Yes!

“Most of us, because of how our diagnosis has been and so often continues to be misunderstood, have long been left out of ANY decision making about ourselves” states Kat Griffin, one of the three original FASD Changemakers.  “This conference had been the ONE place where our voices were not only heard, but actually LISTENED too; where new relationships were built, and new partnerships were forged that remain thoughtful, meaningful, respectful, inclusive and valued. Where nothing about us was done without us.  Now, thanks to FASD United, there is a new home organization whose philosophy aligns with ours.” 

Covid, the elimination of the department at the University of British Columbia that housed the conference and the subsequent loss of the basic funding necessary to run the conference all hit during what we like to refer to as the “dark ages”.  However, during this time, hope remained, and through the dedication of the ALC FASD Changemakers and longtime volunteers on the planning committees, the spark of the conference remained. In collaboration with FASD United, a partnership was formed and FASD United was able to solicit and obtain the basic funding needed to bring the spark back to a flame.  

It won’t. No really. It won’t. 

One of the cornerstones of the partnership with FASD United is the commitment to maintaining the integrity and “magic” of the Vancouver conference. Although the location has changed, we are committed to continuing this unique flagship conference as it has always been run.  

Ok, we will have Starbucks, and not Tim Hortons, but that’s really the only major adjustment. 

Quoting CJ Lutke, one of the original three FASD Changemakers who has been involved in the conferences for over 18 years, “There is power in relationships; there is power in partnering across disciplines and with the living experience of FASD.  There is power in working together to affect a changed future. “ 

Since the 80’s an annual international research conference has grown to attract thousands of participants from more than 30 countries. What’s unique about this conference is that it merges the needs of people with FASD with the research agenda and creates an environment where the needs of people with FASD come first.  Unlike most research conferences, this is an opportunity for parents, caregivers as well as Teens and Adults with FASD to interact directly with the researchers, practitioners and policymakers in a space designed to amplify their voices.  

As we are hoping to re-create the 2020 conference (cancelled due to the pandemic) topics and presenters with updated abstracts for the 2024 conference, it is undetermined whether the 2024 conference will need a call for abstracts. However, please sign up to our mailing list to receive pertinent updates including a possible call for abstracts.

The Vancouver conference runs on a two-year cycle. Year one is the International Research Conference on Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Review, Respond and Relate, year two is the International Research Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Research, Results and Relevance. With continued funding, every intention is to maintain this cycle.