In this episode of Behaviour Bits, Jenn sits down with Prue Walker, a clinical social worker and leading expert in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With years of experience in child protection, out-of-home care, and her pivotal role at Monash Children’s Hospital, Prue offers an in-depth exploration of FASD—what it is, how it affects the brain and body, and the challenges individuals with FASD face in daily life.Prue delves into the neurodevelopmental implications of prenatal alcohol exposure, discussing the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate interventions, and strategies to support individuals with FASD.

This episode is packed with actionable insights, from understanding the unique behaviours linked to FASD to creating supportive environments that foster growth and development. Whether you’re a caregiver, educator, or professional, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge to help you better support individuals with FASD and navigate the challenges they face.

FASD HubNOFASD Australia
Emerging Minds FASD resources https://emergingminds.com.au/?s=fasd
Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD) behavioural resources https://canfasd.ca/?s=behaviour

Overview of FASD
Popova, S., Charness, M. E., Burd, L., Crawford, A., Hoyme, H. E., Mukherjee, R. A. S., Riley, E. P., & Elliott, E. J. (2023). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Nat Rev Dis Primers, 9(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-023-00420-x
McLean, S. (2022). Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): An update on policy and practice in Australia (9781760162092). https://aifs.gov.au/resources/policy-and-practice-papers/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd-update-policy-and
Flannigan, K., Pei, J., McLachlan, K., Harding, K., Mela, M., Cook, J., Badry, D., & McFarlane, A. (2022). Responding to the Unique Complexities of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.778471

FASD and Behaviour Supports
How thinking about behavior differently can lead to happier FASD families
Behavioral Interventions in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders
Kautz-Turnbull, C., Kaminsky, E., Kuhn, M., Wittlin, R., Petrenko, C. L. M., & Olson, H. C. (2024). Positive behavior support (PBS) with children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Characterizing caregivers' use of PBS using follow-up clinical trial data. Res Dev Disabil, 151, 104773. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2024.104773
Petrenko, C. L. M. (2015). Positive Behavioral Interventions and Family Support for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Curr Dev Disord Rep, 2(3), 199-209. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40474-015-0052-8

To contact Prue or request a consultation visit https://pruewalkerfasd.com

Time Stamps:
• [00:00:40 ] Introduction to Prue Walker and her professional background
• [00:02:15 ] What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
• [00:04:26 ] Prue’s journey from child protection to specialising in FASD
• [00:06:14 ] Understanding the causes and development of FASD
• [00:08:42 ] The impact of alcohol exposure timing and quantity during pregnancy
• [00:12:00 ] Key cognitive and behavioural challenges associated with FASD
• [00:17:50 ] Rates of FASD in the general population and underdiagnosis
• [00:20:33 ] Populations and signs where FASD is most prevalent
• [00:24:54 ] Pathways for diagnosis and the role of neuropsychologists
• [00:27:24 ] Strategies to support individuals with FASD in schools and at home
• [00:35:34 ] General behavioural strategies for managing FASD effectively
• [00:40:42 ] Resources for professionals and caregivers to learn more about FASD

#FASD #ChildProtection #Neurodevelopment #BehaviourSupport #PositiveBehaviour #FetalAlcoholSpectrumDisorder #InclusiveEducation #BehaviourBits #ProfessionalDevelopment #ParentingStrategies