19 Jul Parents
connecting with others virtually
Raising a child with an FASD brings a level of seclusion and exhaustion most people will never understand, no matter how much they try. Parents need connections to find hope, strength, strategies, and support that often are not available from those who do not walk the path caregivers are taking with their loved ones. We hope that support group(s) will start again soon; COVID took its toll on our long standing group in the Triangle, which was replaced by a virtual group in 202o.
Our NCFASD Informed Community on Facebook was designed to provide a platform for North Carolina parents to network and ask questions about resources in the state, receive support, etc. While many Facebook pages exist for parenting different age groups of those with an FASD, this is the only page dedicated to North Carolinians.
Facebook pages specific to FASD abound. Some are for caregivers only, some for those with an FASD only, others for caregivers of certain ages, etc. Explore the options through the search function on Facebook. Recommended Facebook pages are:
- Flying With Broken Wings — A group started by adults with an FASD. This group is for those with FASD as well as those who work with or care for those with FASD.
- Shifting the Paradigm: Towards a neuro-behavioral approach to FASD — A group started by Adrienne Bashista, co-founder of FAFASD (Families Affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder), and is intended as a support and outreach for families impacted by FASDs. This group is highly recommended for those living with and helping a person with FASD.
- FASD Caregiver Success by Jeff Noble is a very popular Facebook page. He also offers webinars and speaks around the US.
- Olderfas is a support group and discussion list for PARENTS ONLY. Family members caring for older teens with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders who are transitioning to adulthood and parents of adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are welcome. A diagnosis is not required. Go to Google groups, Select all groups, search for Olderfas.
CONNECTING WITH organizations
- First in Families www.fifnc.org
- Proof Alliance www.proofalliance.org (formerly MOFAS)
- First Choices https://firstwnc.org/fullcircle
Workshops & conferences
NCFASD Informed and other organizations offer workshops, trainings and conferences on FASD throughout the year. To receive announcements of upcoming events and important information, subscribe to receive our email newsletter.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: Through The Rossi Fund individuals with I/DD and their family members can receive reimbursement for specific expenses for seminars and conferences designed to improve their knowledge, networking and skill levels for advocacy.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
• Explained by the Brain: The FASD Workbook for Parents, Carers, and Educators of Young People with FASD (Vanessa Spiller)
• Trying Differently Rather than Harder (Diane Malbin)
• The Accomplice (Melissa Jacobus)
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Ellen Rodger and Rosie Gowsell)
• Moment to Moment: Perspectives on FASD in Adolescents (ed. Ira J. Chasnoff)
• Guided Growth: Educational Interventions for Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (Ira J. Chasnoff and Ronald J. Powell)
• Our FAScinating Journey (Jodee Kulp)
• The Best I Can Be (Liz Kulp)
• Braided Cord (Liz Kulp and my 12 strand crew)
• Fantastic Antoine Grows Up (ed. Judith Kleinfeld)