NOFASD Australia

A great webinar for nurses and other health professionals that discusses the role of nurses in understanding and preventing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The panel of experts discuss neurodiversity, living with FASD, and implementing evidence-based care practices that reduce stigma and educate about the risks of substance and alcohol use while pregnant. The webinar also includes the lived experience of a panelist who has FASD. #FASD #NeuroDiverse #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #alcohol #pregnancy

After eight years as Chief Executive Officer of NOFASD Australia, Louise Gray has resigned from this role and has now taken up a Specialist Advisor role with the organisation. The Board and Staff of NOFASD pay tribute to, and thank Louise, for her immense contribution to NOFASD over this time. She has led the organisation with passion and an unwavering commitment to raise awareness of FASD and increase the level of supports available in Australia for individuals with FASD and those caring for them. The Board has announced that Sophie Harrington has been appointed to the role of Interim Chief Executive Officer while the Board considers future directions. Having worked at NOFASD for over six and a half years, with four and a half of these as the organisation’s Chief Operating Officer, Sophie has been instrumental to progress achieved over recent years, and she has a clear vision of the work that still needs to be activated to advocate for better outcomes for the FASD community.

It's Melbourne Cup tomorrow – a day that traditionally sees many Australians attend special ‘Cup Luncheons’ or at least pause at work to watch the race with colleagues – often over a glass of bubbles. It can be a day when people feel pressured to ‘join in’ the fun by sharing a drink and with friends and colleagues. This can make it a difficult day for those who wish to abstain from alcohol – most especially if you don’t want to share with others that the reason you’re abstaining is because you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. If that sounds like you, this NOFASD blog provides lots of suggestions how to approach this situation. Why not share this blog with a friend or family member? It is very likely to be the most valuable tip you can share with them for Cup Day! https://lnkd.in/gpHdhBdV #alcohol #FASD #pregnancy #MelbourneCupTip #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder

Did you know that FASD is 2 ½ times more prevalent than Autism Spectrum Disorder yet often not explored as part of a comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment? NOFASD Australia, the national voice for FASD for 25 years, is offering a full-day training session for clinical, educational and developmental psychologists to understand and diagnose Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Register for this comprehensive workshop on Friday 29th November to learn more about how you can assist those living with this disability. Check out the topics covered in this workshop and make your registration at: https://buff.ly/4fkD0pI #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #NeuroDiverse #FASDtraining

If you work in the Out of Home Care sector or are a foster carer, it’s important to know about FASD. FASD is 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/3dtaeJf #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #FosterCare

In this short video, Dr David Junior Gilbert provides an overview about his current research project on the topic of FASD and the Justice system. If you are eligible to participate in this important research project NOFASD encourages you to register your interest directly with Dr Gilbert as indicated in the video or by emailing him at: d.j.gilbert1@salford.ac.uk #FASD #FASDresearch #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder

“Some people will need a lot of support to change their drinking, and if you’re dependent on alcohol, you will need help to do this. See your GP to find out your options. You’re not alone, your GP is here to help.” - Hester, GP and addiction specialist. The advice from Australia’s leading health and medical research group is: If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should not drink alcohol. This is because alcohol passes directly to your baby at every stage of pregnancy and can damage a developing baby’s brain, body, and organs. If you are pregnant and finding it hard not to drink alcohol, help is available. Find resources and links to services you can turn to for information and support at: https://buff.ly/3SUUL4g

NOFASD Australia was represented at the recent EUFASD Conference in Madrid, Spain where Robyn Smith, NOFASD’s Manager of National Helpline Services, made a presentation titled, "FASD Helpline Links Australia – A national model for simple, effective and life changing services " The presentation was well received by conference delegates, prompting much interest in the model NOFASD has developed – which based on current knowledge is the only national open access FASD service in the world. Available 7 days per week, the model has proved to be an effective springboard and engagement point to facilitate FASD information, workforce development and services across Australia. #FASD #EUFASD2024 #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder

A fasinating webinar from the Canada FASD Research Network on the topic of "FASD and Aggression". In this webinar viewers will learn about the conceptualisation of aggressive behaviours and FASD, while hearing about new research on clinical best practice using the application of Nonviolent Resistance. Presenters include both researchers and those with lived experience. Watch the webinar at: https://buff.ly/3yXuZqZ

The peak body for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services in the Northern Territory has raised concerns regarding the lack of screening and early intervention for children and young people suffering from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) has called on the Territory and Federal governments to establish a multidisciplinary neurodevelopmental assessment service in Darwin. Read more at: https://buff.ly/3ztMDmo #FASD #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder