Kia Ora and welcome to Season 4, episode 18 of the FASD Family Life Podcast. This is the only show about FASD hosted by an FASD Specialist and parent with 30 years lived experience.  I am Robbie Seale, your host and mom to five incredible people; including three teens diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. As an FASD Specialist it is my passion to help families thrive.  To learn more about me and my work check out my website,  https://fasdfamilylife.ca/

I started this podcast to be the friend I wished I had when my kids were young and to bring hope to weary parents. I wanted to share what I have learned working in residential treatment and raising my own children impacted by trauma and prenatal alcohol exposure. I pour my heart and soul into the production of the FASD Family Life podcast. All that hard work is paying off! Since 2021 the podcast has grown to OVER 45,000 downloads worldwide.

I need your help to keep going and growing. Consider becoming a monthly sponsor. Your gift of $20 per month (or $5 per week)  would enable me to keep sharing HOPE and teach the SKILLS needed to reduce stress and improve lives for people with FASD and the families who love them.  Click here to Support the show

This week I am speaking with Leigh Henderson of FASD-CAN (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Caregiver Action Network) which was founded in 2013 by a group of parents with children with FASD, and professionals who were FASD experts. The founding chair, Claire Gyde, together with a group of other parents, saw the need for an organisation that would unite caregivers and advocate for improved awareness, services, and greater support for caregivers and whānau of individuals coping with FASD. https://www.fasd-can.org.nz/

FAS-CAN is a New Zealand-based, non-profit incorporated society made up of parents, caregivers, extended whānau and health professionals, including our clinical advisor, Dr Valerie McGinn (Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinical Director of the FASD Centre, Aotearoa), and our Patron, Judge Tony Fitzgerald. Our purpose is to unite caregivers, support whānau and individuals, strengthen communities and educate about FASD across Aotearoa.

We aim to pool our knowledge, strength and collective wisdom so that those living with FASD can grow and achieve. Our goal is to educate and provide strategies for those living with FASD. We want better access to Disability Support Services for those whose lives are impacted by FASD. 

Become a FAS-CAN member and you'll be sent a free printed copy of our Handbook. https://www.fasd-can.org.nz/the_handbook_caregiver_toolkit