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NCFASD Informed NEWS
Creating FASD Informed Communities
 April 2018 8th International Research Conference on Adolescents and Adults with FASD: Integrating Research, Policy and Practice Researchers, caregivers, and those with an FASD from around the world met at the conference in Vancouver, B.C. last week. Kathy Hotelling, NCFASD Informed Board Chair, attended the meeting as she has many times in the past. When asked to describe an overarching theme for the meeting compared to past years, Hotelling shared, “There is a movement toward dramatically shifting our view of those living with an FASD from a D (Disability-based) perspective to a S (Strength-based) one.” This was evidenced by the development this past year of a Vancouver based FASD Leadership Committee consisting of three adults with FASD. They were involved with conference planning alongside the Expert Training Committee, the Expert Advisory Committee, and the Local Planning Committee.  Their involvement also translated the phrase "Nothing About Us Without Us" into additional action at this annual conference. Inaugural Workshop for NCFASD Informed: A Brain-Based Approach FASCET’s Melissa Elligson gave an overview of the neurobehavioral approach for helping those impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure at a workshop in the Raleigh area on April 14th. Elligson provided an overview of the primary behavioral symptoms of underlying brain structure and function of an individual affected by exposure to alcohol in utero. These manifestations include the differential between chronological age and developmental age; sensory symptoms; language and communication difficulties; slow processing pace; learning differences; and executive functioning deficits. For more information, see http://www.fascets.org. Other Events of interest May 2-3, Raleigh, workshop on the neurobehavioral approach to helping families impacted by FASD: “FASD and the Brain-Based Approach”  http://fafasd.org  May 29, Chapel Hill, free workshop about transitioning to adulthood: “Now That I’m 18”, Co-sponsored by Josh’s Hope http://www.joshshopefoundation.org and Cardinal Innovation Healthcare  The award-winning documentary: “Building Resilience: The Biology of Stress & The Science of Hope” has free showings around North Carolina https://www.eventbrite.com/e/resilience-community-film-screenings-tickets-36663342043 The documentary discusses how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) affect child development and health outcomes in adulthood. NCFASD Informed is looking at the growing body of literature which demonstrates the need to include prenatal alcohol exposure when assessing multiple forms of childhood adversity. (Frankenberger, 2015)  NCFASD Informed Updates The development of the website, www.ncfasdinformed.org, is still in progress. Join our grassroots efforts to help more North Carolinians become FASD Informed. Forward this Newsletter to others! Contact us: Kathy.Hotelling@ncfasdinformed.org or Elizabeth.Field@ncfasdinformed.org |
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