The FASD Family Support, Education and Counselling Program works with families raising children up to age 14 with FASD or confirmed pre-natal exposure to alcohol and identified challenges related to development, behaviour, learning, or sensory based needs. Services involve supporting children, families, and the community to understand the strengths and challenges of FASD and how to work together for better outcomes.
FASD Family Support, Education and Counselling Program
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or FASD describes the range of effects that may occur to an individual as a result of pre-natal alcohol exposure. FASD is often considered a hidden disability. An individual with FASD may have no obvious facial differences; however, may still experience challenges affecting development, behavior, and learning.
HOW CAN FASD AFFECT INDIVIDUALS?
Alcohol changes the way the brain develops during pregnancy. Individuals may have difficulty with:
- Memory
- Learning; Reading, Math, etc.
- Language; Speaking and Understanding
- Emotional Control
- Adapting to new situations
- Eating & Sleeping
- Impulsivity and Hyperactivity
- Thinking and Reasoning
- Planning and Problem Solving
- Paying Attention
- Life and Social Skills
- Over stimulation
- Movement & balance, Reflexes and Muscle Tone
- Community based services include information, education, and practical strategies regarding FASD and the sensory needs of children.
- Services address concerns related to: child development, self regulation skills (social, emotional, behavioural, and sensory), attachment, school readiness skills, mental health, safety, nutrition, coping skills, and other health related conditions.
- Assistance and advocacy for children and families in matters related to childcare, academic needs, housing, food security, financial needs and other daily living challenges.
- Support in accessing FASD diagnostic services and other community-based resources.
- Circle of Security Parenting (COS-P) offered one to one and group format (for parents interested in continuing to nurture a successful attachment relationship with their child).
- Teen Life Skills Groups offered intermittently (while involved in cooking some favorite recipes, youth explore coping strategies, communication and working as a team).
- Self-Regulation Therapy (SRT) for parent and youth participants of the program. SRT is a mind/body approach to the healing of trauma and other stress responses.
- The program utilizes a relational-strength based approach, which is trauma informed, culturally responsive and participant/family led. Value is placed on working holistically and collaboratively with those connected to the individual with FASD and the family.
- Short-term consultation for families, service providers and organizations
- Workshops and training for parents and professionals
- Supervision and training for student placements
Order your own copies of the FASD Publications.
“This is Me” is an interactive on-line resource, offering respectful, animated examples of the strengths and challenges individuals with FASD can face. Also included are helpful strategies which promote better outcomes, improved relationships, and supportive environments. Check-out the Guide section for more in-depth learning.
The Hidden Disability: FASD, is a user-friendly booklet featuring some of the main topics related to FASD. It provides a concise overview including information about FASD, alcohol and pregnancy, strategies for success, story of hope and list of resources.
For a print copy of the “The Hidden Disabilty” – click here
« L’handicap invisible » est un livret simple avec plusieurs sujets liés au TSAF. Il offre un aperçu concis du TSAF y compris des informations sur l’alcool et la grossesse, sur le TSAF, des stratégies de réussite, des témoignages d’espoir et une liste de ressources.
En Francais: L’Handicap Invisible LE TROUBLE DU SPECTRE DE L’ ALCOOLISATION FOETALE
You Can Do It Too, is a short graphic novel (comic book) describing the different experiences of two children with FASD, highlighting the redeeming power and impact of “doing things differently.”
10 Things Your Child with FASD Wants You To Know, is a short brochure offering powerful first-person statements promoting relationship and secure attachment
But Michael Makes Me Laugh, is a short story inspired by a young boy and written by his mom to help his classmates understand his challenges related to FASD. It has since become an educational tool to heighten awareness regarding this largely invisible disability.
For a print copy of “But Michael Makes Me Laugh”-click here
The FASD Language guide was created in an effort to promote the dignity of persons impacted by FASD and their families.
For a print copy of “The FASD Language Guide”-click here
Coping with Stress is a short, easy to read resource which assists adult caregivers to identify some early signs of stress and provides a few simple, practical coping strategies.
For a print copy of the “Coping with Stress booklet”- click here
Testimonials
Testimonials
“The Counsellor was really helpful in finding daycare for my child and summer programming, their support made a big difference in my life, knowing they were always there to help”. – Parent
“The program sees the potential and breathes hope into the situation”. – School Social Worker
“Just having that other voice speak for me because things can be overwhelming at times when you’re trying to fight for your child’s best interest”. – Parent
“The program services are very helpful especially when dealing with complex family needs; they provided hands on strategies and introduced the family to healthy ways of coping”. – Community
Referrals
FASD Family Support, Education and Counselling Program
New Directions for Children, Youth, Adults and Families
Unit 10-254 Stella Walk
Winnipeg, MB R2W 2T3
204-582-8658
FASD@newdirections.mb.ca
204-586-1874
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