Parents

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.