FASD Support and Resources in Alberta

October 22-23, 2012: Creating Connections, Building Relationships, Growing Communities - FASD Conference [Edmonton]

Description:
Alberta Human Services will be hosting the annual Alberta FASD Conference October 22-23, 2012 at the Delta Edmonton South Hotel and Conference Centre. The two-day conference will feature several keynote speakers, a variety of breakout sessions, and a community showcase and networking reception. This year’s conference will also feature a special focus on building and strengthening connections, relationships and communities.

This conference will be of interest to: caregivers and families, individuals with FASD, teachers, teacher aides, social workers, nurses, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, physicians, alcohol and drug workers, mental health workers, community workers, family support workers, program providers, vocational rehab service providers, elected officials, government ministries, lawyers and policy-makers.

More Info:
Website: fasd-cmc.alberta.ca
Email: Amanda Amyotte
Registration will open in July 2012.

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)

Canadian FASD Training Online Database

Description:
The purpose of the Canadian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Training Online Database project is to develop and promote a searchable database that contains the names of individuals and organizations in Canada who design and deliver training related to FASD. The databases is available to service providers who are looking for FASD trainers and training programs that correspond to their individual or organizational training needs.

Hopefully the creation of this database will result in additional supports and resources being created for families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Access Info:
Canadian FASD Training Online Database

FASD Adult Case Management seminars [Alberta / BC]

Description:
Renae Sanford, formerly Richards, teaches FASD Adult Case Management in both BC and Alberta. She was formerly working with the now-defunct Wholistic Family Legacy Foundation. She wrote to say "I am however still very much involved with FASD. I am living in Salmon Arm BC and still teaching FASD Adult Case Management in both BC and Alberta. My e-mail address remains [email protected]. I will be very happy to hear from any persons about FASD."

Contact Info:
Renae can be contacted at [email protected]

FASD Online Courses from SIAST [online]

Description:
The Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) is offering an online course on FASD!!!!

The course is a valuable supplement to many Community Services programs ( including Early Childhood Development, Education, Rehabilitation Worker, Youth Care Worker, Educational Assistant, Therapeutic Recreation, Chemical Dependency and Corrections Workers) or to anyone who has an interest in this subject. This course is starting from March 2, 2009 until July 17, 2009.

Access Info:
FASD Online Courses from SIAST

Eager to Learn: Online classes for people who care for children [online]

Description:
"Eager-to-Learn classes are multi-week, indepth, learning experiences which students participate in weekly live chat sessions, respond to engaging messages board questions and write a weekly e-mail reflection. Instructors provide ongoing feedback to the students on the message board while students communicate with each other in an ongoing dialog."

Exploring the Invisible Disability of FASD is of particular interest to us:
"Exploring the Invisible Disability of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) In this course you will examine Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders; a set of physical, behavioral and cognitive disorders seen in people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. These disorders, including Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder, partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, affect 1 in 100 children born in our country but are often undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This course will explore this sometimes invisible but often devastating set of disorders and will provide strategies to increase success in the home, classroom and community! Instructor: Kari Fletcher is the adoptive parent of 2 children with FASD and she is a trainer with the Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. CDA Content Area: 8 Core Competency Area: IV"

Access Info:
Website: http://www.eagertolearn.org/index.html

Check the Main Class Listings page for future dates: http://www.eagertolearn.org/classes.cfm
November 4, 2008 Class page: http://www.eagertolearn.org/ETLregister2/ClassDetails.cfm?CrsSchedID=470

Note that registration for a course closes seven days prior to the start date!

Other Info:
"Eager-to-Learn is an innovative, community based, e-learning program of the Minnesota Child Care Resource & Referral Network.
Our courses are designed to provide quality, accessible, educational opportunities for people who care for children.... Our thriving community of trained professionals offers classes covering a wide range of topics which focus on children from birth to age 12."

A Training Manual for Trainers: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Fetal Alcohol Related Conditions [Manual]

Description:
"This is an advanced training manual for professional and paraprofessional trainers who want to expand their knowledge of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol related conditions. Trainers who use this manual will be able to develop presentations for various types of audiences, i.e., parents, teachers, social service professionals, medical and treatment providers, as well as community groups. The manual contains modules that discuss seven major topics related to fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol related conditions. Each module includes training content ideas and suggested training materials such as overheads, handouts and other resources related to the theme of the module." (from website)

Access Info:
A Training Manual for Trainers: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome & Fetal Alcohol Related Conditions (PDF Format, 165KB / 16 pgs.)
16 page summary

According to the summary document (released 1998), the full manual is available for purchase from the Seattle King County Department of Public Health. However, this is no longer true in 2011. We are researching to determine if there is another source for this document. 

Jeopardy with FASD (and other classroom exercises]

Description:

This lesson plan from Georgia is intended to teach grade 7 students about FASD. It involves them in internet research to find out more about the topic, roleplaying and ethics discussions (they are servers in a bar, and an obviously pregnant woman comes in asking for an alcoholic beverage), the creation of a public service announcement, and a jeopardy-style game to test their knowledge.

Jeopardy with Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome webpage.

FAS Parent Mentoring Program [East Central Alberta]

Description:

'Provides support and parent mentoring to parents and caregivers of FAS children in Region 5 through toll-free phone support line, workshops, parent mentor groups and personal contact.' (from child.gov.ab.ca website)

Contact Info:

Regional FASD Contact: David Wilson 780 385-7076

Website: Getting Help: Region 5

FASD Outreach Services [Central Alberta]

Description:

'McMan’s F.A.S.D. Outreach Program provides education, information, support, resources, mentoring services, coaching and advocacy to parents and caregivers of children who have (or are suspected to have) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

The F.A.S.D. Outreach Program provides services to caregivers of children living with FASD. Clients may be self referred or referred by Resources for Children with Disabilities, a community source or by a child protection worker.' (from McMan's website)

Contact Info:

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association - Central Region
5028-49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta  T4G 1M1
Tel:  403 227-5580    Fax: 403 227-5541

Program Manager: Bart Haddow # 403-227-8129

Website: McMan - Central Alberta page

Other Info:

Note that the webpage does not offer more information about this program.

FASD Outreach Program [Southwest Alberta]

Description:

'McMan’s F.A.S.D. Outreach Program provides education, information, support, resources, mentoring services, coaching and advocacy to parents and caregivers of children who have (or are suspected to have) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).'

Contact Info:

McMan Youth, Family and Community Services Association -Southwest Region
203, 517 - 4th Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta  T1J 0N4
Tel. 403 328-2488     Fax: 403 328-2645
Outreach Worker: Laura Elliot 403-328-2488

Website: McMan's Southwest Region page

Other Info:

Note that the webpage gives additional information about what McMan offers in the Southwest, but no more info about the FASD program.

Region 6 FASD [Edmonton and area]

Description:

"The Region 6 FASD Steering Committee... is made up of members from many different service organizations and government departments."

The "partnership focuses on:

• Public awareness
• Education and training
• Prevention programs for women in childbearing years, including pregnant women
• Assessment, diagnosis, management and supports for children
• Assessment, diagnosis, management and supports for adults "

Contact Info:
Region 6 FASD provides extensive information on its website about programs offered by its partners, resource directories, housing directories, and a calendar of events and seminars. The site also has information about FASD and adults, children/youth and prevention:
(website no longer functioning)

Other Info:
Region 6 (also known as the Capital Region) includes Edmonton, St. Albert, Mornville, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Leduc, Devon, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain as well as many other smaller communities.

Lakeland Centre for FASD [Lakeland Region]

Description:

"The Centre coordinates and undertakes activities to increase awareness of and prevent FASD.  Multi-disciplinary, mobile diagnostic teams provide diagnosis, assessment, and intervention for children and adults throughout the region.  Training is available about FASD, best practices for professionals and paraprofessionals.  The Mothers to be Mentorship provides intensive mentoring and support to high risk pregnant women, assisting them to achieve and maintain sobriety in order to prevent an FASD birth.

List of Services:

* Coordination of FASD Diagnostic/Assessment Teams for Children

* Coordination of FASD Diagnostic/Assessment Teams for Adults

* Family Supports

* Cold Lake Mothers-to-be Mentorship Program

* Bonnyville Alcohol/Drug Awareness Project

* FASD Education & Training

* The Lakeland Center for FASD Summer Camp

"It is our focus to provide a fun and safe environment where children with FASD can be themselves." The Lakeland Centre for FASD hosts 6, week long camps between July and August. The camp will be held at Camp Cooinda on Ethel Lake just outside of Cold Lake, Alberta.

Eligibility • Diagnosis of FASD, ages 8-17, can be from anywhere in Canada
Camp fees are $500.00 per child, though families may consider seeking assistance through Family Support for Children with Disabilities or their local services clubs (i.e. Lions Club). The centre can assist with this.
For more information, including camp applications visit our services page

* Resource Development

* Information Clearinghouse

Contact Info:
Lakeland FASD Centre
Box 479, Cold Lake, Alberta T9M 1P1
Tel. 780 594-9905  Fax 780 594-9907
Website:  Lakeland FASD Centre

Glenrose Rehabilitation [Edmonton and area]

Description:

Among many other fine services, the 'Glenrose Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Clinical Services provides multidisciplinary assessment and diagnosis for children and families affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. The team links with community partners who provide intervention and support services. The team also serves as a resource to the community and families regarding FASD. In addition, the Service provides training for other professionals in the assessment and diagnosis of FASD, utilizing a multidisciplinary team approach.'

Contact Info:

Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital

10230 - 111 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T5G 0B7

Tel. 780 735-7999, ext 2328

Website: Glenrose FASD Clinical Services

Other Info:

Referrals must be made by a Physician to the Glenrose Paediatric Admissions Coordinator, who redirects as appropriate. Eligibility criteria apply.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum of Services [Edmonton]

Description:

'Special help is given to parents raising children affected by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD). The program aims to reduce the occurrence of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) in the community. Women at a high risk of having an affected child can get the support they need to make positive lifestyle changes. Awareness of the dangers of drinking during pregnancy is a major component of the program with staff making presentations and being available at community events. In a recent development, Bissell Centre now offers support to adults suffering from FASD to help them maintain a positive lifestyle and prevent the development of secondary disabilities.'

Parent Child Advocacy
Parent Child Advocacy provides long-term support to women wanting a healthy pregnancy and child.

Adult Advocacy
Adult Advocacy provides one-on-one long-term support to adults who are affected by FASD.

Community Education
Community Educators present to small and large groups on the issues of FASD. Each presentation is tailored to the business, school or organization’s audience and to the group’s requests.  All presentations are free of charge.  

Contact Info:

Bissell Centre - Making a difference in Edmonton's inner city

Alaina Thursby  [email protected]

Tel. 780 423-2285 ext. 157

Website: Bissell Centre - Services page

Note: this program was formerly called Well Community, Well Families.

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)

Presentations by Margaret Galipeau [Edmonton and area]

Description:

Margaret Galipeau, a registered physiotherapist, offers workshops and presentations on various topics related FASD.  She is available to speak to groups by invitation. Topics include the following:

"The Invisible Disability: Sensory Integration Dysfunction"
"The 4 A's: Asleep, Awake, Alert, Attending"
"'I Can't Do It, It's Just Too Hard' Developmental Coordination Disorder"

Contact Info:
Galipeau Physiotherapy Inc.
#310, 200 Bethel Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta T8H 2C5
Tel. 780 417-3202  Fax  780 416-0120

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Brain Impairment Rehabilitation Program [Edmonton and area]

Description:

'Bosco Homes’ Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and Brain Impairment (FASD/BI) Rehabilitation Program incorporates best practices in delivering a range of services in the following areas:

FASD/BI Screening FASD/BI Assessment Team Environmental adaptation Cognitive rehabilitation Occupational therapy Neurodevelopmental interventions Transition support services Community FASD/BI education and training' (from Bosco's website)

Contact Info:

Bosco Homes, Edmonton and area, Alberta

Tel. 780 440-0708 ext 221 for reception.  Fax 780 440-0760

Website: BoscoHomes.ca FASD Page

Other Info:

Bosco Homes also provides a variety of other services (Group Care, Foster Care, Educational Services) which may or may not apply to a person with FASD.

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.

FASD Outreach Project [Red Deer]

Description:

• 'Community outreach project to provide services and supports for families and individuals affected by FASD from a life-span approach that they will need to live in and be a valued member of their community.
• For adults this includes a peer support program, respite program for caregivers, life-skills training, direct personal assistance services and supports, as well as more indirect advocacy/troubleshooting/liaison services to expand circles of support for adults affected by FAS and ease some of the pressure on their families
• For children and youth, services and supports include service linkages/advocacy, ensuring children and youth have the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate community activities, and development of enhancing coping strategies for parents/caregivers
• Provide FASD awareness training and be an integral part of the case conferences with the region's assessment and diagnostic team and their Community Assessment Model.' (from child.gov.ab)

Contact Info:

Friends of Children with Special Needs
Kathy Parsons, Executive Director
5017 - 50th Ave., Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 1Y2
Tel. 403 340-3885
Email: [email protected]

Awakenings Program [Gleichen]

Description:

'The objective of the Awakenings program is to develop responses to address the FASD needs in Gleichen, Alberta. The program will focus on prevention strategies to reduce the incidence of FASD and to promote health and well being of the Siksika community, these strategies include:

• Continued service delivery of comprehensive prevention, and care and support programs for high risk women and their partners;
• On-going support for families with FASD children and adults diagnosed with FASD children;
• Development of a multi-disciplinary diagnostic team to provide screening, assessment, and diagnosis for Siksika Nation;
• Development of a Siksika Model of Care for communities and families/children/adults; and
• On-going FAS training for all service providers/professionals within the Siksika community.'  (from child.gov.ab)

Contact Info:

Siksika Mental Health
Tyler White, Siksika Mental Health Director
P.O. Box # 1130,  Siksika Nation, Alberta  T0J 3W0
Tel.  403 734-3852   Fax 403 734-3490

Wholistic Family Legacy Foundation [Medicine Hat]

Description:
The Wholistic Family Legacy Foundation is no longer functional. It previously provided training and workshop services to Aboriginal communities, professional services, and front line workers with a focus on Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and alternative healing and wellness.

Contact Info:
We received the following email in February 2009:
"My name is Renae Sanford, formerly Richards. I no longer live in Medicine Hat and Wholistic Family Legacy Foundation is no longer operational. I am however still very much involved with FASD. I am living in Salmon Arm BC and still teaching FASD Adult Case Management in both BC and Alberta. My e-mail address remains [email protected]. I will be very happy to hear from any persons about FASD. I apologize for disappearing.
Renae"

Lawryk Consulting [Bragg Creek / Calgary]

Description:

Lawryk Consulting offers OBD (Organic Brain Dysfunction) Triage Assessments (medical prescreening) for children, youth & adults as well as OBD Diagnostic Interpretation of Abilities Sessions.  These sessions give a defined, detailed explanation of the idnividual's specific disability as a direct result of prenatal alcohol exposure and identification of the cognitive deficits that often translate into behaviors.  ... prevention strategies and intervention techniques are designed in order to focus on strengths and create success in all areas of the life course....  Ms. Lawyrk... has been qualified as an expert (FASD) in Alberta family, youth and adult courts and also presents workshops in specialized areas of interest. (from CCSA)

Contact Info:

Lawyrk Consulting
Ms. Liz Lawryk
P.O. Box 1289, Bragg Creek, Alberta T0L 0K0
Tel. 780 949-3991 Fax 403 949-4051
Email: [email protected]

OBD (Organic Brain Dysfunction) Triage Institute [Calgary]

Description:

The OBD Triage Institute provides training & certification to clinical professionals in the use of the OBD Triage Assessment Model: A Screening Instrument for Use in the Evaluation of Teratogenic Effects on Embryonic Development. (from CCSA)

Contact Info:

OBD Triage Institute
P.O. Box 1289, Bragg Creek, Alberta T0L 0K0
Tel. 403 949-3991 Fax 780 949-4051
Email: [email protected]
Website: OBD Triage Institute

Northwest Regional FASD Society [High Level]

Description:
The goals of this society are:
To coordinate with the Health Region to provide services within the region.
To increase awareness, knowledge and resources for families and individuals with FASD across the lifespan.
To collaborate with and support schools, communities and agencies with the resource to support children and families living with FASD.
To remove the stigma and break down barriers surrounding FASD.
To have no more births with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Their services include programs such as family coaching, youth coaching and youth mentoring, educational sessions, a lending library via the High Level Municipal Library, providing connections to local community resources, etc.

Contact Info:
Northwest Regional Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Society
Box 3668, High Level, AB T0H 1Z0
Tel: 780-926-3375   Fax: 780-926-2373

Website: Northwest Regional FASD Society website

Hobbema Indian Health Services Centre [Hobbema]

Description:

'In the area of FAS and FAE the Centre does community workshops for interested groups ... [these] cover the basics of FAS/FAE, describe case studies, and provide other information depending on group needs.  The Centre has a library of resources on FAS/FAE.

Contact Info:

Hobbema Indian Health Services Centre
Ms. Marilyn Yellowbird-Rowan, Health Promotion Facilitator
Family Wellness Centre Tel. 780 585-2219 Fax 780 585-2665
Email: [email protected]

FASS - Fetal Alcohol Support Society [Grande Prairie]

Description:

'The objectives of FASS are to promote and facilitate education, prevention, intervention, diagnosis and/or assessment, care and supports from birth to death of persons affected by Fetal Alcohol; to promote and facilitate support groups for caregivers and those persons who may be affected....' (from CCSA)

Fetal Alcohol Support Society sponsors a parent/caregiver support group on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 7:30 PM, at the ASLS Boardroom, Schubert Building (above Vito's), on 100 St. No fees or childcare but older children welcome. **Phone or email in advance, as meetings are held upstairs in a locked building.**  Main contact : Thelma Vincent - 780-814-7624 or [email protected]  Secondary contacts: Lorraine Carrier - 780-532-3726; Sharon/John - 780-539-5651.

Contact Info:

FASS
Thelma Vincent, President
Grande Prairie, Alberta
Tel. 780 814-7624
Email: [email protected]

FAS-T: A National Training Program [Alberta/Canada]

Description:

'FAS-T provides a variety of training programs to meet the needs of agencies and organizations - from 2 hour seminars to 3 day intensive participant-oriented training.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:

Ms. Dianna Souveny, Training Coordinator
Dynamic Networks Psychological Services
79 Hill Cres., Red Deer, Alberta T4N 6G3
Tel. 403 343-8876 Fax 403 343-8675
Email: [email protected]

D-V Massey & Associates [Edmonton]

Description:

'Dr. V. Massey is a chartered clinical psychologist and neuropsychologist.  She has extensive experience in the assessment of children, adolescents, and adults... She also conducts training workshops and professional symposia on FAS and other alcohol-related disorders for provincial and federal government agencies and departments, professional organizations, and other interested groups.' (from CCSA)

Dr. Don Massey is also a chartered clinical psychologist and educator with a broad educational and employment background... and has also received specialized training in neuropsychological assessment.  (from their website)

Contact Info:
Dr. Valerie J. Massey, Associate
(or) Dr. Don Massey
316, Kingsway Garden Mall,  109 Street and Princess Elizabeth Ave, Edmonton Alberta T5G 3A6
Tel. 780 471-1860   Toll-Free in Alberta 1-866-271-1860   Fax  780 479-1880
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dvmassey.com

FAS Consultant [Alberta]

Description:
"Consults with communities and families and promotes awareness through workshops and discussion of solutions in response to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder; supports and creates parent support groups to build a network for families to access.  Marilyn has presented at many conferences and workshops across the country.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:
FAS Consultant
Ms. Marilyn Frye
Box 3533, Wainwright, Alberta T9W 1T5
Tel. 780 842-2802  Fax  780 842-5987

Other Info:
Along with being an educator in the area of FASD, Ms. Frye is also the parent of a son with FASD.  Workshops presented for a sliding fee scale.

The Children's Center [Fort McMurray]

Description:

'Provides FASD prevention, awareness and education activities to schools, community organizations and agencies in the municipality of Wood-Buffalo.  Facilitates a support group for parents and families of children with FASD.

Contact Info:
The Children's Center
Ms. Ruby Canning, FASD Facilitator
Lower Level, Biggs Building
100 - 9913 Biggs Avenue, Fort McMurray, Alberta T9H 1S2
Tel.  780 743-3309   Fax 780 743-1995
Email: [email protected]

Canadian FASD Diagnostic and Training Centre [Red Water]

Description:
'Provides assessment and diagnosis for children and adults with FASD at the Centre and through a mobile specialized unit.  Offers educational and team training.' (from CCSA)

Contact Info:
Canadian FASD Diagnostic and Training Centre Ltd.
Box 381, Redwater, Alberta  T0A 2W0
Tel.  780 942-2819  Fax  780 942-2835

Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.fasdcanada.com

Other Info:

A physician's referral is not required -- simply call or write the Centre directly.

Frontline FASD Meetings [Edmonton & area]

Description:

Frontline FASD Meetings are held in Edmonton and provide the opportunity to:

* gather information about FASD

* learn about FASD related resources

* talk to other service providers and develop and pursue multi-disciplinary approaches to FASD prevention and intervention.

An email newsletter is also available giving information about events and services.

Contact Info:

Lisa Rogozinsky at 780 477-1999 ext. 234  or [email protected]

Website: Region 6 FASD website

Other Info:

These meetings usually happen monthly, and are mostly intended for those working in the field of FASD.  They are a good source of information and networking.