Living with FASD

Patricia Kasper
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  • Mental Health

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. 2d ago

    FASD in Real Life: Marriage, Stigma & Changing the Narrative

    COMING SOON! The launch of Patti’s second book, made possible by this very podcast – 4D Living with FASD: Shared Voices, Clearer Understanding launches Sept 9, and its companion study guide, Discover Your 4D Life: The FASD Living Experience will launch shortly thereafter! Both will be available at Patti’s online store at books.by/yourfasdcoach as well as Amazon and your local bookseller. In this week's deeply personal and eye-opening episode of Living with FASD, host Patti Kasper welcomes back Dr. Kristina Uban, director of the Developing Brains Laboratory at UC Irvine. After two and a half years, Dr. Uban returns to explore a topic rarely discussed in the context of neurodivergence: the reality of marriage, long-term relationships, and significant partnerships when navigating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Together, Patti and Kristina unpack the intersection of personal experience and academic research, challenging historical research stigmas, discussing the invisible load of complex medical comorbidities, and reframing the unique "wildflower intelligence" that comes with an FASD diagnosis. Key Discussion Points: Bridging the Academic and Personal: How Kristina’s professional world in neuroimaging collided with her personal life, reshaping her understanding of historical research pools and the narrow narratives surrounding FASD.The Realities of Marriage with FASD: Examining the unique relational pressures caused by financial strain, medical trauma, chronic illness, and the need for deep foundational trust.The "Car Breakdown" Analogy: A powerful framework for understanding when a partner's behavior is driven by burnout or a neurodivergent "breakdown" rather than personal malice.Moving Past Shame and Stigma: Embracing vulnerability, walking straight through social stigma, and finding resilience, authenticity, and leadership within the FASD community.As always, if you enjoyed today’s episode, Invisible Disabilities & Workplace Discrimination: Challenging the System with Julie Harris, 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 would like to reach Kristina, please email her at kuban@uci.edu   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 . You can also email Patti at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com I

    FASD in Real Life: Marriage, Stigma & Changing the Narrative

  2. Aug 10

    Diagnostic Overshadowing and Neurodiversity with Brett Williams

    In this episode of Living with FASD, host Patti Kasper is joined by Brett Williams from the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan (LDAS). Together, they explore the complexities of non-apparent disabilities, late-in-life neurodivergent diagnoses, and the phenomenon of "diagnostic overshadowing"—where a single label can obscure an individual’s full spectrum of strengths and needs. From unpacking why "no pattern is the pattern" in FASD cognitive testing to rethinking accommodations in the workplace and classroom, Patti and Brett share a candid, compassionate, and humorous conversation on moving away from individual blame and toward true interdependence. 📚 Special Book Announcement & Teaser Mark your calendars for International FASD Awareness Day! Patti Kasper’s upcoming book, 4D Living with FASD: Shared Voices, Clearer Understanding, officially launches on September 9th. Grounded in qualitative research and lived experience, this book brings together real voices from the FASD community to shift paradigms, break down stigma, and build genuine understanding. 📖 Available September 9th at books.by/yourfasdcoach, Amazon, or your favorite local bookseller! 💡 Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights Diagnostic Overshadowing: How focusing solely on a single diagnosis can blind us to an individual’s unique cognitive profile and strengths."No Pattern is the Pattern": Why traditional, uniform testing patterns don't always fit neurodevelopmental conditions like FASD, and how scattered test results should be interpreted.The High Cost of Masking: Understanding the cognitive and metabolic energy tax that neurodivergent individuals pay to perform and "showtime" in daily life.Shift to Interdependence: Challenging the hyper-focus on absolute self-sufficiency and embracing social connectedness and mutual support.Preventative Accommodations: How simple, zero-cost support—like the gift of extra processing time—benefits entire organizations, schools, and communities. 🎙️ About Our Guest Brett Williams (he/him) is the Director of Program Service Delivery for the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan (LDAS). He has professional experience providing mental health counseling and consultation across the education, health, community, and private sectors. Brett has personal experience receiving mental health services, and is grateful to have a wonderful wife, a dynamic daughter, and a multitude of imaginary friends. 🔗 Resources & Links Mentioned Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan (LDAS): ldas.org

    Diagnostic Overshadowing and Neurodiversity with Brett Williams

  3. Aug 5

    Beyond the Brain: FASD, Aging, and Autoimmune Health with Dr. Tamara Bodner

    When we talk about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the conversation often centers around childhood behaviors or brain function. But what happens as we age with FASD? How does early exposure impact the rest of the body, from our immune system to our joints and digestive health? In this episode, Patti Kasper sits down with Dr. Tamara Bodner, Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, to break down the latest research on adult FASD outcomes, whole-body health, and aging. From her early preclinical work with legendary FASD researcher Dr. Joanne Weinberg to her current clinical studies in Calgary, Dr. Bodner shares crucial insights into how FASD manifests across the lifespan. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: From the Lab to the Lived Experience: How a simple question at a conference shifted Dr. Bodner’s focus from animal models to human clinical health.The Prevalence Gap: Why FASD remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood despite impacting 1 in 12 to 1 in 20 people across North America.Autoimmune & Inflammation: The connection between FASD, elevated inflammatory markers (cytokines), and early symptoms of autoimmune challenges.Aging & Dementia Questions: What the data actually reveals about brain biomarkers, cognitive decline, and why one-size-fits-all diagnostic tools don't always fit FASD.The Gut-Brain-Immune Axis: Emerging research on the gut microbiome in FASD and how modifiable lifestyle factors (diet, sleep, mobility) foster resilience.Participating in Research: How adults with lived experience in both the U.S. and Canada can get involved in ongoing studies. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Tamara Bodner’s Lab (University of Calgary): Search Tamara Bodner University of Calgary to explore active studies and research updates.Books Mentioned: Sip by Sip by Patti Kasper (https://books.by/yourfasdcoach) Connect & Follow: Website: patriciakasper.comWork With Patti:  https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/introductory-chat-with-patti . Email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.comSubscribe & Share: If this episode gave you clarity or hope, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or share this video with a friend or colleague!

    Beyond the Brain: FASD, Aging, and Autoimmune Health with Dr. Tamara Bodner

  4. Jul 27

    AI Safety & Neurodivergence: Navigating the Dangers of Conversational AI

    In this episode of Living with FASD, Candid Conversations, I am joined by two incredible guests: AJ Locashio, founder and CEO of Umbrella ND, and Carl Young, a self-advocate, FASD trainer, and author. We dive into the complex role of Artificial Intelligence in our daily lives, moving beyond the simple "good vs. bad" binary to discuss how AI can be both a powerful tool and a potentially deceptive companion. Key Discussion Points AI: Tool or Companion? We explore how AI is layered into modern systems and the risks for neurodivergent individuals who may be susceptible to AI’s conversational design, which mimics social cues and strokes the ego.The Problem with "Hallucinations": We discuss why AI models "hallucinate" or present false information as fact, and why it is critical for users to double-check sources rather than accepting AI output at face value.Accessibility and Education: We talk about how AI can support communication needs and accessibility for those struggling with brain fog or executive functioning, while emphasizing the need for ethical education in schools and colleges.The "Neurotype" Distinction: We clarify the importance of distinguishing between individual "neuroprints" and collective "neurotypes" when discussing how AI models are trained on professional datasets.Practical Resources: We introduce helpful tools like Goblin Tools, which can act as a bridge for communication by adjusting the tone of writing to be more accessible or professional.Resources Mentioned Umbrella ND (Organization providing resources for neurodivergent adults)Goblin Tools (A helpful app for adjusting tone and managing communication)Fragile Intelligence (An upcoming book by Carl Young regarding AI from a small-town and farming perspective)Thank you for listening to this week’s episode. If you found this discussion valuable, please subscribe and share it with your community.  To order Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD, go to https://books.by/yourfasdcoach . To reach Patti, email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com .

    AI Safety & Neurodivergence: Navigating the Dangers of Conversational AI

  5. Jul 20

    FASD Across the Lifespan: A Longitudinal Perspective with Dr. Claire Coles

    In this episode of Living with FASD, Candid Conversations, I am honored to host Dr. Claire Coles, a pioneer in the FASD field from Emory University. Dr. Coles shares the history of her groundbreaking longitudinal study—spanning 40 years—which has been instrumental in our current understanding of how prenatal alcohol exposure affects development, health, and aging. We discuss the critical need for better medical protocols, the realities of aging with FASD, and why stories from the community are the key to moving the needle on policy and research. Key Discussion Points 40 Years of Research: Dr. Coles reflects on starting in the early 1980s when FASD was considered a "rare event" and discusses the transition from studying birth defects to understanding long-term health outcomes.Health Across the Lifespan: We delve into the findings regarding increased risk for chronic health issues in adulthood, including cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal problems, and early onset cognitive decline.The "Premature Aging" Phenomenon: We discuss the lived experience of accelerated aging in the FASD community and current research into immunological factors that may explain why many feel older than their chronological age.Collaboration and Advocacy: Dr. Coles emphasizes that research needs to be a partnership between scientists and the FASD community, urging listeners to speak up and share their stories to drive change in legislative and medical circles.Future Directions: We explore the urgent need for funded intervention studies and standardized medical protocols that support individuals with FASD throughout their lives, regardless of their access to insurance.Resources Mentioned Emory University School of MedicineCIFASD (Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders)Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD by Patti Kasper, available at https://books.by/yourfasdcoachThank you for listening to this episode. Please subscribe to stay updated on our latest conversations with leaders in the FASD field. Please like this channel and this video to help others find this information. You can email Patti at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com

    FASD Across the Lifespan: A Longitudinal Perspective with Dr. Claire Coles

  6. Jul 13

    Challenging the System: How to Manage Workplace Discrimination with Julie Harris

    Workplace discrimination against neurodivergent individuals and those with invisible disabilities is a widespread reality, often occurring behind closed doors where HR policies meet individual needs. In this episode, I am joined by Julie Harris, who shares her powerful, lived experience of navigating seizures, workplace discrimination, and the EEOC mediation process. We dive deep into the legal realities of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specifically the often-misunderstood concept of "undue hardship" and the importance of the interactive process. Whether you are currently facing challenges at work or simply want to better understand your rights, this conversation provides the practical knowledge and encouragement you need to advocate for yourself confidently. Key Takeaways The Right to the Interactive Process: Employers are legally required to engage in an "interactive process" when you request an accommodation, working together to identify an effective solution.Demystifying "Undue Hardship": The burden of proof for "undue hardship" lies with the employer, not the employee. It has a specific legal definition involving significant difficulty or expense, and for large companies, costs under $500 rarely meet this threshold.The "TurboTax of Employment": Julie introduces her new, web-based tool designed to guide employees through the accommodation request process, generate templates, and flag potential retaliation, making advocacy more accessible.Dismantling Internal Ableism: Julie opens up about the importance of addressing the ableism we often direct at ourselves—judging our need for rest or our changing capacity—and reframing accommodation requests as essential tools for success rather than signs of a deficit.To get a copy of Julie’s book, Boldly Belong: The Power of Being YOU in a Disabling Society, go to https://a.co/d/0j8gvk6v To reach Julie, email her at Julie@accessmyability.org As always, if you enjoyed today’s episode, Invisible Disabilities & Workplace Discrimination: Challenging the System with Julie Harris, 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: https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation . Email Patti at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com To get Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD - www.books.by/yourfasdcoach   Resources EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) - https://www.eeoc.gov/ Ernest Employee - Advocacy Tool (Upcoming) - https://ernestemployee.com LinkedIn Profile of Julie Harris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-harris/ Disability Rights and Law Resources - https://www.ada.gov/

    Challenging the System: How to Manage Workplace Discrimination with Julie Harris

  7. Jun 29

    Aging with FASD: Insights, Challenges, and Hope with Carl Young

    In this lively, candid conversation, Patti Kasper and Carl Young explore the intricacies of aging with FASD, emphasizing the importance of understanding health outcomes, neurodiversity, and the power of community support. If you're navigating life with FASD or supporting someone who is, these insights will reshape how you see aging as an ongoing journey of adaptation and resilience. Main Topics Covered: The impact of FASD on physical and mental health across the lifespanThe significance of personalized approaches in healthcare and interventionThe role of community, support systems, and advocacy in aging wellUnique health conditions and comorbidities related to FASDThe importance of early diagnosis and ongoing research on aging and dementiaHow to foster self-understanding, forgiveness, and grace in the aging processThe value of pets and environmental adaptations for emotional regulation Key Revelations: The importance of embracing different identities and roles, especially when engaging with various systems or groupsThe amplification of health issues in individuals with FASD, emphasizing the brain-body connectionThe value of candid conversations about health, aging, and personal stories in reducing stigmaThe need for more comprehensive education about FASD in medical and educational systemsThe potential link between prenatal alcohol exposure and early onset dementiaStrategies for managing sensory overload, pain, and emotional regulation with practical, everyday toolsThe critical necessity for research follow-up on the multitude of comorbid conditions identified in large surveys 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.) To reach Carl, email him at carl@neurodiversity.com . To order a copy of Carl’s books, cowritten with Joel Sheagren, Embracing Hope: Amazon’s ASIN: B0FQ1HDH64 Embrace Neurodiversity: Amazon’s ASIN: B0GSS4TWKW – ebook only

    Aging with FASD: Insights, Challenges, and Hope with Carl Young

  8. Jun 22

    Dismantling the Myth of "Neurotypical": A Conversation with Youth Advocate Aeris Wren

    In this inspiring episode of Living With FASD, host Patti Kasper sits down with Aeris Wren, an AuDHD high school student, youth advocate, and the host of the Telos podcast. Together, they challenge the traditional "clinical" view of neurodiversity and discuss the importance of reframing our society's expectations of the human brain. This conversation highlights the necessity of moving away from a behavior-based paradigm and toward a supportive, grace-filled model that honors individual needs and "inconsistent mastery". Key Topics Covered: The Myth of the "Neurotypical" Bell Curve: Challenging the idea that neurotypicality is the norm, and why we should instead view neurodiversity as the natural variation of the human experience.FASD: The Elephant in the Room: A candid discussion on why Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are often excluded from neurodiversity advocacy, the impact of stigma, and the need for better research driven by lived experience.Self-Advocacy & Understanding Needs: Aeris shares personal insights on navigating the education system, the importance of "interest-based" activation for the ADHD brain, and how to communicate needs without feeling like an "attack" on existing structures.Moving Past Behaviorism: Why shaming, punishing, or rewarding "behavior" fails neurodivergent youth, and how co-regulation and curiosity can help uncover the real needs beneath the surface.The Future of Inclusion: Aeris’s vision for a world where young people have the language and resources to understand their own brains long before they reach adulthood. About My Guest: Aeris Wren Aeris Wren is a youth advocate for neurodiversity and the host of Telos: A Neurodiversity Conversation. Aeris is dedicated to making information about neurodivergence accessible and centered on lived experience. You can follow Aeris's work and listen to Telos here:  https://open.spotify.com/show/6HOp09Yy1puqkHVCXKhxfo?si=5b5bfe52ca134231 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.)

    Dismantling the Myth of "Neurotypical": A Conversation with Youth Advocate Aeris Wren
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Patricia Kasper
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    142
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Patricia Kasper
  • Show Website
    Living with FASD

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