FASD Support and Resources in Alberta

A Training Manual for Trainers: Alcohol and the Fetus

Description:
A training manual on "Alcohol and the Fetus" by Carolyn Hartness.

"This is an advanced training manual for professional and paraprofessional trainers who want to expand their knowledge of the possible effects of alcohol on the fetus. Trainers who use this manual will be able to develop presentations for various types of audiences ... The manual contains modules that discuss seven major topics related to the effects of alcohol on the fetus. Each module includes training content ideas and suggested training materials and other resources..."

Available at:
http://www.seventh-generation.com
(Click on Manual in the navigation bar, and select Manual Summary, Part 1 or Part 2. All in PDF format at no charge)

Million Dollar Babies - CBC Documentary [Online]

Description:
They're called million dollar babies, and one is born every day in Alberta. They are babies with brain injuries caused by the alcohol their mothers drank during pregnancy — brain injuries that can cost a fortune to deal with over a lifetime.

For one week, CBC Radio's James Hees takes a look at the cost of raising a child with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and what is being done to address the problem.

Online Access:
http://www.cbc.ca/edmonton/features/fasd/

Notes:
Produced by CBC Edmonton in March of 2009.
The series can be listed to online, but you require an audio player that uses the .RAM format.

Help for Siblings of Children Affected by FASD [articles]

Description:
SAMSA (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) has two booklets available to help siblings of children affected by FASD:

What Do I Do? Helping Your Kids Understand Their Sibling's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
"This booklet provides guidance on understanding sibling relationships when an FASD is involved. It answers questions you might have and suggests ways to help your children cope with their sibling's disorder. A list of resources is also provided if you need further information or support." 16 pages.

My Sibling Has a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Can I Catch it?
Your sibling has a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or an FASD. It can be hard to understand and scary to think about. This booklet can help answer some questions you may have. It tells you about FASD and helps you explore your feelings. It also shares ways to get help." 20 pages.

Access Info:
These two booklets are available for free online in PDF format:
What Do I Do? Helping Your Kids Understand Their Sibling's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
My Sibling Has a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Can I Catch it?

Canadian/International: SAMSA says, "We are not able to accommodate international orders placed through the online shopping cart. Please call 800-729-6686 or email your request to [email protected]." 

Americans can order free paper copies from SAMSA via their site

‘So Now You Have Been Diagnosed With FASD. Now What?’ [online]

Description:
‘So Now You Have Been Diagnosed With FASD. Now What?’ is a handbook of hopeful strategies for youth and young adults.
The goal of this handbook is to help young people, like you, learn more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). It also offers strategies that you can use to better understand yourself, improve your relationships, manage your feelings, do better in school and live a healthy life.

This 126 page booklet was written by Agnieszka Olszewska and the Boyle Street Education Centre.

Access Info:
The booklet is available for free online from the Boyle Street Education Centre: direct access to booklet (PDF format)

Fighting for a Future [proceedings from a two-day forum]

Description:
In June of 2004, a two day forum was held in Surrey, B.C. which discussed "the urgent need for action to proactively support adolescents and adults with FASD rather than reactively apply ineffective cost measures." The forum brought together "a large, geographically diverse group of birth, foster and adoptive parents, all who are professionally employed in different areas of society, and who have adult children with formally diagnosed FASD," to identify "what they believed to be the most relevant needs and issues facing adolescents and adults with FASD in today’s society."

Fighting for a Future includes the following chapters:

• Executive Summary
• Why is this important?
• What does it all mean?
• What now? Who? Why?
• Process
• Strategic Needs Analysis
  • Homelessnes
  • Finances
  • Health / Mental Health
  • Education / Programming / Employment
  • Legal / Addictions
  • Family Support

If you don't have time to read the entire 80 pages, then at least read the Executive Summary, Broad Recommendations and End Note (pages 8-10). This document was prepared by Jan Lutke, Senior FASD Consultant, and Tina Antrobus, FASD Consultant.

Access Info:
Fighting for a Future -- FASD and the System: adolescents, adults and their families, and the state of affairs

National Database of FASD and Substance Use During Pregnancy [online]

Description:
"This is a database of Canadian resources that have been authored, produced or published in Canada or that have Canadian content but have been published outside of Canada and are currently available to be ordered or purchased from the organization responsible. The subject areas from which documents are selected include prevention, intervention and identification of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and other perinatal substance exposures, such as illicit drugs and solvents. Resources related to prenatal exposure to tobacco are not included.

For the purposes of this database a resource has been identified very broadly and includes print and non-print materials. You will see a list of the 'Resource types' when you search the database." (from website)

The search page allows you to specify any of the following: Title, Author, Subject 1, Subject 2, Resource Type (for example, book, manual, DVD, poster), Province, Language, Intended Audience (for example, Families, Individuals with FASD, Health Professionals, Pregnant Women), or user keywords.

Access Info:
National Database of FASD (and substance abuse) During Pregnancy Resources

Base de données nationale sur des ressources ayant trait à l'ETCAF et à la consommation d'alcool et de drogues pendant la grossesse

Strategies Parents Find Helpful in Raising Their Children Living with FASD [booklet]

Description:
This 32-page booklet in PDF format provides numerous strategies "that parents have identified as helpful in raising their children living with FASD." The booklet is divided by age categories, ranging from Infants and Toddlers all the way to Young Adults and Adults. It was created by Czaee Rajwani, a nursing student at University of Toronto, as part of her placement at the FASD Clinic at St. Michael's Hospital.

Strategies Parents Find Helpful in Raising Their Children Living with FASD (PDF Format, 266 KB)

Note: this booklet is posted here as we are not aware of it being available elsewhere on the web. We have also seen an email from Dr. Stade at the FASD Clinic, saying "please distribute to whoever you want". If anyone with legal rights over the booklet objects to its posting at this site, please use the "Comments" feature to notify us. Be sure to include contact information so that we can follow up on your concern.

Towards Inclusion: Tapping Hidden Strengths. Planning for Students who are Alcohol-Affected [document]

Description:
"This is a planning resource intended to provide a support for student service administrators, principals, classroom teachers, resource teachers, school counsellors, clinicians, and other community professionals who will help in assisting schools in developing approaches for students who are alcohol-affected.

The resource will address the spectrum of students who are alcohol-affected, including those diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS), Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND), and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)." (from their website)

Chapters include the following topics:
Basic Principles and Framework
Continuum of Services and Supports
Creating a Positive School Climate
Learning Strategies, Supports and Interventions
Planning for Individual Behaviour
Working Together - Family and Community Involvement in the School
and more.

Access Info:
Available free online at Manitoba Ministry of Education website. This main page gives an introduction to the document and then has links to the individual chapters (provided in PDF format).

Other Info:
This document is produced by Manitoba Education, Citizenship and Youth in 2001.

New Perspectives on Transitions and FASD [report]

Description:
This document, produced by the Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network and the United Way, is intended to "shed light on the transitioning issues with people who are affected by FASD." It researches and summarizes the following:
• the impact of FASD upon the daily lives of young people
• the vulnerabilities faced by young people and the potential consequences of those vulnerabilities
• an examination of models of support and intervention that have been shown to be effective for individuals affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders and that hold promise of providing protective factors to counteract the vulnerabilities
• identification of “themes” that require further attention and continuing development to ensure that adults with FASD will, in the future, have the supports and resources required to live inclusive, valued lives in communities of their choosing.

Access Info:
New Perspectives on Transitions at the Calgary Fetal Alcohol Network site (PDF format; 3.7 MB).

Journal of FAS International [Articles/Reports]

Description:
The Journal of FAS International - J FAS Int - is "a new peer review journal dedicated to all aspects of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and the official journal of the FACE (Fetal Alcohol Canadian Expertise) Research Network." The journal is web-based.

Access Info:
Journal of FAS International

Alberta's Standards for Special Education [document]

Description:
"These standards, modified in 2004, outline requirements for school districts regarding the delivery of education programming for students in grades 1 to 12 with special education needs....  The standards are organized into four areas" (from The Edmonton Examiner - Mar 7/07):  Access standards, appropriateness standards, accountability standards, and standards pertaining to appeals.

Access Info:
Standards for Special Education (PDF Format) at the www.education.gov.ab.ca website

FASD Materials [Print Materials]

Description:
The Government of Alberta Children's Services offers free print materials on the topic of FASD, including posters, booklets, brochures, tip sheets, and newsletters (about 30 items). There are several options for ordering:

Regular ordering:

1. Go to Children's Services website
2. Click on "Order your publications online."
3. Complete the online registration form.
4. Press Submit and then wait a week or two for the instructions to be emailed to you.
5. The instructions will contain a catalogue URL and a password, for use in shopping at the site.

Faster ordering (if you need the materials quickly):

1. Go to Children's Services website
2. Click on "Please print and fill out this form."
3. Send the form by fax to 780-422-1695, or phone 780-644-1301 to phone in your order.
4. It can also be mailed in:  Alberta Children's Services, c/o Alberta Corporate Service Centre - Forms Services, 4th Floor Centre West Building, 10035 - 108 St. NW, Edmonton AB T5J 3E1

Community Action Guide: working together for the prevention of FASD [Article]

Description:
This 111-page document is intended to give guidance to communities seeking to plan FASD "initiatives that will be comprehensive, coordinated and holistic in their approach. It is designed as a 'hands-on' resource that can be used as a teaching tool, an information source to heighten public awareness, and a resource in planning community-based prevention initiatives."

The major sections are Introduction, Understanding FASD, Understanding Alcohol and Other Drug Use, A Role for Professionals, Taking Action in Your Community, and Helpful Listings and Resources.

Community Action Guide at the B.C. Ministry of Children and Families website.  Published October 1998.

FAS Community Resource Center [online]

Description:

An online resource with many useful sections:

http://www.come-over.to/FAS/ Home Page

Direct links to some selected pages:

Printable FASD brochures and handouts

Best books and links for home schooling children with special needs

FASD Presentation (in PDF and Powerpoint)

FASD Tip Sheets [Articles]

Description:
The FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan offers 16 different tip sheets for download, providing "specific suggestions and strategies on how you can support a child or adult with FASD in a way that has worked well for some other parents."  Topics include helping your child or teen with FASD make decisions, make and keep friends, manage money, take part in sports and activities, learn about ownership, etc.  Eleven of these tip sheets are available in both English and French.

Tip Sheets menu at www.skfasnetwork.ca

"Broken Heart: Dealing with feelings of loss and understanding grief [Article]

Description:
This 21-page booklet is designed for use by a caregiver or mentor who is helping a person with FASD deal with grief, specifically related to boyfriend, girlfriend, divorce, partner or friendship.  Included at the end is a general mentoring page and a  mentor sheet on "How Can I Help a Person with FASD Deal with Sorrow" (resulting from a broken love relationship).

Access Info:
Grief Workbook (PDF, 592.9K). This resource was produced by Better Endings organization, and is now stored here as the link to the original web version is gone.
* If link does not download automatically by clicking on it, then right-click on it and choose "Save Target As...".

Learning about FAS [PowerPoint Presentation]

Description:
This presentation has 28 slides about FAS/FAE, including specific information on how alcohol can affect different aspects of a baby's development throughout pregnancy.  Nine of the slides detail the development of the baby during pregnancy.

This presentation by Lauren Yallop (psych. intern student at Fort Saskatchewan Correctional Centre 2002/2003) was originally distributed in a flipchart format by the Alberta Aboriginal Committee on FAS.  Now offered as a PowerPoint presentation.

ZIP file with Presentation (located on Region 6 FASD website)

First Nations & Inuit Health [Articles]

Description:

This section of the Health Canada website 'profiles Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE) as it affects First Nations and Inuit communities and some of the strategies that are being used to deal with these conditions.'

It has a brief discussion of the issue and several links to other Health Canada documents. One of these is "It Takes a Community", a pdf document in two parts:  "A framework for the First Nations and Inuit Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects Initiative" and "Resource Manual for Community-Based Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects" (this 137 page document is extensive).

Website:  FASD and First Nations / Inuit Health

Webpage: "It Takes a Community" summary page with PDF link and table of contents.

"Iceberg" Newsletter [Articles]

Description:

'Iceberg is a quarterly international educational newsletter on FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) from FASIS, a parent/professional partnership -- Because the problems we readily see are only the tip of the iceberg.'

Current and past issues are available for viewing online. Articles in the June 2006 issue included "Social Skill Development in Children with FASD: A Pilot Program to Enhance Friendship Building", "CJ's Words", "David's Words", "Our Lives with FASD", and a book review.

Iceberg Newsletter - online

We are listing this newsletter because it seems to have a good blend of academic material and personal stories, and because it comes out of a partnership between parents and professionals.

FASD and Faith [Articles]

Description:

Five articles discussing FASD in the context of faith.  Titles are "Faith and Spirituality", "Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and the church", "Faith, Hope, Love and Community", "Six FASD Related Issues and Our Churches", and "MCC Explores Ways to Respond to Fetal Alcohol Disorders".  On the Mennonite Central Committee -  Canada website.

Articles on FASD and Faith

Mothers with Attitude [Articles]

Description:

'This is a place for parents to share the background and recommendations they've written up for their children's teachers -- so that other parents can use them as a model for their own missives, or just so they know that somebody is actually reading the darn things.'

For the heading Fetal Alcohol Effects, the five items are "Behavior Management Plan", "Handling [Child]'s Behavior, Helping [Child] Behave, Introduction to [Child], "Introduction to 'The Nurtured Heart Approach'". Other headings include Language and Learning Disabilities, and Adoption.  A lot of what is said in these articles is likely to be useful to parents and caregivers as well.

A second set of headings on the same page is 'a place for parents to share their experiences and insights with other parents.'

Website: Mothers with Attitude

Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome / Effects [Articles]

Description:

This resource guide was created by the Special Programs branch of the Ministry of Education in British Columbia.  The website section includes information on characteristics of students with FASD, preparing to teach students with FASD, understanding the needs of these students, developing an individual education plan, etc.

Teaching Students with FAS/FAE Resource Guide

Other Info:

Written in 1996.

Teaching Students with FASD: Building Strengths, Creating Hope [Document]

Description:
"Book 10 in the Programming for Students with Special Needs series, this resource includes:

• background and terminology that will help educators understand the current diagnostic definition of FASD. It also explains the diagnostic process, primary and secondary disabilities, and the strengths and protective factors often seen in students with FASD
• key considerations for planning effective education programs
• suggestions for how to build a positive classroom climate and maintain a supportive learning environment
• overarching strategies on how to structure the learning environment, develop effective routines, build skills for whole class instruction, teach social and adaptive skills, and help students generalize new skills and concepts
• strategies related to specific areas of developmental functioning. The strategies are organized by domain, including attention, memory, language and communication, and academic skills
• an appendix of reproducible blackline masters to use with students, parents and other educators. " (from gov't website)

Sections include What is FASD? Key concepts for planning effective education programs, Organizing for instruction, Creating a positive classroom climate, and Responding to students' needs.

The Teaching Students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder page includes introductory comments and links to download (for free) the 182-page PDF document, produced in 2004, as one complete article or by section. A print version can also be purchased.

Also available is the free Sample professional development activities to support teaching students with FASD (PDF format, 74 pages)

Active Learning: Bridging the Gap for Alcohol Effect Children [Article]

Description:

An 2-3 page article by Debbie Evensen which lists the learning disabilities which FAS/FAE children may have, and then discusses some effective learning techniques.

Active Learning article

Parenting Children Affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Guide for Daily Living [Article]

Description:

This is an 82 page PDF document created by the British Columbia Ministry for Children and Families. Main headings in the table of contents include Definitions and Facts, Common Manifestations, Structure, Supervision, Simplicity, Steps and Context, Parenting Suggestions, Guidelines for Daily Living, Special Considerations for Infants, Special Considerations for Adolescents, etc.

Access Info:
Daily Guide for Living (pdf on our site, due to its original location at the Gov't of British Columbia being deleted).

Contact Info:To receive paper copies of this article (Ministry of Children and Families version), please contact:
Warehouse Services
724 Vanalman Avenue, Victoria, B.C. V8V 1X4
Tel 250 952-4563 Fax 250 952-4559
Refer to document number MCF 089

Critical Issues [Articles]

Description:

This section of the FASD Connections website has extensive links to important articles about FASD. Topics include Aboriginal, Addictions Treatment, Adult ADHD, Alcohol & Addiction, Alcohol, Women and Pregnancy, Children of Alcoholics, Justice and Legal Issues, Medications, Mental Health, Prenatal Alcohol Exposure & the Brain, Prevention and many more.

Contact Info:

FASDconnections.ca Articles Menu

Other Info:

This is a Canadian site, most likely originating from B.C. Four of the people involved in it are FASD Consultants, with one of those being the co-chair of the National Advisory Committee on FASD to Health Canada.

Alcohol and Pregnancy - Preventing FASD [Article]

Description:

A two-page article for women about alcohol and pregnancy.

Article at AADAC website
PDF version of article.
Note: article is short, and does not add much to the discussion. However, the PDF version is an attractively formatted full-colour piece which may be useful for some purposes.

Let's Talk FASD: Parent Driven Strategies in Caring for Children with FASD [Article]

Description:

A very practical and user-friendly 63-page document for parents and caregivers, incorporating best practices (routine and consistency, getting a diagnosis, etc.), sections on interacting in the community, information sheets which you can use to educate the public and professionals (one for children 12 and under, one for a child 13 or older to give out him/herself), and a "Resource Toolbox" for each of the best practice topics.

Each section includes discussion of the topic, a "From one parent to another" section with tips from parents, and a "Parents say" section with quotes from parents.  From VON Canada www.von.ca

Let's Talk FASD (English version)

Parlons de l'ETCAF (édition française)

FASD: Strategies not Solutions [Article]

Description:

'This Booklet is designed for caregivers and professionals who, in their everyday lives, encounter children and youth affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Readers should be aware that this Booklet provides strategies and suggestions for people who already have a base understanding of FASD.' (from the foreword)

Section headings include Environment, Sensory Dysfunction, Effective Discipline, Impulse Control, Calming Techniques, Age Specific Strategies, Self-Care, Recreation, Self-Harming, and more.

FASD: Strategies not Solutions pdf file

Other Info:

This superb 60-page document was produced by the Region 6 FASD Child and Youth Sub-Committee.  Hard copy versions of this booklet might be available from Children and Youth Services [ (Gov't of Alberta).

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: A Learning Module For Health and Social Service Workers [article]

Description:

'The purpose of the learning module is:

• To increase awareness of FASD and develop the skills needed in FASD prevention, early identification, intervention, and management.
• To support the integration of FASD prevention, early identification, intervention and management into existing health and social service programming.' (from region6fasd.ca website)

Section headings are: Information on FASD, Rationale for Addressing FASD as an Important Health and Social Issue, Raising Awareness of FASD, FASD and Pregnancy: Prevention Strategies, Children with FASD: Early Intervention Strategies, Adolescents and Adults with FASD: Management Strategies, and Regional Activities.

Online Learning Module created by Edmonton and area Capital Health.

The Dawn of Prevention [Presentation]

Description:

'The Dawn of Prevention, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, a training tool designed to address the issue of FAS from a community-based perspective.

The major objectives of this program were:

• To provide accurate information on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• To use easy to understand language
• To include some relevant Aboriginal cultural values with the material' (from intro letter)

Zip File containing Introductory Letter and PowerPoint

Other Info:

A fairly basic presentation, including information on what is FASD, its effects on the unborn child, how it impacts children and teens, and prevention. Illustrated with art from Aboriginal artist Calvin Soosay.  File is hosted by region6fasd.ca. 

Online Information about Medication

Online resources related to medication and FASD:

FASlink.org - select "Medication" from FASlink's left-side Key Articles menu. Then click on the Medication link which appears on the subsequent page.  Has a discussion of medication, along with pertinent links.  This page is a good starting point.

FASconnections.ca Medications links page

Additional Online Resources about Teaching Children with FASD [Articles plus]

Description:

This page lists additional articles related to teaching children with FASD.
Check out more articles and other resources on this site in the Teaching Children with FASD Category.

---

From the Iceberg newsletter:
What You Can Do to Support Students with FASD

From the University of Washington, a concise brochure explaining the key guidelines:
Eight Magic Keys: Developing Successful Interventions for Students with FAS

From dotolearn.com, an excellent online resource including many strategies and ideas about classroom management, learning strategies, and education resources.  The classroom management section, for example, addresses classroom environment, arousal regulation/attention, behaviour in the classroom, and social interaction. Includes diagrams and pictures to illustrate the concepts:
FASD Toolbox for Teachers

From Lewis-Clark State College, a collection of information for those teaching, including definition of facial features in FASD, clues to a possible FASD child in the classroom, personality and learning traits, behaviour checklists and referral forms, and more.
The ABC's of FAS/FAE: Teacher's Guide and Resource Booklet [articles]

From ACBR.com:
HOPE FOR THE FAS/FAE CHILD: An Educational Approach for Success in the Classroom by Maureen F. Murphy

FASlink.org [website / articles / forums]

Description:

FASlink.org is a Canadian website with extensive information about FASD.  It has many key articles on topics such as diagnosing FASD, parenting, medication, nutrition, etc., personal stories, and an archive with more than 100,000 letters and articles on FAS-related issues. 'The Discussion Forum shares 50 to 100 letters daily...'

This website is a key resource on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Their links page includes links to sites around the world, in French, Japanese, German, Spanish and other languages.

FASlink.org home page

How to Establish and Run FASD Support Groups [Presentation]

Description:

This is a powerpoint presentation created by Kim Trotchie, presented as part of the Metis Nation of Alberta FASD Project.

PowerPoint on Establishing and Running Support Groups (on child.gov.ab.ca)

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome: A Hopeful Challenge for Children, Families and Communities [Article]

Description:

This formal report to Health Canada includes the following subjects:

• Introduction
• Review of Literature, Resources and Best Practices
• Health Promotion and Prevention: Effective Practices and Models
• Evaluation Approach
• Baseline Data (with a focus on Fort McMurray Children's Centre and the Lethbridge Native Women's Transition Home)
• Development of Pilot Projects
• Evaluation Findings
• Conclusions and Recommendations

Available in HTML version or PDF version on the Public Health Agency of Canada website.

Fetal Alcohol Exposure: Time to Know, Time to Act [Article]

Description:

This 15-page paper was presented by Mary (Vandenbrink) Berube, an FAS/E Specialist with Alberta Ministry of Children's Services, to Ontario's Provincial Conference in 2003.  Subtitled 'Teamwork, Case Management', it may be of particular interest to service providers as well as families especially because of its chart of "Guidelines to Intervention with Families", and extensive sections on an unaffected adult caring for affected children and on an affected adult caring for unaffected children.

Time to Know, Time to Act (PDF)

FASD Toolkit for Aboriginal Families [Article]

Description:

This is a 40-page document prepared by the Ontario Federation of Indian Friendship Centres.  'It uses a medicine wheel to help frontline community workers explore issues, and find and apply appropriate tools and supports to address FASD at the community level.'

FASD Toolkit for Aboriginal Families (PDF)