NOFASD Australia

If you're a male caregiver for a child with FASD, NOFASD’s new online support group “For Men Only” offers you the ideal opportunity to learn more about FASD and discuss appropriate support strategies in company with other men who will share similar concerns and challenges. 👉 To learn more about this free online support group and training program register your interest at: https://buff.ly/yhYuU40 Remember to note that you’re enquiring about our “Men Only” group. #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #FASDsupport #SupportGroup

📢 If you work in the Out of Home Care sector or are a foster carer, it’s important to know about FASD - a lifelong disability caused by exposure to alcohol before birth. 🧩 When FASD goes unrecognised, children and young people can be left without the right support, misunderstood, or even blamed for behaviours caused by their disability. Children and young people with FASD are nine times more likely to be placed in foster care, and 19 times more likely to encounter juvenile correction services. 👉Check out resources for people working in the Out of Home Care sector and foster carers, created by NOFASD Australia: https://buff.ly/YGXF4N4 #alcohol #pregnancy #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #OutOfHomeCare #FosterCare

The NOFASD Australia team was delighted to see this article feature online about the presentation by our CEO, Sophie Harrington, at the recent international FASD United research conference in Seattle, USA. 👉 Read more about Sophie's presentation via the link below. #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #EndTheStigma

Do you work in the alcohol and other drugs sector? It is important to recognise some women may have a sense of shame or guilt about disclosing they are drinking during pregnancy. It is never too late for your clients to stop alcohol use during pregnancy with support. It is important to reinforce the benefits of stopping drinking at any stage during pregnancy to minimise further risk to the mother and baby. 👉 Check out resources for AOD sector workers created by NOFASD Australia as part of "Every Moment Matters", a national awareness campaign about alcohol, pregnancy and breastfeeding: https://buff.ly/bDtInOY #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #alcohol #pregnancy

NOFASD CEO, Sophie Harrington, is seen here presenting to a large audience at the recent FASD United Conference (held in Seattle, USA from 20th to 23rd March). Sophie was one of several presenters for the session “Empowering Health: Insights and evaluation of the Australian public health campaign ‘Every Moment Matters’ on alcohol, pregnancy, and breastfeeding”. Presenters outlined the impact of this major campaign led by Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) on which NOFASD was proud to be one of the partnering organisations. Seen at top right with Sophie at left, are Dr Robyn Williams, presenting on behalf of NACCHO Australia: Professor Jacqueline Bowden, Director, National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction (NCETA), Flinders University; and Professor Elizabeth Elliott, Board Member of NOFASD and presenting on behalf of the University of Sydney. Sophie also made a second presentation at this conference on the topic: “FASD is not a label, it is a pathway to understanding – Challenging stigma, a lived experience perspective” which was also well attended by delegates at this important international research conference. #FASDconference #Seattle2025 #FASDresearch #FASD #FASDawareness

🚀 New Research on Choline & FASD! ✨ A recent study suggests that choline supplementation may improve memory in young children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Researchers found that children who took choline performed 25% better on memory tasks compared to those on a placebo, with the strongest benefits seen in younger children,. These findings highlight its potential as a promising neurodevelopmental intervention for children exposed to alcohol prenatally. More research is needed to refine the dosage and timing. 👉 Read more: https://buff.ly/gVTPneY #FASD #BrainHealth #Choline #Neuroscience #ChildDevelopment #CognitiveResearch #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #FASDresearch

Dr David Junior Gilbert is researching on the topic of FASD and the Justice System, and to progress his research he needs to speak with individuals with lived experience of FASD. NOFASD encourages you to participate in this important research if you meet one of the following eligibility criteria: ✔You are a parent/carer of an individual diagnosed with FASD who is at least 11 years of age. OR ✔You are an individual over the age of 18 who has been diagnosed with FASD. The research is aimed at understanding why people with FASD/prenatal alcohol exposure may become involved with the police. However, your contribution is also welcome if you’ve not encountered the police. Involvement in the research will involve three meetings, each of which will be organised at a time to suit you and will not exceed one hour. 👉 Register your interest in participating at: https://buff.ly/VoqJhKQ If you have any further questions about this research study, please don’t hesitate to contact Dr Gilbert directly at: d.j.gilbert1@salford.ac.uk #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #Justice #FASDresearch

Today is National Close the Gap Day - a time to recognise the work that still needs to be done to bridge the gap between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous Australian health, education and living conditions. A particular focus of the 2025 Close the Gap campaign is on life expectancy, as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples still live, on average, 10-11 years less than non-Indigenous Australians. One way to help advance this issue is by supporting the "Strong Born" campaign by NACCHO Australia. You can learn more about that campaign and download the related free resources at: https://buff.ly/tRMpALi #NationalCloseTheGapDay #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #StrongBorn

NOFASD is thrilled to announce that after a successful interim period as Acting CEO, Sophie Harrington has been permanently appointed as the CEO of the National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (NOFASD) Australia, effective immediately. Sophie has been elevated to the role after serving as the Chief Operating Officer of the national peak body for the past 7 years. Read more via the link below. https://lnkd.in/gvhpsCtk #FASD #NOFASD #CEOappointment #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder

📢 Calling all Tasmanians! The 20-Year Preventive Health Strategy is currently being developed by the Tasmanian Department of Health. Among those they are keen to hear from in relation to this strategy are those with lived experience of disability and the harms of alcohol and other drugs. 🧩 NOFASD encourages you to provide your input to ensure that FASD is recognised appropriately when this 20-Year strategy is finalised. 🧩 Face to face consultation sessions will take place on 18th, 19th and 20th March and will be followed by online sessions on 25th and 26th March for those who aren’t able to participate in person. 👉For details and to register to participate see: https://buff.ly/E3TcBNR ❓ Can’t attend? Find other ways to get involved at https://buff.ly/v9wkqDg #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder