Living with FASD

Patricia Kasper

The biggest hidden-in-plain sight epidemic we face is FASD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, affecting 1:14 people to varying degrees and in differing ways. How many people do you know, counting family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances? Divide that number by 14 to find out how many people in YOUR circle have been affected by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, regardless if they've received a diagnosis or not. This interview style podcast, by a host with both professional and living experience, seeks to educate the public, to combat the ongoing stigma, and to provide community and understanding to those living with the affects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and their loved ones.

  1. Unlocking Emotional Intelligence for Neurodivergent Minds: A Conversation with Morgane Borzee

    6D AGO

    Unlocking Emotional Intelligence for Neurodivergent Minds: A Conversation with Morgane Borzee

    In this episode, Patti Kasper chats with Morgane Borzee about a groundbreaking visual system that revolutionizes how we understand and regulate emotions, especially in neurodivergent communities like those affected by FASD. If you're ready to see emotions as protective parts and learn how to navigate them, this episode is your new best friend! In this episode: Morgane Borzee’s journey from trauma therapy to emotional intelligence mappingThe importance of visual tools in understanding emotional responsesHow emotional parts like the tiger, bunny, koala, and seagull symbolize our defense mechanismsThe neural research behind stress responses and traumaPractical ways to use visual maps for emotional regulation and self-awarenessHow this system can prevent re-traumatization and improve relationshipsThe role of parts work in healing attachment and authenticity issuesThe power of non-judgmental language around emotionsResources: tools, training programs, and how to access Morgane’s workTo reach Morgane and explore her program, visit equanima.io. Her website offers many free resources. If you would like to reach Patti, you can email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.patriciakasper.com to learn more about her coaching and professional development training services, or visit ttps://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation to schedule a complimentary call. To pick up a copy of Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD, go to https://books.by/yourfasdcoach. Large print edition is on Amazon.

    50 min
  2. A Complicated and Beautiful Brain: Reframing FASD with Angela Geddes

    MAY 4

    A Complicated and Beautiful Brain: Reframing FASD with Angela Geddes

    In this episode, Patti Kasper engages in a candid conversation with Angela Geddes, a social worker and author, about the complexities of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). They discuss the challenges of diagnosis, the impact of FASD on families, and the role of social workers in raising awareness and providing support. Angela shares her personal experiences and insights from her work in the field, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and the need for better education and training on FASD. The conversation highlights the societal implications of FASD and the necessity for a compassionate understanding of those affected by it. Takeaways FASD is often misunderstood and misdiagnosed. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with FASD. Social workers play a crucial role in advocating for FASD awareness. The stigma surrounding alcohol use during pregnancy needs to be addressed. Families affected by FASD often face systemic challenges and trauma. Education on FASD should be integrated into all relevant professional training programs. Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into the challenges of FASD. There is a need for more resources and support for adults with FASD. The prevalence of FASD is higher than commonly recognized. Compassionate support is essential for individuals and families affected by FASD. If you would like to reach Patti, you can email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.patriciakasper.com to learn more about her coaching and professional development training services, or visit ttps://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation to schedule a complimentary call. If you would like to pick up a copy of Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD, visit www.books.by/yourfasdcoach or Amazon. (Both print on demand, but due to lower overhead costs, books.by is able to pay its authors a few more dollars in royalties.) If you would like to pick up copies of Angela’s books, you can find them all on Amazon. ·         A Complicated and Beautiful Brain – ASIN # B0F8NJ95CB ·         Not Your Typical Growing Up & Adulting Guide – ASIN # B0GJS7LFF6 ·         Not Your Typical Growing Up & Adulting Guide  WORKBOOK – ASIN # B0GJT9ZKD8 ·         Not Your Typical Parenting Guide – ASIN # B0F8N3N3ZS ·         Not Your Typical Teaching Guide - ASIN # B0FJ796V7G Amazon in Canada also has French editions of several of these titles. To access the free FASD checklist Angela offers on her website, visit: https://www.angelageddes.ca/professional-development/geddes-customized-support-tool To reach Angela, email her at angela@angelageddes.ca. Follow Angela’s podcast, Kitchen Table Conversations, on your favorite podcast platform!

    55 min
  3. Finding Calm in Chaos: Practical Strategies for Emotional Regulation with AJ Loashio

    APR 28

    Finding Calm in Chaos: Practical Strategies for Emotional Regulation with AJ Loashio

    If you enjoy Living with FASD, please go to www.womenpodcasters.com/awards and choose Living with FASD in the Wellness category, for people’s choice award being sponsored by Women Podcasters. Winning the competition would bring in many listeners who would learn about FASD! Voting ends April 30th! In this episode, Patti Kasper and AJ Locascio delve back into the complexities of emotional regulation, exploring practical strategies to help individuals ground themselves and regain a sense of safety. They discuss the importance of laughter, activity, sleep, creative expression, and intimate connections in the regulation process. The conversation also touches on the significance of creating a 'nest' for emotional release, practicing mindful self-compassion, and understanding sensory systems. They emphasize the role of gratitude and celebration in fostering emotional well-being, while also addressing the challenges of grief and loss. Takeaways Laughter can be a powerful tool for emotional regulation. Being active helps to ground and regulate emotions. Sleep is essential for emotional and physical health. Creative expression can serve as a form of regulation. Intimate connections can enhance emotional safety. Creating a 'nest' can provide a safe space for emotional release. Mindful self-compassion helps in managing negative thoughts. Understanding sensory systems is crucial for self-regulation. Grief and gratitude can coexist in the healing process. Celebration can be a form of regulation and connection. As always, please remember to like, subscribe & share this podcast episode, because it is by doing these things that more people can find the podcast and learn about FASD. To reach Patti Kasper, perhaps to suggest topics or guests, or to ask questions, or even just to say hello, email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com . To reach Patti to explore FASD Life Coaching for yourself as an adult or as a parent of a little, or to arrange for professional development or community agency training on FASD, you can arrange for a consult at https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation To order a copy of Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD, visit books.by/yourfasdcoach or Amazon. (Both are print on demand at a printer near you, but books.by offers its authors a few dollars more in royalties.) AJ’s resources: The Burnout Book, Emily & Amelia Nagoski: https://a.co/d/eJaSFDR Sensory Checklist (.org is a broken link) Self-compassion quiz: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-test/ Dr. Kristen Neff’s site: https://self-compassion.org/

    54 min
  4. Navigating Life with FASD: A Personal Journey with FASD podcaster & educator Jake Tjapkes

    APR 20

    Navigating Life with FASD: A Personal Journey with FASD podcaster & educator Jake Tjapkes

    If you enjoy Living with FASD, please go to www.womenpodcasters.com/awards and choose Living with FASD in the Wellness category, for people’s choice award being sponsored by Women Podcasters. Winning the competition would bring in many listeners who would learn about FASD! In this episode of Living with FASD, host Patti Kasper engages in a deep conversation with Jake Tjapkes, who shares his personal journey with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). They discuss the challenges faced by individuals with FASD, the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure, and the systemic issues within the foster care and justice systems. Jake emphasizes the importance of awareness, advocacy, and the need for legislative changes to support those affected by FASD. The conversation highlights the complexities of living with FASD and the necessity for a compassionate understanding of the experiences of individuals and families impacted by this condition. If you would like to reach Patti, you can email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.patriciakasper.com to learn more about her coaching and professional development training services through Kasper’s FASD Life Coaching & Training, LLC. If you would like to pick up a copy of her book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD, you can easily order it at books.by/yourfasdcoach or Amazon. Both options are print on demand, but lower overhead enables books.by to pay its authors a few more dollars in royalties. If you would prefer a male FASD life coach, or would like to reach Jake for other reasons, visit his website at www.mendingbrokenwings.com or email him at mendingbw@gmail.com. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to FASD and Personal Stories 02:04 Jake's Early Life and Foster Care Experience 05:59 Understanding Closed Case Adoptions 08:58 The Impact of Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol 11:46 Cultural Perspectives on Alcohol Consumption 14:57 The Journey to FASD Diagnosis 21:07 Experiences in the Juvenile Justice System 25:29 Creative Culinary Adventures 26:00 Therapeutic Approaches in Care 27:29 Understanding Behavioral Patterns in FASD 29:08 Navigating the World of FASD 30:37 Confabulation and Memory Challenges 32:20 The Importance of Fact-Checking 34:17 The Journey to Diagnosis 36:37 The Complexity of FASD 38:03 Challenges of Employment and Self-Sufficiency 39:59 Transitional Years and Life Choices 42:21 Rethinking Functionality in FASD 44:06 The 3D Model of FASD 46:40 Customization in Care 48:01 The Impact of Alcohol and Trauma 51:32 Understanding Teratogens and Their Effects 54:16 Understanding ADHD and Neurodiversity 56:40 Compassion and Acceptance in Family Dynamics 01:00:00 Fostering Awareness and Support for Foster Parents 01:02:02 The Importance of Early Identification and Testing 01:10:00 Addressing Alcohol's Impact on Pregnancy and FASD 01:17:58 Advocating for Policy Changes and Future Hope

    1h 15m
  5. Denial, Anosognosia & Delayed Remorse with Barb Clark

    APR 13

    Denial, Anosognosia & Delayed Remorse with Barb Clark

    If you enjoy Living with FASD, please go to www.womenpodcasters.com/awards and choose Living with FASD in the Wellness category, for people’s choice award being sponsored by Women Podcasters. Winning the competition would bring in many listeners who would learn about FASD! In this episode, Patti Kasper and Barb Clark delve into the complexities of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), focusing on the concepts of anosognosia, denial, and delayed remorse. They discuss the impact of stress and anxiety on behavior, the importance of effective communication, and the LEAP method for engaging with neurodivergent individuals. The conversation highlights the significance of timing in discussions, the role of support systems, and the challenges of labeling in educational settings. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the need for understanding and compassion in supporting those with neurodivergent conditions. Barb Clark , a beloved trainer & coach in the FASD community with both professional and living experience with FASD, is known for her down-to-earth style, & blend of honesty, humor, and practical wisdom, training with compassion and clarity on tough topics like raging, lying, and stealing. She has trained thousands across the U.S. and Canada. So let’s get started with this candid conversation. As always, please remember to like, share, and follow the Living with FASD podcast to help spread awareness and understanding. If you would like to reach Patti, you can email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.patriciakasper.com to learn more about her coaching and professional development training services. Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD is available at books.by/yourfasdcoach Barb's book, "Raising Kids and Teens with FASD," is available here: https://a.co/d/0acN3Wdb Link to the LEAP Institute: https://leapinstitute.org/ Link to the TedTalkon anosognosia by Xavier Amador, PhD: https://youtu.be/NXxytf6kfPM?si=W3W6Y_dYD95293Ub Chapters 00:00Introduction to FASD and Anosognosia 03:07Understanding Denial, Anosognosia, and Delayed Remorse 06:05The Impact of Safety and Delayed Remorse in Social Work 08:58Exploring the Role of Fascia and Prenatal Alcohol Exposure 11:57The LEAP Method for Effective Communication 14:55Distinguishing Between Denial and Anosognosia 18:01The Importance of Listening and Empathy 21:01Understanding Delayed Remorse and Its Effects 23:59Navigating Anxiety and Dysregulation in Medical Settings 26:27Advocacy and Self-Advocacy Skills 28:13Understanding Anosognosia in Children and Teens 30:20Anosognosia in Adults and Its Impact on Relationships 34:06Hoarding and Anosognosia: A Deeper Look 36:02Supporting Individuals with Delayed Remorse 40:06The Importance of Silence and Processing Time 44:36Neurodiversity and Anosognosia in Different Conditions 49:27Understanding Neurological Differences in Recovery

    48 min
  6. From Tragedy to Triumph: A Journey of Resilience & the Power of Community

    APR 6

    From Tragedy to Triumph: A Journey of Resilience & the Power of Community

    If you enjoy Living with FASD, please go to www.womenpodcasters.com/awards and choose Living with FASD in the Wellness category, for people’s choice award being sponsored by Women Podcasters. Winning the competition would bring in many listeners who would learn about FASD! In this episode of Living with FASD, Patti Kasper interviews Jennifer Henszel, who shares her family's journey through adversity following her husband Paul's life-altering accident. The conversation explores themes of community support, resilience, and the power of storytelling in healing. Jennifer discusses how they built a network to combat isolation, the importance of staying positive amidst challenges, and the role of insurance and medical support in their recovery. The episode emphasizes the significance of creating community resources and overcoming stigma associated with FASD, ultimately inspiring listeners to connect and find hope in their own journeys. Takeaways Jennifer and Paul faced significant adversity after his accident. Community support played a crucial role in their recovery. Isolation can hinder personal and professional growth. Building networks can lead to unexpected opportunities. Storytelling can be a powerful tool for healing. Staying positive is essential amidst challenges. Insurance and medical support can be complex and frustrating. Creating community resources is vital for those in need. Overcoming stigma is a shared struggle for many. Connection is key to finding hope and support. As always, if you enjoyed today’s episode, From Tragedy to Triumph: A Journey of Resilience & Power of Community, then please remember to like, subscribe and share this podcast episode, because the more it is shared, the more people can find Living with FASD and learn more about the many and varied effects of Prenatal Alcohol Effects. If you want to reach Patti to discuss either FASD training or life coaching, you can schedule a call using this links: https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation . Additional training topics can be found on her website, www.patriciakasper.com . If you want to pick up a copy of Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD, go to either www.books.by/yourfasdcoach or Amazon (https://a.co/d/3XLnCyw ) Both are print-on-demand from a printer near you, but books.by pays its authors a few more dollars in royalties. If you want to pick up a copy of Paul Henczel’s book, Crushed Alive: A True Story of a Journey from Tragedy to Triumph, you can find it on Amazon by using this link: https://a.co/d/fh4wg3c If you would like to watch Paul’s TED Talk, you can find it here: https://youtu.be/9z9HUvTy6aA?si=KUpj2dlaCWQv2EuL

    35 min
  7. Bullying & Medical Gaslighting with Dr. Jennifer Fraser

    MAR 30

    Bullying & Medical Gaslighting with Dr. Jennifer Fraser

    In this episode of Living with FASD, Patti Kasper engages in a deep conversation with Dr. Jennifer Fraser about the complexities of medical gaslighting, particularly in the context of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). They explore the vulnerabilities of individuals with FASD, the pressures faced by medical professionals, and the importance of empathy in healthcare. The discussion also highlights the significance of brain health, the impact of bullying and abuse, and the need for systemic changes in education and healthcare. Dr. Fraser shares insights from her research and personal experiences, emphasizing the potential for cognitive improvement through tools like BrainHQ and the importance of community support.   As always, if you enjoyed today’s episode, From Tragedy to Triumph: A Journey of Resilience & Power of Community, then please remember to like, subscribe and share this podcast episode, because the more it is shared, the more people can find Living with FASD and learn more about the many and varied effects of Prenatal Alcohol Effects. If you want to reach Patti to discuss either FASD training or life coaching, you can schedule a call using this links: https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation . Additional training topics can be found on her website, www.patriciakasper.com . If you want to pick up a copy of Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD, go to either www.books.by/yourfasdcoach or Amazon (https://a.co/d/3XLnCyw ) Both are print-on-demand from a printer near you, but books.by pays its authors a few more dollars in royalties. Jennifer Fraser is the author of 5 books that in one way or another examine how we learn. Her last two books - The Bullied Brain and The Gaslit Brain - examine the harmful impacts of false information to our brains. Most don't know that normalized bullying and gaslighting in our society can in fact cause physical damage to brains which is visible on scans. It is this research that Jennifer is harnessing to set in motion healthy change for all learners. With a PhD in Comparative Literature, Jennifer is an award-winning educator who writes a regular series, "The Bullied Brain," for Psychology Today. LINKS: Website https://bulliedbrain.com/ The Gaslit Brain https://www.amazon.com/Gaslit-Brain-Gaslighting-Institutional-Complicity/dp/1493090925 The Bullied Brain https://www.amazon.com/Bullied-Brain-Scars-Restore-Health/dp/B09BDHVX9Q  "Bullied Brain" series Psychology Today https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/the-bullied-brain Substack on Gaslighting https://bulliedbrain.substack.com/

    1h 21m
  8. The Spectrum of Experience: Moving Past Labels in FASD with Tami Eller

    MAR 23

    The Spectrum of Experience: Moving Past Labels in FASD with Tami Eller

    In this episode of Living with FASD, host and guest Tami Eller delve into the complexities surrounding fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). They discuss how a diagnosis often becomes a mere label, failing to capture the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with FASD, or any other given diagnosis. Tami emphasizes that understanding the nuances of each person's condition is crucial for providing effective support. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing the brain-body connection and how various physical and mental health factors can influence the experiences of those with FASD. They also touch on the societal expectations of independence and the need for a more nuanced understanding of interdependence, especially for individuals with neurodivergent conditions. Throughout the discussion, Tami shares personal anecdotes and insights from her experiences, illustrating the need for accommodations that consider the unique ways individuals with FASD process information and interact with the world. The episode serves as a reminder that labels can be limiting and that a deeper understanding of each person's journey is essential for fostering success and well-being. Takeaways A diagnosis is just a label; it doesn't define the individual. Understanding the brain-body connection is crucial for support. Each person with FASD has a unique experience and needs individualized accommodations. Societal expectations of independence can be unrealistic for those with FASD. Interdependence is vital for success, regardless of neurodiversity. As always, please remember to like, share, and follow the Living with FASD podcast to help spread awareness and understanding. If you would like to reach Patti, you can email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com. Visit her website at www.patriciakasper.com to learn more about her coaching and professional development training services, or visit ttps://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation to schedule a complimentary call. If you would like to pick up a copy of Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD, visit www.books.by/yourfasdcoach or Amazon. (Both print on demand, but due to lower overhead costs, books.by is able to pay its authors a few more dollars in royalties.) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to FASD and Tammy Eller 01:13 The Limitations of Labels 03:18 Understanding the Brain-Body Connection 08:36 The Importance of Individualized Support 18:25 Navigating Sensory Processing Differences 29:26 Personal Stories and Early Recognition 43:42 Challenging the Myth of Independence

    48 min

About

The biggest hidden-in-plain sight epidemic we face is FASD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, affecting 1:14 people to varying degrees and in differing ways. How many people do you know, counting family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances? Divide that number by 14 to find out how many people in YOUR circle have been affected by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, regardless if they've received a diagnosis or not. This interview style podcast, by a host with both professional and living experience, seeks to educate the public, to combat the ongoing stigma, and to provide community and understanding to those living with the affects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and their loved ones.

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