FASD United

FASD United Policy Forum
2026-02-25 14:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-28 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)

The Big 3: Raging, Lying, and Stealing PLUS (+)
2026-02-24 18:30 - 20:30 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Learn innovative approaches for understanding and supporting children and adolescents with a trauma history, addressing developmental differences, and improving communication. Some of the most common symptoms with children who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are lying, stealing, and raging – “the Big 3”. We will discuss the neuro-developmental aspects of why these behaviors are common and talk about strategies that can help parents and professionals get a handle on these frustrating behaviors. This training will be followed by a monthly coaching series.
The Big 3: Raging, Lying, and Stealing PLUS (+)
(2 hour webinar)
Date: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm EST / 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm CST
Cost: $27 Early-bird price until February 2nd
$39 (beginning February 3rd)
Did you attend or view the recording through the Training Institute, and wish a refresh, email Jennifer.Werden@TheFloridaCenter.org for the discount code.

PLUS (+)
4 1-Hour Monthly Caregiver Coaching Series
Dates: March 25, April 22, May 27, and June 24, 2026
Time: 8:00-9:00 pm EST / 7:00-8:00 CST
Cost: $80 Early-bird price until February 2nd
(4 Sessions – $20 each)
$99 (beginning February 3rd)
Space is limited, early registration highly recommended.

Certificates Provided. Continuing Education Hours for The Big 3: Raging, Lying and Stealing webinar.
2 CEs ($10) for Florida LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, and CMSW through CEBroker.
Florida Certification Board recognizes this training for mental health and child-welfare.
PLUS (+): 4 1-hour monthly Caregiver Coaching Series
Interested in diving deeper?
Many caregivers complete training on The Big 3 and then ask, “How do I take what I’ve learned and handle this at home?” That is where the Plus comes in. With monthly caregiver coaching over four months, you will be supported by experienced coaches who understand this journey, not just professionally, but personally.
Together, we will focus on:

Understanding behaviors through a brain-based lens
Finding strategies that fit your child and your family
Problem-solving real challenges in real time
Building community with caregivers who get it
Leaving each session feeling more confident and hopeful

Attending The Big 3 training is a requirement to register for the coaching sessions. Spaces are limited. Register now!

FASCETS Center for Neurodiversity TRAINING on Brain-Based Conditions Including FASD
2026-02-21 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-02-07 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-31 12:00 - 15:00, 2026-01-24 12:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
The FASCETS Neurobehavioral Approach recognizes that every brain is wired uniquely, creating individual strengths and challenges. These differences can stem from genetics or pre/postnatal experiences, and they impact how we experience the world. Whether it’s FASD, ADHD, autism, dementia, or acquired brain injury—the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Approach offers tools that work across the lifespan, in all settings.
This 15-hour LIVE In-depth webinar on the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Approach which will be every Saturday for 5 weeks, starting on January 24th, 2026 from 9am – 12pm Pacific (no class on Feb. 14th). You will learn how to create person-specific supports that truly make a difference.
Register now: https://www.fascets.org/book-online
Let’s shift the focus from “fixing” behavior to understanding the brain. We can’t wait to see you there!
Registrations are limited – don’t miss out! Sign up today!

Affiliate Network Meeting
2026-02-19 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-15 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
2026-02-19 15:00 - 16:00, 2026-01-15 15:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Online

FASD United Weekly Policy Drop-in
2026-02-18 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-11 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-02-04 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-01-21 12:00 - 12:30, 2026-01-14 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]

ALC of FASD Changemakers: FASD - It's all About the Dominos: The Big Five
2026-02-17 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
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

Caregiver Support and Resource Navigation Group
2026-02-13 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-30 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-01-16 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

Affiliate Access
2026-02-05 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/

The Critical Role of Trauma-Informed Pediatric Occupational Therapy
2026-01-30 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Via Zoom
Children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) experience brain-based challenges with sensory processing, emotional regulation, and participation. This one-hour training explains why trauma-informed pediatric OTs are uniquely positioned to help–and how regulation-first care changes outcomes.

Strong Fathers Building Safe Homes: A Coaching Circle for Dads Navigating FASD
2026-01-29 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!

Formed Families Forward FASD Winter Webinar Series
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:00, 2026-01-13 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Formed Families Forward is offering 4 webinars focused on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 7-8pm: FASD 101: Understanding Symptoms and Providing Support with Dr. Stacia Stribling and Dr. Kelly Henderson (Formed Families Forward)
Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 7-8pm: Diagnosing FASD with Dr. Ali Sturgill (University of Virginia Children’s Hospital)
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 7-8pm: The Role of Occupational Therapy (OT) in Supporting Those with FASD with Dr. Misty Pruner and Dr. Tracy Jirikowic (University of Washington, Seattle)
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, 7-8pm: FASD Virginia: Exploring a New Resource for Families with Dr. Stacia Stribling and Dr. Kelly Henderson (Formed Families Forward)

By registering, you will receive separate reminder emails with Zoom log-in information for each of the four webinars. Attend those that you are able; you will also receive links to the recordings of all four webinars.

ALC of FASD Changemakers: Behind the Mask - Unravelling Grief in People with FASD: It’s Complicated
2026-01-21 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
This presentation explores the lifelong and often unrecognized grief experienced by individuals with FASD, beginning in childhood and continuing into adulthood. Drawing on the lived experience and professional expertise of the ALC of FASD Changemakers, it examines how ongoing, unacknowledged losses and “don’t ask, don’t tell, never talk about it” patterns of denial impact mental health and quality of life. The presentation highlights complicated grief as a critical yet overlooked issue in FASD practice and emphasizes the importance of recognizing and supporting grief to improve services and outcomes across the lifespan.
Learning Objectives:

Identify common forms of lifelong grief experienced by individuals with FASD.
Recognize denial patterns that prevent acknowledgment of FASD-related grief.
Apply grief-informed approaches to support individuals with FASD in professional practice.

Presenters: CJ Lutke, Vancouver, BC and Maggie May, Ireland

Early Childhood Court: A Collaborative Approach to a Child’s Well-being
2026-01-21 12:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual
Join us for Early Childhood Court: A Collaborative Approach to Child Well-Being on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. CST, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. MST, and 9:00–11:00 a.m. PST).
This training is ideal for professionals working in child welfare, early childhood, health, behavioral health, and legal systems. Team leaders and stakeholders who are interested in starting an ECC team in their own communities are especially encouraged to attend.
This virtual training features Anne Marie Irving, Early Childhood Court Coordinator for the 12th Judicial Circuit, and Kathryn Shea, LCSW, a key leader in the development of Florida’s Early Childhood Court (ECC) initiative and a current board member of FASD United. Ms. Irving and Ms. Shea played key roles in the collaborative development of the ECC program in Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit. Under Ms. Shea’s leadership, and through the work of The Florida Center for Early Childhood, ECC was piloted and developed into a statewide, recognized model that continues to improve outcomes for young children and families.
Participants will learn how ECC—modeled after the Safe Babies Court Teams from ZERO TO THREE™—uses trauma-informed, FASD-informed, and collaborative strategies to support healing, promote permanency, and reduce re-entry into the child welfare system.
DESCRIPTION:
Early Childhood Court, an adapted approach modeled after Safe Babies Court Teams, is a collaborative approach among community partners to ensure trauma and FASD-informed care, child well-being, and achieving permanency more quickly. Safe Babies, a program of ZERO TO THREE™, helps states and communities strengthen child welfare and early childhood systems to support healthy development. Using the Safe Babies approach, the program works at multiple levels—child and family, community, and state—to promote early childhood well-being and long-term system improvements. Rooted in the court system, it also fosters collaboration across agencies to better serve families. This approach is especially valuable for supporting young children and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).
Safe Babies Court Teams are also known as Early Childhood Court in many communities.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

Understand the core components of the Safe Babies Court Team (SBCT) approach and its positive impact on infants, toddlers, families, and communities.
Identify the short- and long-term risk factors for babies prenatally exposed to alcohol.
Recognize the importance of a trauma-informed, FASD-informed court system for children involved in or at risk of entering child welfare.

This training may help prepare you for competencies related to the Florida Association for Infant Mental Health Endorsement. (For those outside Florida, check your state’s requirements).
2 Continuing Education hours are available for Florida-Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, and Certified Master Social Workers through CEBroker. Certificates will be provided for self-reporting.
Presenters:
Anne Marie Irving
Early Childhood Court Coordinator
Twelfth Judicial Circuit, Florida
Anne Marie Irving holds degrees in Psychology and Social Work and has earned professional certifications in Trauma and Resilience. With over 20 years of experience in child welfare, she has dedicated her career to supporting children and families through complex challenges with compassion and evidence-based practices. For the past six years, Anne Marie has worked directly with the Early Childhood Court in Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit, where she applies her expertise in trauma-informed care, child development, and family systems to promote healing, stability, and long-term well-being for young children and their caregivers.

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.

5th world Neuroscience Neurology and Brain Disorders summit
2026-01-14 08:00 - 2026-01-16 18:00 (America/New_York) | Lake Eola Park, 512 E. Washington St.,, Orlando, FL, 32801, United States
Conference Title: 5th World Neuroscience, Neurology and Brain Disorders Summit
Short Name: NeuroUCG2026
Dates: January 14–16, 2026
Location: Novotel Dubai Al Barsha, Dubai, UAE & Virtual
Organized by: Utilitarian Conferences Gathering (UCG)
Official Website: https://neuroscience.utilitarianconferences.com
Abstract Submission: https://neuroscience.utilitarianconferences.com/submit-abstract
Registration: https://neuroscience.utilitarianconferences.com/registration
Contact: Email: info@utilitarianconferences.com Phone/WhatsApp: +971 55 179 2927
Conference Overview: The 5th World Neuroscience, Neurology and Brain Disorders Summit (NeuroUCG2026) is a distinguished international hybrid conference committed to advancing the frontiers of neuroscience, neurology, and brain health. Scheduled to be held from January 14 to 16, 2026, in Dubai, UAE, and online, the summit aims to unite researchers, clinicians, industry experts, mental health professionals, and academic leaders to explore innovative research and emerging technologies in brain science and clinical neurology.
The summit will feature keynote speeches, symposia, clinical case discussions, and hands-on workshops led by globally recognized experts. It provides a dynamic platform to share cutting-edge advancements in neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive neuroscience, neuropharmacology, neuroimaging, neurosurgery, artificial intelligence applications in neurology, and more. A core objective is to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and address the global burden of neurological and mental health conditions through innovation and translational science.
Conference Theme: “Innovating Care Delivery: Advancing Excellence in Neurological Science, Patient Safety, and Healthcare Leadership”
Scientific Tracks Include:

Neurobiology and Brain Function
Central Nervous System Disorders
Stroke and Neurorehabilitation
Pediatric and Geriatric Neurology
Neuropharmacology and Psychopharmacology
Neuroinflammation and Neuroimmunology
Mental Health, Psychiatry and Brain Disorders
Cognitive Neuroscience and Behavioral Neurology
Brain Mapping and Functional Imaging
AI and Machine Learning in Neurology
Neuroplasticity and Neural Regeneration
Epilepsy, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Rare Disorders
Clinical Neuroscience and Translational Research
Neuroethics and Neurosurgical Innovation
Telenursing, Neuro Nursing and Digital Therapy

Target Audience: The conference is designed for neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroscientists, psychiatrists, psychologists, cognitive scientists, academic researchers, clinical practitioners, AI professionals in healthcare, neurobiologists, healthcare administrators, biotech and pharmaceutical leaders, public health policymakers, and postdoctoral/graduate students. Also welcomed are delegates from healthcare startups, investor networks, and innovation hubs interested in brain science and neurotechnological solutions.
Visa & Travel Support: All registered attendees are eligible for comprehensive visa assistance and invitation letter issuance. The organizing committee also facilitates applications for long-term UAE scientific or investor visas (5–10 years), based on eligibility and documentation.
Why Dubai? Dubai offers an ideal global venue for scientific collaboration, equipped with world-class medical infrastructure, advanced healthcare policies, and thriving biotech ecosystems. As a multicultural city with robust digital health initiatives and AI integration, it serves as a strategic nexus for international brain health and neuroscience research communities.
Publishing & Indexing Opportunities: Accepted abstracts will be published in Unified Citation Journals (UCJ) covering domains such as neuroscience, neuropharmacology, brain health, mental health, and clinical medicine. All published articles will be assigned DOIs and made available for indexing. Select high-quality research will be eligible for thematic journal issues, special symposia publications, and collaboration with Scopus-indexed partners.
Explore UCJ: https://ucjournals.com
E-Poster Submission: Presenters can submit electronic posters for virtual and hybrid viewing formats. E-posters support multimedia integration, extended accessibility, and global outreach beyond the conference dates.
Confirmed Keynote Speakers:

Dr. Adele Webb, USA
Ms. Christina Foxwell, Australia
Dr. Priyanka Hemant Pansare, UAE
Mr. Shanmugavelan Ramakrishnan, USA
Dr. Sahar Mohmed, USA
Ms. Vijayalakshmi A Nair, India
Mrs. Geethu Kayalil Gopi, India
Ms. Monami Dawn, India

Social Media Presence:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/utilitarianconferences.gathering.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/
Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/oskSEoX2CDI

#Neuroscience #Neurology #BrainDisorders #Neurodegeneration #CognitiveNeuroscience #Neuropharmacology #Neuroimmunology #MentalHealth #Neuroplasticity #Neurogenetics #BrainHealth #ClinicalNeuroscience #Neurosurgery #NeurologicalResearch #Neurotechnology

FASD : Never Alone
2026-01-10 12:00 - 17:00 (America/Dawson_Creek) | Virtual
This support group is for adults with FASD (18 & up). There will be engaging discussions, education, relationships, therapeutic, resources sharing, networking, and advocacy.

Twice Monthly: Saturdays, 12 p.m. PST
