FASD United

Affiliate Access
2025-11-06 16:30 - 17:30, 2025-10-02 16:30 - 17:30 (America/New_York) | Online
The FASD United Affiliate Network Executive Council Meeting is held the 1st Thursday of each month at 4:30 pm Eastern. This meeting is open to Affiliate Executive Council Members only. To view a list of your Executive Council Members, click here: Affiliate Executive Council
Members of the FASD United Affiliate Executive Council will be emailed a zoom link prior to the meeting. To add an agenda item or for questions about the Affiliate Executive Council, email baldwin@fasdunited.org.
For more information on becoming an FASD United Affiliate, go to www.nofasaffiliatenetwork.org/join/

FASD United Weekly Policy Drop-in
2025-11-05 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-22 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-15 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-08 12:00 - 12:30, 2025-10-01 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Via Zoom
Do you have a question about advocating for The FASD Respect Act? Want to give and receive updates? This weekly Zoom drop-in session is a great space to do it. The dedicated staff of the FASD United Policy Team will be on hand to answer your questions, give support, and cheer you on!

The Zoom drop-in is held on Wednesdays at Noon Eastern, 11 am Central, 10 am Mountain, 9 am Pacific, 8 am Alaskan, and 6 am Hawaiian time. https://zoom.us/j/94210118165?pwd=[REDACTED]
Meeting ID: 942 1011 8165 Passcode: [REDACTED]

FASD United Policy Forum
2025-10-29 14:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-24 14:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Via Zoom
The monthly forum is a regularly scheduled virtual meeting to brief advocates and guide policy outreach. The meetings are open to all FASD advocates. You can help ensure action on critical FASD legislation by joining the monthly FASD policy virtual forum and preparing to engage with your senators and representatives. Click to join the forums live on Zoom or participate by phone using the number nearest your location.
Meeting ID: 892 5829 4486 Passcode: [REDACTED]
Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) ++1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 720 707 2699 US (Denver) +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)

Caregiver Support and Resource Navigation Group
2025-10-24 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-10-10 10:00 - 11:30, 2025-09-26 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver) | Virtual
Participants will help determine the themes and topics covered to best support their needs. Topics may include:
· Sharing the joys and challenges of caregiving for adults or youth transitioning into adulthood who have FASD or similar neurodiversity/disability.
· Exchanging ideas and sharing successes.
· Strengthening the caregiver-child relationship through a better understanding of your youth or young adult.
· Caregiver resource systems navigation (employment, disability services, financial, medical, educational).
· Supporting transitions and helping to navigate changes in school, employment, life, and daily routines.
· Supporting employment, interpersonal skills, recreation, friendships, relationships, regulation, and interdependence.
· Managing caregiver fatigue and avoiding burnout.

Facilitated by Parent Consultant and now retired Key Worker Coordinator Jill Crichton with additional support provided by practicum student clinicians Jasleen Mann and Dana Patterson.

Creating a safe, interactive space for caregivers to connect, share, and celebrate the journey of Caregiving.

WHEN: BI-WEEKLY MEETINGS ON FRIDAYS 10:00 – 11:30 AM, BEGINNING NOV. 8 2024, UNTIL APR. 25 2025
WHERE: VIA ZOOM
COST: $20.00 (+GST) DROP-IN FEE (IF COST IS A CONCERN, CONTACT US FOR ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS.)
For group access and more information, please email admin@fasdinstitute.com

FASD Changemakers: Lay of the Land Survey #1 Health Issues in 500+ Older Teens & Adults with Dx FASD
2025-10-21 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
The first of two published researches with the Adult Leadership Collaborative Changemakers.
It was long suspected that adults with FASD face more health issues than the general population, but research was lacking—mainly because adults were hard to find. In 2016, the ALC launched a 260-question health survey for adults with diagnosed FASD, with only technical software support. Nearly 700 responses came in from people aged late teens to early sixties; 561 were usable. Preliminary results were shared in 2017, final data in 2019, and the survey published in 2020. This workshop shares key findings and how the survey led to several funded multi-site health studies.
Key Takeaways:

Identify common physical and mental health challenges experienced by adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), as reported in the ALC survey.
Explain how early identification and documentation of FASD in adulthood can inform treatment planning, service coordination, and client advocacy.
Analyze the implications of the ALC survey findings for clinical practice, including the need for multidisciplinary approaches and improved access to care for adults with FASD.

Presenters:
CJ Lutke, ALC FASD Changemakers, Vancouver, BC

CJ Lutke is a respected FASD advocate, speaker, and systems change leader. Diagnosed with full FAS at birth, she was adopted at age five, along with her siblings who also have FASD. For over 20 years, she’s led trainings, presented at conferences, and contributed to FASD research.
A founding member of the FASD Changemakers Adult Leadership Committee, CJ co-led the Lay of the Land surveys on adult health and quality of life. She serves on advisory groups, including a BC family court reform committee, and recently joined a national CAMH project on FASD and suicidality.
CJ mentors young adults with FASD, blogs for NOFASD Australia, and is the adoptive parent of a 12-year-old son with FASD. Her mission is to empower others with FASD to lead change.
Maggie May, ALC FASD Changemakers, Ireland

Maggie May, 28, was diagnosed with FAS at age five while in foster care, where she was raised. Born and based in Ireland, she is a well-known FASD speaker and advocate. She moderates several online groups, including the largest global support group for teens and adults with FASD, and mentors youth with FASD in multiple countries.
A member of the FASD Changemakers Adult Leadership Committee for five years, Maggie works with FASD UK and serves on the expert advisory committee for a University of Rochester health app for adults with FASD. Her mission is to shift how FASD is viewed, promote inclusive environments, and empower others with FASD to find their voice and purpose.

Canada FASD Conference 2025
2025-10-21 08:00 - 2025-10-23 13:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
The Canada FASD Conference is coming to Toronto, Ontario on October 21-23, 2025. This national conference on FASD brings together different people from across the country and internationally who hold valuable perspectives on FASD and
prevention of FASD. The theme for Canada FASD Conference 2025 conference is Shaping the Future of FASD: From Evidence to Action.
With over 600 attendees expected, this three-day event brings together healthcare professionals, social workers, justice and legal professionals, educators, counsellors, researchers, policy makers, and those with direct or indirect lived or living experience to connect and collaborate. This conference provides a secure and open environment to share diverse perspectives, valuable experiences, new research, and best and promising practices. We encourage you to be part of it!

Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) from Birth to Age 5
2025-10-20 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Learn learn to recognize early signs, understand developmental impacts, and gain practical tools to support families.
This training introduces the impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) on children from birth through age five. Participants will gain a broad understanding of how prenatal alcohol exposure can affect brain development, physical health, and early learning. The session highlights early signs and challenges while offering practical approaches to support children and families in everyday settings.

Learning Objectives:

Identify the key characteristics and developmental challenges associated with FASD in children from birth to age five.
Recognize early signs and symptoms that may indicate the presence of FASD in young children.
Apply supportive strategies and interventions that promote healthy growth, learning, and family well-being in children living with FASD.

Presenter:
Kathryn Shea, LCSW, FASD United Board Member
Kathryn Shea is a licensed clinical social worker with over 40 years of experience working with children with serious emotional and behavioral disorders and fetal alcohol and drug effects. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Kentucky. She served as the President and CEO of The Florida Center for Early Childhood in Sarasota, FL for 12 years, whose mission is the healthy development of young children, their families, and communities. Kathryn is a past president of the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health and has been very involved in developing and expanding Florida’s Early Childhood Court initiative. Ms. Shea currently serves on the board of FASD United (formerly NOFAS) and is an independent consultant at the local, state, and national level. Kathryn has received numerous awards for her work in infant mental health, FASD, and child advocacy.

Affiliate Network Meeting
2025-10-16 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Online
The FASD United Affiliate Meeting is held on the third Thursday of each month at 3 p.m. Eastern. It is open to individuals from Affiliate organizations only.
Affiliate members will receive an email with Zoom information prior to the meeting. For more information on becoming an FASD United Affiliate, go to www.nofasaffiliatenetwork.org/join/

Affiliate Access
2025-10-16 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Online

Strong Fathers Building Safe Homes: A Coaching Circle for Dads Navigating FASD
2025-10-16 11:00 - 12:00 (America/Chicago)
The Papillion Center for FASD is collaborating with Joshua Legg, Pastoral Care & Life Coach to offer a five-week group, TOOL TIME, for fathers parenting children affected by FASD. Completed over a lunch hour via zoom, this is a time to learn, connect and grow with others.
Are you a dad to a child who has been diagnosed with or you suspect is affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders? If so, this training is for you. Grab your spot, group size is limited!

FASCETS Center for Neurodiversity TRAINING Brain-Based Conditions Including FASD: Understanding & Application of the FASCETS Brain-Based Approach
2025-10-14 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-10-07 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-30 10:00 - 13:00, 2025-09-23 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The FASCETS brain-based approach explores the concept that we each have strengths and challenges based on how our brain works. These can be directly informed by our genetic make-up or by pre or postnatal events. In both our 15-hour upcoming training, we discuss the FASCETS brain-based or neurobehavioral approach which links brain function with behaviors, leading to supports that work and make a difference for all brain-based differences such as FASD, ADHD, Autism, Dementia, TBI and more!
Join us for a deep dive into the 15-hour Live webinar to learn more about the FASCETS brain-based approach and discover tools to implement it in all settings in order to create person-specific supports regardless of the source of the brain-based difference: FASD, ASD, ADHD, autism, dementia, acquired brain injuries…) It is effective for all people across their entire lifespan.
If you are someone who lives with, works with or knows someone with a confirmed or suspected brain-based difference, this workshop is for you!
To learn more about these and all of our other upcoming trainings and to register, visit: https://www.fascets.org/book-online

The Importance of Screening for Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
2025-10-09 11:30 - 14:00, 2025-10-09 11:30 - 13:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Presented in collaboration by The Florida Center and Proof Alliance, this webinar will explore the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on child development, learning, and behavior. Designed for healthcare professionals, nurses, public health workers, health educators, social workers, community health workers, doulas, and anyone providing prenatal care, the training highlights the importance of screening and documentation to guide effective support. It includes practical examples, questions, and protocols to help connect families with appropriate resources and services.

Families Rising 50th Annual Adoption and Foster Care Conference
2025-10-06 00:00 - 2025-10-08 23:59 (America/New_York) | Orlando, Florida, 5780 Major Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32819, United States
Join us in Orlando, Florida October 6-8, 2025 for an educational event that covers a wide variety of foster care and adoption related topics—to meet the diverse needs and experience levels of adoptive, foster, and kinship parents, child welfare professionals, and individuals with lived childhood experience in adoption or foster care. Additional info on Families Rising website.

Rethinking ABA: Supporting Brain-Based Differences (FASD) with Compassion and Science
2025-09-29 13:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Examines ABA limitations for FASD, stressing the importance of brain-based understanding
This training offers a compassionate, brain-based perspective on using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), providing a foundational overview, practical strategies, and addressing common challenges and misconceptions—especially the idea that ABA is only for autism. Families, educators, service providers, and ABA professionals will gain the tools and understanding needed to make informed, individualized decisions and better support neurodiverse learners.
Learning Objectives:

Implement ABA strategies that incorporate slower pacing, visuals, and relationship-based supports for children with FASD.
Align ABA approaches with the neurological needs of children, emphasizing flexibility and executive function.

Equip caregivers to advocate for compassionate, FASD-informed ABA services.

Presenters:

Sydney Finkenbine, M.Ed ., BCBA, LBA, COBA
Sydney Finkenbine is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), former foster parent to teens affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), and co-founder of ALL Integrated YOU, a program focused on lifelong, accessible support. She is also the Behavioral Health Director at CAMP – A FASD Community, where she leads a team creating enriching, supportive experiences for youth. Passionate about trauma-informed care and family collaboration, Sydney also values elevating lived experience.
Emma Thomas, Ph.D., BCBA, LBA
Emma is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst-Doctoral (BCBA-D) and co-founder of ALL Integrated YOU. With over 18 years of experience, she has supported individuals with disabilities across diverse settings. Emma is committed to person-centered outcomes and uses evidence-based practices to promote independence and improve quality of life for individuals and their families.

FASD: Considerations for Criminal Justice Practitioners
2025-09-26 12:00 - 14:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
An Introduction to Understanding FASD and Recommendations for Criminal Justice Considerations.
This webinar will focus on a short history and explanation related to the overall spectrum attributed to fetal alcohol disorders. It will touch briefly upon recognition of ‘red flags’ and will touch upon what is considered and necessary in relation to a diagnosis. Focusing on how impactful FASD is on the justice system as a whole, and what tends to differentiate FASD from other intellectual disabilities, tips of the trade and considerations related to policing, corrections, the courts, and probation/parole will be introduced with a heavy emphasis on recommendations of the American Bar Association (ABA) stemming from their standing resolution in regard to Fetal Alcohol. Key takeaways:

Basic understanding of what FASD is, how it is diagnosed, and supports needed.
Considerations law enforcement personnel should include during investigations with individuals affected by FASD.
Guidance for corrections personel in establishing communication and routines for FASD affected individuals.
Provide court personnel an awareness and understanding of FASD to take into account during sentencing for rehabilitation.

Presented by: Captain Holloman has been with the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) since March of 1995. He has certifications in internal affairs, CALEA/APCO accreditation management, field training, traffic crash reconstruction, computer forensics, crime analysis, and homicide investigations. He holds a Master of Criminal Justice degree from Boston University and his undergraduate studies were completed at Ball State University where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice & Criminology. For fifteen (15) years, he was an adjunct faculty member in the Criminal Justice Department at Indiana Tech. On a personal note, Captain Holloman is the father of a son who is on the fetal alcohol spectrum and as a result he is passionate about the need to educate others about the supports necessary for those on the spectrum to have the ability to succeed in life. By recognizing the needs of those on the spectrum, through both personal and professional experiences, Captain Holloman seeks out ways to educate those willing to listen on what an affected person needs and why so that the lessons he and his son had to learn over the course of fifteen undiagnosed years can be used in the hopes of improving the life potential of others like his son.

Supporting Children with FASDs in School: Effective Strategies for Pediatricians
2025-09-24 13:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York)
Event link: https://bit.ly/fasdwebinar03
AAP webinar
This webinar, sponsored by the AAP Council on School Health (COSH), aims to highlight the importance of supporting children with FASDs in educational settings and fostering effective collaboration between pediatricians, parents, and school professionals. The session will cover practical strategies and guidance on the pediatrician’s role in special education services and broader school-based supports. Presenters: Council on School Health (COSH) & Elizabeth Cleveland, PhD, CCC-SLP

Lifelong Support for Individuals with FASD: Foundations in the Towards Healthy Outcomes Curriculum
2025-09-22 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Via Zoom
The foundational training introduces participants to the Towards Healthy Outcomes curriculum developed by Dr. Jacqueline Pei. Designed for those working with individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the session provides an overview of the THO framework, its guiding principles, and its application across the lifespan. The goal is to build a solid understanding of the model, setting the stage for more in-depth exploration in future sessions.
Learning Objectives: 1. Gain an overview of the structure and purpose of the THO curriculum, including its holistic, lifespan-focused approach to supporting individuals with FASD. 2. Learn about the three foundational beliefs of the curriculum: a developmental perspective, a strengths-based and empowering approach, and the influence of interactive systems. 3. Prepares participants for future training by outlining how the THO framework can be used to create individualised, supportive strategies across various life domains.
Presenter: Jacqueline Pei, R. Psych., PhD
Dr. Jacqueline Pei is a Professor in School and Clinical Child Psychology and an Assistant Clinical Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Alberta. With over 20 years as a Registered Psychologist, her work focuses on supporting healthy outcomes for marginalized youth through research and community partnerships. She began her career in forensic counseling and now leads projects on child development and neuropsychology. Learn more about her work at: https://sites.google.com/ualberta.ca/accert

Families Moving Forward (FMF) Specialist Training
2025-09-19 10:30 - 16:30 UTC | Via Zoom
FMF Foundations is a CDC-recommended, evidence-based behavioral intervention for families raising children (ages 3 to 13) with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) or FASD, and challenging behavior. Best suited for mental health providers, it offers ready-to-use materials and clinical strategies that are well organized to support families navigating complex situations, including early adversity and family stress. You’ll receive an application after completing the registration.. The application deadline is July 28, 2025.
Training dates are Aug 18, 19, 26 & Sept 2, 12* or 19*, 2025. (* dependent on size)
Join an International Movement in FASD Intervention
Families Moving Forward Foundations (formerly Families Moving Forward Program) stands as one of only four CDC-recommended interventions for FASD, representing a breakthrough in supporting families affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. As an FMF Specialist, you’ll be equipped to transform challenging behaviors into manageable solutions, while providing families with hope and practical strategies that work.
Comprehensive Training Experience

Over five intensive days, you’ll master an evidence-based intervention that combines:

Positive Behavior Support (PBS) approaches
Motivational Interviewing techniques
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies
Neurodevelopmentally-informed care practices

What You’ll Learn:

Practical understanding of FASD’s brain-based impact on behavior
Advanced techniques for reframing challenging behaviors
Customizable intervention strategies for diverse family needs
Realistic behavior planning and development of accommodations
Evidence-based methods to increase parenting efficacy
Strategies to decrease disruptive behaviors through understanding

Program Structure:

Core Training Dates: August 18, 19, 26 & September 2, 12 or 19*, 2025 (9/12 or 9/19 depending on training size)
Daily Schedule: 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Format: Virtual, interactive sessions
FMF Specialist Training Cost: $2,500
Intervention Fidelity Training: 12-18-hour ($150/hour)

The FMF Advantage
Join a dedicated group of professionals equipped to:

Deliver specialized care for a critically underserved population
Access comprehensive intervention materials through the FMF Website Portal
Implement flexible sessions adaptable to both in-person and telehealth delivery
Receive ongoing support from leading experts in the field
Connect with a national network of FASD-informed providers (FASD United)

Expert Guidance:
Train with Dr. Anika Trancik, a pioneering force in FASD intervention:

20+ years of specialized FASD expertise
Original FMF Program development team member
Former Clinical Psychologist at Florida’s premier FASD Clinic
Primary National FMF Trainer

Professional Recognition:

30 CE credits for Florida providers (LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, CMSW)
CDC-recommended intervention
Listed in the California Evidence-Based ClearingHouse for Child Welfare
Approved to deliver evidence-based intervention

Eligibility Requirements:

Master’s or Doctoral degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field
Professional licensure (or in supervision process)
Clinical service delivery qualification
Training in Motivational Interviewing and CBT

Valued Experience:

Previous FASD training or clinical work
Experience with standardized testing
Advocacy experience in FASD community

Your Path to Becoming an FMF Specialist

Request an application through the “Request” button below (no fee)
You will receive the training application by email
Submit your application and resume to Training@TheFloridaCenter.org
Application deadline: Monday, July 28, 2025
Upon approval, secure your spot with payment
Begin your journey! We’re so excited to have you join us

Limited to 12 participants – Early application strongly recommended
Beyond Training
As an FMF Specialist, you’ll be equipped to:

Transform family dynamics in your community
Provide evidence-based support for complex cases
Build a specialized practice in FASD intervention
Join a supportive network of FASD professionals
Make a lasting impact on families affected by FASD/PAE

FMF Specialists report transformative results:
“Caregivers experience profound ‘light bulb moments’ when they finally understand their child’s behavior through the FMF lens. The program provides exactly what families need, when they need it.”
