This episode is being released on September 9, International FASD Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, improving understanding, and supporting prevention, diagnosis, and meaningful support for individuals and families affected by FASD. In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, released on September 9 in recognition of International FASD Day, Paul speaks with Kathy Unsworth, Executive Director of the Canada FASD Research Network, also known as CanFASD. Kathy explains Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD, as a lifelong, brain-based neurodevelopmental disability that can affect learning, memory, attention, emotional regulation, communication, sensory processing, executive functioning, and daily living. She discusses why FASD is often misunderstood as a behavioural issue rather than a disability, and why diagnosis can be difficult, expensive, time-consuming, and unevenly available across Canada. This conversation explores the importance of including FASD in the broader neurodiversity and disability conversation. Kathy shares how stigma surrounding prenatal alcohol exposure often shifts attention away from the person living with the disability, making it harder for individuals and families to seek diagnosis, services, and support. Paul and Kathy also discuss CanFASD’s role as Canada’s only national organization focused on FASD research, knowledge translation, workforce development, training, policy support, and community education. Kathy highlights the importance of centering the voices of people with living experience, including caregivers, families, service providers, clinicians, and adults with FASD. The episode also covers diagnosis gaps, misdiagnosis, early intervention, school and workplace supports, justice and child welfare systems, trauma-informed approaches, and the importance of the National FASD Framework and Senate Bill S-234. Throughout the conversation, Kathy emphasizes that FASD does not define a person. People with FASD have strengths, talents, creativity, resilience, determination, and unique ways of thinking. With the right supports, stable relationships, respectful language, and informed communities, individuals with FASD can lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. CANFASD Website: https://canfasd.ca FASD, International FASD Day, FASD Awareness Day, September 9, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, CanFASD, Kathy Unsworth, neurodiversity, neurodevelopmental disability, brain-based disability, disability rights, FASD awareness, FASD diagnosis, FASD support, FASD Canada, National FASD Framework, Senate Bill S-234, prenatal alcohol exposure, FASD stigma, trauma-informed care, executive functioning, emotional regulation, sensory processing, child welfare, justice system, special education, disability inclusion, caregivers, lived experience, living experience, FASD-informed practice, public health, neurodivergent, neurodivergence About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast We are now available to watch on Apple Podcasts. Watch now! Join us! The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience. Hosted by Paul Cruz. Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com LinkedIn • YouTube: @neurodiversityvoicespodcast Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
