You don’t grow out of a brain injury
Anex invites you to a free two hour forum to discuss the complex issues related to FASD.
Children exposed to alcohol while in the womb are at increased risk of brain damage. But the problems associated with fetal alcohol exposure don’t end when these children become adults. There may be thousands of adults across Australia affected by a range of lingering disorders. Many of these adults have trouble living independently. They may have poor judgment and limited social skills. In addition, their unpredictable and impulsive behavior increases their risk of homelessness, developing alcohol or drug problems and being arrested and/or imprisoned.
If your service works with people experiencing the following difficulties it’s possible they are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD):
• Poor memory and concentration
• Easily frustrated or overwhelmed
• Limited problem solving skills
• Unable to learn from experience
• Impulsive, easily led, and unable to respond to social cues
• Low literacy skills and difficulty with speech and articulating thoughts
While it is important to discuss preventative and early intervention strategies regarding the impact of alcohol consumption on pregnancy and infancy, this seminar will focus on the long term problems associated with FASD and will highlight practical strategies for working effectively with this vulnerable cohort of people.
The forum will be hosted by Anex and feature the following guest speakers:
Scott Wilson, Deputy Chair, Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, State Director of Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council (SA) and co-Deputy Chairperson of the National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol Committee.
Ree Pritchard, ATOD counsellor at the Knox Community Health Centre. Ree practises in Gestalt Therapy, ACT Therapy & Mindfulness Therapies, Transactional Analysis and Motivational Interviewing with extensive interest and experience in FASD.
Vicki Russell, National Project Co-ordinator of The National Organisation for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Related Disorders (NOFASARD) She has a Masters in Police Studies and a Bachelor of Social Science (Justice Studies). She is a current PhD candidate with post graduate research focused on fetal alcohol prevention in three countries including Australia.
Tamika King, Youth Outreach Worker at the Salvation Army Life Centre in Melbourne’s CBD. Tamika has a particular interest in FASD as members of her own family are affected by the disorder.
Date: Tuesday 22 May 2012
Time: 10am-12pm
Location: Melbourne Multicultural Hub, Red & Orange Rooms
506 Elizabeth St, Melbourne
RSVP: Friday 18 May 2012
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