The first brain domain affected by #FASD is planning, organizing & sequencing
Kids who are #FASDstrong have issues with planning their day, managing their time (more on this later) & remembering the order of tasks (dinner, then homework, then play) #FASDstrong
Kids who are #FASDstrong have issues with planning their day, managing their time (more on this later) & remembering the order of tasks (dinner, then homework, then play) #FASDstrong
September 10, 2025 at 3:28 PM
The first brain domain affected by #FASD is planning, organizing & sequencing
Kids who are #FASDstrong have issues with planning their day, managing their time (more on this later) & remembering the order of tasks (dinner, then homework, then play) #FASDstrong
Kids who are #FASDstrong have issues with planning their day, managing their time (more on this later) & remembering the order of tasks (dinner, then homework, then play) #FASDstrong
#FASD MYTH: people with FASD do not know right from wrong
Fact: #FASDstrong people have a strong conscience & moral compass. Delays in executive function (getting info to the brain's front), dysmaturity, & emotional regulation issues contribute to momentary misbehaviour however
Fact: #FASDstrong people have a strong conscience & moral compass. Delays in executive function (getting info to the brain's front), dysmaturity, & emotional regulation issues contribute to momentary misbehaviour however
September 14, 2025 at 10:45 PM
#FASD MYTH: people with FASD do not know right from wrong
Fact: #FASDstrong people have a strong conscience & moral compass. Delays in executive function (getting info to the brain's front), dysmaturity, & emotional regulation issues contribute to momentary misbehaviour however
Fact: #FASDstrong people have a strong conscience & moral compass. Delays in executive function (getting info to the brain's front), dysmaturity, & emotional regulation issues contribute to momentary misbehaviour however
Because of delays in executive function as well as dysmaturity, people who are #FASDstrong have trouble controlling their emotions.
September 14, 2025 at 10:44 PM
Because of delays in executive function as well as dysmaturity, people who are #FASDstrong have trouble controlling their emotions.
When we shame mothers who drank while pregnant all we do is prevent them from coming forward & admitting their child may have #FASD. This means:
-The child never gets an official diagnosis
-The child doesn't get the proper treatments & strategies needed to survive our fast paced world #FASDstrong
-The child never gets an official diagnosis
-The child doesn't get the proper treatments & strategies needed to survive our fast paced world #FASDstrong
September 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
When we shame mothers who drank while pregnant all we do is prevent them from coming forward & admitting their child may have #FASD. This means:
-The child never gets an official diagnosis
-The child doesn't get the proper treatments & strategies needed to survive our fast paced world #FASDstrong
-The child never gets an official diagnosis
-The child doesn't get the proper treatments & strategies needed to survive our fast paced world #FASDstrong
However there is way more to it than that! This is a complex disability that can't be defined in a sentence. This month, I hope to share some facts, debunk some myths & most importantly, give tips on how we can help people who are #FASDstrong fit into our fast paced society.
September 1, 2025 at 1:55 PM
However there is way more to it than that! This is a complex disability that can't be defined in a sentence. This month, I hope to share some facts, debunk some myths & most importantly, give tips on how we can help people who are #FASDstrong fit into our fast paced society.
Having established that we shouldn’t drink while pregnant, we need to stop shaming those that did.
No mother tries to intentionally harm their child
However some women are:
-given misinformation
-battling addictions
-are stuck in a difficult situation
-unaware of the pregnancy
#FASD #FASDstrong
No mother tries to intentionally harm their child
However some women are:
-given misinformation
-battling addictions
-are stuck in a difficult situation
-unaware of the pregnancy
#FASD #FASDstrong
September 2, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Having established that we shouldn’t drink while pregnant, we need to stop shaming those that did.
No mother tries to intentionally harm their child
However some women are:
-given misinformation
-battling addictions
-are stuck in a difficult situation
-unaware of the pregnancy
#FASD #FASDstrong
No mother tries to intentionally harm their child
However some women are:
-given misinformation
-battling addictions
-are stuck in a difficult situation
-unaware of the pregnancy
#FASD #FASDstrong
Focusing specifically on the #FASD brain, alcohol damages the brain's neurotransmitter system.
Alcohol damages or destroys developing neurons in the brain. Those neurons are intended to carry information to front of the brain where executive functioning takes place
#FASDstrong
Alcohol damages or destroys developing neurons in the brain. Those neurons are intended to carry information to front of the brain where executive functioning takes place
#FASDstrong
September 3, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Focusing specifically on the #FASD brain, alcohol damages the brain's neurotransmitter system.
Alcohol damages or destroys developing neurons in the brain. Those neurons are intended to carry information to front of the brain where executive functioning takes place
#FASDstrong
Alcohol damages or destroys developing neurons in the brain. Those neurons are intended to carry information to front of the brain where executive functioning takes place
#FASDstrong
September is #FASD awareness month and as usual this timeline will be dedicated to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder facts, information and advocacy
FASD advocacy is near & dear to me as it affects my son & an estimated 1,600,000 Canadians
Thanks in advance for your time #FASDstrong
FASD advocacy is near & dear to me as it affects my son & an estimated 1,600,000 Canadians
Thanks in advance for your time #FASDstrong
September 1, 2024 at 3:49 PM
September is #FASD awareness month and as usual this timeline will be dedicated to Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder facts, information and advocacy
FASD advocacy is near & dear to me as it affects my son & an estimated 1,600,000 Canadians
Thanks in advance for your time #FASDstrong
FASD advocacy is near & dear to me as it affects my son & an estimated 1,600,000 Canadians
Thanks in advance for your time #FASDstrong
The #FASD brain has trouble estimating time. If you ask a #FASDstrong person to "be back in 10 minutes", they may be back in 45 (or vice versa). Watches & timers are keys to helping this
They also struggle planning time (to be at work by 9, they need to leave at 8 to be on the bus at 8:15)
They also struggle planning time (to be at work by 9, they need to leave at 8 to be on the bus at 8:15)
September 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM
The #FASD brain has trouble estimating time. If you ask a #FASDstrong person to "be back in 10 minutes", they may be back in 45 (or vice versa). Watches & timers are keys to helping this
They also struggle planning time (to be at work by 9, they need to leave at 8 to be on the bus at 8:15)
They also struggle planning time (to be at work by 9, they need to leave at 8 to be on the bus at 8:15)
#FASD is the largest learning and behavioural disability in the world. Approximately 4% of our population is #FASDstrong. This is more than the next four disabilities combined.
September 4, 2025 at 10:32 PM
#FASD is the largest learning and behavioural disability in the world. Approximately 4% of our population is #FASDstrong. This is more than the next four disabilities combined.
MYTH: people with #FASD are lazy
FACT: When #FASDstrong people fail to do tasks, it's because their brain forgets they need to be done or how to do them
Like CEOs needs an EA (executive assistant) to organize their day. An FASD kid needs an EA (educational asst) to help organize their school day
FACT: When #FASDstrong people fail to do tasks, it's because their brain forgets they need to be done or how to do them
Like CEOs needs an EA (executive assistant) to organize their day. An FASD kid needs an EA (educational asst) to help organize their school day
September 11, 2025 at 2:51 PM
MYTH: people with #FASD are lazy
FACT: When #FASDstrong people fail to do tasks, it's because their brain forgets they need to be done or how to do them
Like CEOs needs an EA (executive assistant) to organize their day. An FASD kid needs an EA (educational asst) to help organize their school day
FACT: When #FASDstrong people fail to do tasks, it's because their brain forgets they need to be done or how to do them
Like CEOs needs an EA (executive assistant) to organize their day. An FASD kid needs an EA (educational asst) to help organize their school day
The fact that only 10% of #FASDstrong people have sentinel facial features, contributes to #FASD 's being an "invisible disability" as there is no immediate, tangible method of knowing if somebody has the disability.
Invisible disabilities are harder because people just assume they are neurotypical
Invisible disabilities are harder because people just assume they are neurotypical
September 5, 2025 at 12:51 PM
The fact that only 10% of #FASDstrong people have sentinel facial features, contributes to #FASD 's being an "invisible disability" as there is no immediate, tangible method of knowing if somebody has the disability.
Invisible disabilities are harder because people just assume they are neurotypical
Invisible disabilities are harder because people just assume they are neurotypical
One #FASD behaviour that appears to be impulse control is under/over eating
This however, is again caused by delays in the brain's executive functioning.
Simply put, it is taking longer for the FASD brain to realize that person is full or hungry. #FASDStrong
This however, is again caused by delays in the brain's executive functioning.
Simply put, it is taking longer for the FASD brain to realize that person is full or hungry. #FASDStrong
September 15, 2025 at 1:54 PM
One #FASD behaviour that appears to be impulse control is under/over eating
This however, is again caused by delays in the brain's executive functioning.
Simply put, it is taking longer for the FASD brain to realize that person is full or hungry. #FASDStrong
This however, is again caused by delays in the brain's executive functioning.
Simply put, it is taking longer for the FASD brain to realize that person is full or hungry. #FASDStrong
The #FASD brain actually works harder than a neurotypical brain. It takes longer to rev down, transition & then rev up again. This is called tendril theory as explained in the photo
More time needs to given to #FASDstrong people to transition. Wherever possible avoid surprises
More time needs to given to #FASDstrong people to transition. Wherever possible avoid surprises
September 12, 2025 at 3:57 PM
The #FASD brain actually works harder than a neurotypical brain. It takes longer to rev down, transition & then rev up again. This is called tendril theory as explained in the photo
More time needs to given to #FASDstrong people to transition. Wherever possible avoid surprises
More time needs to given to #FASDstrong people to transition. Wherever possible avoid surprises
Another brain function that people with #FASD struggle with is understanding abstract ideas or concepts. These include things like time (more on that soon), money & language (slang,sayings & sarcasm) #FASDstrong
September 17, 2025 at 3:52 PM
Another brain function that people with #FASD struggle with is understanding abstract ideas or concepts. These include things like time (more on that soon), money & language (slang,sayings & sarcasm) #FASDstrong
Changing the behaviours in #FASDstrong people can certainly be done. However, it’s like turning around an aircraft carrier.
It takes a lot of time
It takes a lot of space
It takes a lot of patience
You won’t immediately see progress. Stick with it. It is happening #FASD
It takes a lot of time
It takes a lot of space
It takes a lot of patience
You won’t immediately see progress. Stick with it. It is happening #FASD
September 28, 2025 at 2:47 PM
Changing the behaviours in #FASDstrong people can certainly be done. However, it’s like turning around an aircraft carrier.
It takes a lot of time
It takes a lot of space
It takes a lot of patience
You won’t immediately see progress. Stick with it. It is happening #FASD
It takes a lot of time
It takes a lot of space
It takes a lot of patience
You won’t immediately see progress. Stick with it. It is happening #FASD
4% of the population being #FASDstrong equals 1 in 25 people. That means #FASD is present:
-with one student per classroom
-one person a police officer encounters per night
-one person a judge sees per day
It's imperative that professionals get FASD trained in order to accommodate their disability
-with one student per classroom
-one person a police officer encounters per night
-one person a judge sees per day
It's imperative that professionals get FASD trained in order to accommodate their disability
September 4, 2025 at 10:37 PM
4% of the population being #FASDstrong equals 1 in 25 people. That means #FASD is present:
-with one student per classroom
-one person a police officer encounters per night
-one person a judge sees per day
It's imperative that professionals get FASD trained in order to accommodate their disability
-with one student per classroom
-one person a police officer encounters per night
-one person a judge sees per day
It's imperative that professionals get FASD trained in order to accommodate their disability
In addition to dysmaturity there are also numerous brain domains affected by #FASD . I will go over each of these brain domains and how it affects somebody who is #FASDstrong. I'll also bust some myths along the way!
September 10, 2025 at 3:27 PM
In addition to dysmaturity there are also numerous brain domains affected by #FASD . I will go over each of these brain domains and how it affects somebody who is #FASDstrong. I'll also bust some myths along the way!
Another brain domain affected by #FASD is difficulty with consequences/cause & effect
Remember the FASD brain has difficulty getting information to the front of the brain fast
Therefore, it's difficult for #FASDstrong people to recall negative or positive reinforcement quickly
Remember the FASD brain has difficulty getting information to the front of the brain fast
Therefore, it's difficult for #FASDstrong people to recall negative or positive reinforcement quickly
September 13, 2025 at 6:11 PM
Another brain domain affected by #FASD is difficulty with consequences/cause & effect
Remember the FASD brain has difficulty getting information to the front of the brain fast
Therefore, it's difficult for #FASDstrong people to recall negative or positive reinforcement quickly
Remember the FASD brain has difficulty getting information to the front of the brain fast
Therefore, it's difficult for #FASDstrong people to recall negative or positive reinforcement quickly
The next brain function affected by #FASD is transitioning
Because it takes longer for information to reach the front of their brain, people who are #FASDstrong have difficulty transitioning from task to task, environment to environment and/or person to person
Because it takes longer for information to reach the front of their brain, people who are #FASDstrong have difficulty transitioning from task to task, environment to environment and/or person to person
September 12, 2025 at 3:55 PM
The next brain function affected by #FASD is transitioning
Because it takes longer for information to reach the front of their brain, people who are #FASDstrong have difficulty transitioning from task to task, environment to environment and/or person to person
Because it takes longer for information to reach the front of their brain, people who are #FASDstrong have difficulty transitioning from task to task, environment to environment and/or person to person
When neurons take longer to reach the brain's front (or not at all), people who are #FASDstrong struggle with
executive functioning, sensory processing, impulse control & emotional regulation
Understanding how a #FASD brain functions will drive your understanding of their behaviour
executive functioning, sensory processing, impulse control & emotional regulation
Understanding how a #FASD brain functions will drive your understanding of their behaviour
September 3, 2025 at 10:57 PM
When neurons take longer to reach the brain's front (or not at all), people who are #FASDstrong struggle with
executive functioning, sensory processing, impulse control & emotional regulation
Understanding how a #FASD brain functions will drive your understanding of their behaviour
executive functioning, sensory processing, impulse control & emotional regulation
Understanding how a #FASD brain functions will drive your understanding of their behaviour
Dysmaturity for #FASD individuals manifests itself at different levels for different skills
For skills such as expression, #FASDstrong individuals can have a maturity beyond their years while being way behind in social skills
Remember, FASD is a spectrum disability so everyone presents differently
For skills such as expression, #FASDstrong individuals can have a maturity beyond their years while being way behind in social skills
Remember, FASD is a spectrum disability so everyone presents differently
September 6, 2025 at 5:04 PM
Dysmaturity for #FASD individuals manifests itself at different levels for different skills
For skills such as expression, #FASDstrong individuals can have a maturity beyond their years while being way behind in social skills
Remember, FASD is a spectrum disability so everyone presents differently
For skills such as expression, #FASDstrong individuals can have a maturity beyond their years while being way behind in social skills
Remember, FASD is a spectrum disability so everyone presents differently
What’s the difference between dysmaturity and immaturity:
Immaturity is when someone CAN act your physical age but are choosing not to
Dysmaturity is when someone cannot act your physical age (even if they tried)
When you’re dealing with #FASDstrong people remember- “stage, not age”
Immaturity is when someone CAN act your physical age but are choosing not to
Dysmaturity is when someone cannot act your physical age (even if they tried)
When you’re dealing with #FASDstrong people remember- “stage, not age”
September 6, 2025 at 4:55 PM
What’s the difference between dysmaturity and immaturity:
Immaturity is when someone CAN act your physical age but are choosing not to
Dysmaturity is when someone cannot act your physical age (even if they tried)
When you’re dealing with #FASDstrong people remember- “stage, not age”
Immaturity is when someone CAN act your physical age but are choosing not to
Dysmaturity is when someone cannot act your physical age (even if they tried)
When you’re dealing with #FASDstrong people remember- “stage, not age”
As we delve into symptoms & characteristics of #FASD , there is one important definition:
Dysmaturity
A condition where the developmental age of a person is younger than their physical age
#FASDstrong people can show dysmaturity day to day, hour to hour or activity to activity
Dysmaturity
A condition where the developmental age of a person is younger than their physical age
#FASDstrong people can show dysmaturity day to day, hour to hour or activity to activity
September 6, 2025 at 4:50 PM
As we delve into symptoms & characteristics of #FASD , there is one important definition:
Dysmaturity
A condition where the developmental age of a person is younger than their physical age
#FASDstrong people can show dysmaturity day to day, hour to hour or activity to activity
Dysmaturity
A condition where the developmental age of a person is younger than their physical age
#FASDstrong people can show dysmaturity day to day, hour to hour or activity to activity
When someone with #FASD gets deregulated, it will be intense & may have physical/verbal abuse. Do everything you can to remain calm & deescalate. Don't take things personally. Remember they truly don't know what their doing or saying
Always accept their love & apology afterwards #FASDStrong
Always accept their love & apology afterwards #FASDStrong
September 19, 2025 at 4:52 PM
When someone with #FASD gets deregulated, it will be intense & may have physical/verbal abuse. Do everything you can to remain calm & deescalate. Don't take things personally. Remember they truly don't know what their doing or saying
Always accept their love & apology afterwards #FASDStrong
Always accept their love & apology afterwards #FASDStrong