Beyond Behaviour: An introduction to FASD-CAN
In this session, Dr Leigh Henderson and Teesh Dowie-Lewis from FASD-CAN gave an introduction to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and the services offered by their organisation.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders, but most people who have it are undiagnosed or have been misdiagnosed. Many social service providers may already be supporting individuals and whānau affected by FASD, without realising it.
Leigh and Teesh provided an overview of diagnosis, the brain domains affected and co-morbidities with other neurodiversities and discussed the consequences of lack of support in the education, mental health and justice systems. Their presentation also outlined how FASD can presenter in everyday practice and why awwareness, appropriate support and practical accommodations are essential to improving outcomes for people with FASD and their families.