In this workshop, the International Adult Leadership Collaborative (ALC) of FASD Changemakers will explain and talk about what they call “inside the box thinking” behavior to describe how to better understand and think about FASD to support those who are living with it. This information is what they have learned as adults about a way to consider how, and why, their brains work differently and to understand – specifically – why the “behavioral” difficulties those with FASD of all ages experience occur. They will talk about this from five specific areas they believe are important to understand for anyone who is a parent or works with people of all ages with FASD. They believe this understanding is essential in working to build eventual success for those with FASD. They will present from the reference that this is “living experience…..not lived experience because “we are not past-tense; it is what we do; what happens every day” and that you must understand the processes involved to be more effective. They will apply the lens of what they wish people had understood when they were children.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the concept of “inside the box thinking” and its relevance to FASD.
• Identify core brain-based factors that contribute to behavioral challenges in individuals with FASD.
• Apply an inside-the-box framework to improve support and intervention strategies for individuals with FASD.

Presented by:  CJ Lutke, Vancouver, BC and Maggie May, Ireland