FASD Research Award, which recognizes researchers who have made a significant contribution to improve the lives of individuals with FASD, their families, and their communities. The award was named after Dr. Sterling Clarren to celebrate his contribution to, and leadership in, the field of FASD.

The award winner is usually invited to present their research at the International Research Conference on FASD held annually in Vancouver, British Columbia. However, due to the current global pandemic, we are shifting to a virtual presentation. Dr. Sterling Clarren will host this webinar and will present Dr. Redquest with this award.

Be sure to register now to attend!

Atelier en français: Partout en Ontario – Session menée en français accessible à tous.

Eric Marier présentera des informations sur les 10 domaines cérébraux susceptibles d’être affectés par TSAF.

La session promet d’être interactive avec des séances en petits groupes pour que les familles travaillent à travers des scénarios autour de défis communs pour qu’elles voient comment ces défis sont liés aux 10 domaines du cerveau et comment ils peuvent, en tant que soignants, répondre à ces défis. La discussion permettra également de comprendre comment identifier les symptômes de TSAF, fournir des recommandations de soutien et aider les familles à voir les avantages de se concentrer sur les forces de leur enfant.

Children with FASD of all ages may exhibit inappropriate sexual behaviours.

• All children and adolescents are curious about sexuality but individuals with FASD may need extra support learning about healthy sexuality for very complex reasons.
• They may have difficulty interpreting social cues from others.
• Caregivers may worry that their children and youths with FASD have difficulty understanding social boundaries, even with strangers.
• Children with FASD are highly tactile and may expose or explore their bodies at inappropriate times.
• Individuals with FASD may be vulnerable to harmful influences from others.

Pascal Gagné will explain indicators, as well as strategies for caregivers.

This workshop will also be presented in French on March 25, 2021 from 7-8:30 PM.

Pre-Registration Required: cathy.gales@fccniagara.on.ca or
cathy@contactniagara.org