Pregnancy, Alcohol and FASD: The Surprising Reality

Kurt is joined by Christine Brooks; an experienced teacher, NOFASD board member and carer of a child with FASD, and also Sophie; a biological mother of a child with FASD. Together they chat about FASD in the early childhood sector, the things to know about FASD in an early childhood setting, and the special resources that have been developed to help these educators develop an awareness and understanding of FASD. For more information on the resources developed by Early Childhood Australia (ECA) in partnership with NOFASD Australia or to download your free copy of the resources, see: https://www.nofasd.org.au/service-providers/education/through-different-eyes/ For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewees: Christine Brooks and Sophie Narrator: Frances Price The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Prue Walker and Dr Kerryn Bagley in a panel interview about social workers and FASD. Together they discuss how they first learned about FASD, the role social workers play in assisting people with FASD and their families. They also examine outcomes, risk surrounding FASD and how social workers can become better informed in relation to this ‘invisible’ disability. Learn more about International FASD Awareness Day: www.nofasd.org.au References: Latrobe University’s “Living with Disability” YouTube site: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAf1u7TdOktOCLdGBtMxWTg Dr Robyn Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robyn-williams-0ab76596/?originalSubdomain=au Prue Walker: https://pruewalkerfasd.com/ – workshops, training and FASD consultation services.. Dr Vanessa Spiller: FASD training and resources https://www.jumpstartpsychology.com/Explained-by-Brain-Group.html and other videos (search vanessa spiller fasd) Dr Sara McLean: FASD resources for Emerging Minds https://emergingminds.com.au/resources/what-is-fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd/ and has many webinars online (search sara mclean fasd) Key readings for social workers who want to learn more about FASD click the following link: https://www.nofasd.org.au/33-risk-does-not-equal-destiny-social-worker-panel-interview-with-prue-walker-and-dr-kerryn-bagley/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Narrator: Frances Price Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewees: Prue Walker and Dr Kerryn Bagley The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Angelene Bruce; a biological mother of a child with FASD, a FASD advocate, speaker and parent mentor. Together they chat about Ange’s FASD journey, her appearance on the Channel Ten TV show, The Project and caring for a child with FASD. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ The Project – “Hidden Epidemic Of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd1yOhImDKA Angelene’s Twitter Page: https://twitter.com/AngeleneBruce Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Narrator: Frances Price Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Angelene Bruce The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by David, Nick and Mav each of whom is a male who cares for a child with FASD. While each of them has come into their child’s life in a different way, they find similarities in their experiences. Together they discuss what it is like to care for a child with FASD, including the challenges they face and how they help their children develop their own individual strengths. They also share the tools and resources that have helped them through difficult situations they face with their child who has this hidden disability. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ To check out Mav’s book ‘Making parenting enjoyable: Through healing, purpose and meaning’ ; please go to: https://www.amazon.com.au/Making-parenting-enjoyable-Through-healing/dp/B0BVT722M9/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1685325469&sr=8-1 To express your interest in joining one of the online support groups offered in NOFASD Australia’s Families Linking with Families program please register your details at: https://www.nofasd.org.au/contact-us/ (Please note that these support groups are only open to residents of Australia.) Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Narrator: Frances Price Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewees: David, Nick and Mav The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Nicole Hewlett, a proud Palawa woman and researcher with the University of Queensland. Nicole is currently undertaking a PhD focusing on the development and implementation of Australia’s first FASD Indigenous Framework. They talk about this framework; improving medical care for people with FASD; the importance of a strengths-based approach in terms of FASD and creating equal partnerships between medical professionals and people with FASD. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ To read more about Nicole's research then go to this link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36982125/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Narrator: Frances Price Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Nicole Hewlett The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

We are back with a new series and a new name for our little Podcast. The first episode of Series 05 of Pregnancy. Alcohol and FASD: The Surprising Reality will be released this coming Friday the 2nd of June 2023.

Kurt is joined by Professor Anita Gibbs; a Professor at the University of Otago, a registered social worker and a regular facilitator of a parent/caregiver support groups for families with children with FASD. They talk about Anita’s experience with FASD which is two-fold and covers both her teaching and research as an academic, and also her lived experience as a parent caring for two boys with FASD. They also chat about FASD in the criminal justice system and ways we may be able to stop people with this invisible disability from becoming entangled in this system. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Narrator: Frances Price Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Anita Gibbs The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Dr Natalie Phillips, who has a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and PhD (Neuropsychology) from the University of Sydney. They discuss her research and presentation that won the People’s Choice Award in the “Three-minute Thesis” session at NOFASD’s conference, “The FASD Forum ’22”. Natalie’s submission for the “Three-minute Thesis” was titled: Caring for children with FASD: importance of understanding the whole family’s needs. They discuss ways that we can best help families which have children with FASD. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Caring for children with FASD: importance of understanding the whole family’s needs: https://adc.bmj.com/content/107/8/755 Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Narrator: Frances Price Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Dr Natalie Phillips The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Nirosha Boaden, a mental health social worker, and intellectual disability academic, and a PhD candidate at the University of New South Wales. They talk about the lack of services in the remote areas of Australia, her experiences with FASD in rural areas and how Australia needs to improve education about FASD and the risks involved in alcohol consumption during pregnancy. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Narrator: Frances Price Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Nirosha Boaden The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

In this very special September International Awareness Day episode, Kurt is joined by Dr Kenneth Lyons Jones and Dr Christina Chambers. Dr Jones chats about his identification of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FAS as it was first termed back in 1970. Dr Chambers chats about recent medical discoveries that are likely to make the process of FASD diagnosis significantly easier. They both talk about attitudes towards FASD and knowledge about this disability in the community as a whole – and also the need to improve the standard of medical knowledge when it comes to both FASD prevention and supporting people with this invisible disability. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Prenatal alcohol exposure can be determined from baby teeth: Proof of concept https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/bdr2.2054 Early Predictors of FASD in Ukraine Early Predictors of FASD in Ukraine - Christina Chambers (grantome.com) Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Narrator: Frances Price Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Dr Kenneth Lyons Jones and Dr Christina Chambers The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

In the first episode of NOFASD’s podcast series for 2022, Kurt is joined by Jennifer Catlin; a woman who has only recently been diagnosed with FASD. They talk about her life being a jigsaw puzzle, how this invisible disability has affected her life and how her life has been improved through her diagnosis. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Jennifer Catlin The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

In this last episode of the year, Kurt is joined by FASD Podcasters from around the globe. Natalie Vecchione from FASD Hope, Jeff Noble from the FASD Success Show, Clare Devanney-Glynn and Jessica Rutherford from Spotlight on FASD and Robbie Seale from FASD Family Life. They chat about their podcasting journey, the positive developments in FASD research and programs going on in each of their countries. They also share knowledge and research aimed to help people with FASD and their parents/carers. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ To learn more about Natalie Vecchione and FASD Hope: https://www.fasdhope.com/ To learn more about Jeff Noble and the FASD Success Show: https://www.fasdsuccess.com/ To learn more about Robbie Seale and FASD Family Life: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1736766 To learn more about Clare Devanney-Glynn, Jessica Rutherford and Spotlight on FASD: https://anchor.fm/clare-devanney-glynn Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewees: Natalie Vecchione, Jeff Noble, Robbie Seale, Clare Devanney-Glynn and Jessica Rutherford. The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined Dr Melissa Cheung, Research Fellow at the University of Sydney and Manager of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Australian Registry (FASDAR). They chat about FASDAR, the benefits to children with FASD who are registered with this service and the need for more research into the prevalence of FASD in Australia. For more information about FASDAR please check out this website: https://fasdregistry.org.au/ For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Dr Melissa Cheung The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Gilberto Spencer, FASD Advocate, Brain Coach, Mentor and Podcaster. They chat about his FASD symptoms, the events leading up to his diagnosis and the release of his podcast series; “The FASD Brain”. Gilberto is the first person with FASD to host and produce his own podcast series. To listen to Gilberto’s podcast series please click on the link below: https://www.thefasdbrain.com/podcast For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Gilberto Spencer The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Robyn Smith the National Helpline Manager for NOFASD Australia. They chat about her work with the NOFASD Helpline service which is dedicated to reducing the harm caused by alcohol-exposed pregnancies and improving lives for those living with FASD. They discuss who can use this service and what kinds of information and help that our helpline operators can provide. NOFASD Australia Helpline: 1800 860 613 For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewee: Robyn Smith The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Briana Lees, a researcher, PHD candidate for the University of Sydney and NHMRC Scholar studying the effects of alcohol use on neurodevelopment, emotion and behavior. They talk about her research into prenatal alcohol exposure, alcohols effects on unborn children, the need for more research into comorbidity between FASD and other disabilities like ADHD. For more information about Briana Lees research please check out her interview with Dr Norman Swan: https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/healthreport/alcohol-use-in-pregnancy-and-harm/13432380 For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewees: Briana Lees The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Robert; a biological father of a child with FASD. They talk about the triumphs, the challenges and his feelings about his son being diagnosed with this invisible disability. Podcast episodes featuring Sophie; - #05 Finale with Karen https://anchor.fm/pasurprisingreality/episodes/05-Finale-with-Karen-e6b1lg/a-aqiidg - #11 Karen with Sophie https://anchor.fm/pasurprisingreality/episodes/11-Karen-with-Sophie-el4t8a/a-a3iam47 For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewees: Robert The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Kelly Skorka; an Occupational Therapist, Researcher and PhD candidate at the University of Queensland with a focus in researching strengths and support for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. They chat about using a strengths-based approach to help children with FASD and the critical review she authored last year that focused on the experiences of children with FASD and their families. They also discuss the value of health professionals taking a holistic approach when supporting children with this invisible disability and their families. To learn more about Kelly Skorka’s research then watch the video from the link below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qyr39FdosU For more information about ‘Experiences of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and their families: a critical review’ mentioned in this podcast interview click the link below. https://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:d106484 For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewees: Kelly Skorka The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Neil Reynolds, a Carer of two children with FASD. They chat about raising children with FASD, including the challenges and the importance of staying positive. He reminds us that small steps lead to a larger journey and to cherish every little bit of success. For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewees: Neil Reynolds The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.

Kurt is joined by Dr Kate Highfield; the General Manager of Professional Learning and Research Translation for ECA (Early Childhood Australia), an experienced teacher, author and researcher. He is also joined by Christine Brooks; another experienced teacher, NOFASD board member and carer of a child with FASD. Together they chat about FASD in the Early Childhood sector, the role of early childhood educators and a new resource that is being developed to help these educators understand FASD. For more information on the guide being developed by ECA in partnership with NOFASD Australia, please check out the website below. https://www.earlychildhoodaustralia.org.au/through-different-eyes/ For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/ Producers: Kurt Lewis, Louise Gray and Julie Flanagan Interviewer: Kurt Lewis Interviewees: Christine Brooks and Dr Kate Highfield The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia. All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia. The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewee. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.