Awareness isn’t just hashtags or red shoes. It’s what we do with that awareness that counts.

In this special episode of The FASD Success Show, I sit down with Kathy Unsworth (the new Executive Director of CanFASD) and Audrey McFarlane (who has been a champion of mine since day one).

We talk about the new Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) report, the leadership transition at CanFASD, the National FASD Framework Bill, and the 2025 National Conference in Toronto. Plus — I share some brand-new stats that put FASD in perspective globally, not just in Canada.

And if that wasn’t enough  I’m taking the FASD Success Show LIVE this fall in Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto.

Meet the Guests: Kathy & Audrey

Kathy and Audrey need no introduction if you’re in the FASD community. But what makes this episode special is hearing both of them together  the new boss and the former boss talking openly about transition, challenges, and what it takes to keep pushing this movement forward.

Audrey reflects on the CAHS report and why having everything consolidated matters. Kathy shares honestly about stepping into a big, overwhelming new role something caregivers know all too well.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why the CAHS report isn’t about surprises, but about validation and leverage.
• The seven big stats that show how massive FASD really is, in Canada and worldwide.
• How Kathy relates her new leadership role to the reality of caregivers becoming the “CEO” at home.
• Updates on the National FASD Framework Bill — and why advocacy can’t stop now.
• A preview of the 2025 Toronto National FASD Conference: where science meets the street.
• Details on the FASD Success Show Live in Edmonton, Calgary, and Toronto.

Why It Matters

Awareness isn’t confetti it’s clarity. This episode is about naming what’s real, telling the truth, and pairing it with solutions. From global stats to personal stories, from research reports to lived experience, the message is the same:

👉 You are not alone. What you’re doing matters. And together, we can keep pushing for more good days.

Resources and Links

• Read the full CAHS Report on FASD
  
  
• Join our FASD Success Facebook Group
  
  
• See Jeff Live – Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto (Oct 2025)
  
  
• Subscribe to the FASD Success YouTube Channel
  
  
• Follow us on Instagram

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In this follow-up episode of the FASD Success Show, Jeff reconnects with Barb Clark three months after she received her official FASD diagnosis.

When we first spoke, Barb had just gotten the news, and she shared the raw relief and validation of finally having a name for her lifelong struggles. Now, with time to process, she reflects on what has actually changed in her daily life, her work, and her relationships.

Barb opens up about the accommodations she’s put in place, the reactions she’s received from family, friends, and colleagues, and how her diagnosis continues to shape the way she coaches and trains caregivers. She’s not grieving — she’s integrating.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• What living with a diagnosis looks like three months in — day-to-day insights and strategies.
• Why boundaries and accommodations aren’t avoidance, but brain-based supports.
• How Barb’s experience as both an adult with FASD and a parent of kids on the spectrum gives her a unique perspective.
• The reactions she’s gotten from people in her life curiosity, disbelief, and support.
• Why diagnosis isn’t defeat  it’s direction.

We also dig into:

• Barb’s professional shift toward focusing full-time on FASD training and advocacy.
• How she uses her own experience to build bridges of understanding with caregivers.
• The message of hope she wants parents to hear: the struggles now don’t mean there’s no future.

Barb’s honesty, humor, and insight make this a must-listen. Whether you’re a caregiver, a professional, or even wondering about diagnosis for yourself, her story is proof that naming it isn’t doom — it’s clarity, hope, and a path forward.

Show Notes: Stay Connected and Empowered

• Join our Facebook community: FASD Caregiver Success Group
  
  
• Follow us on Facebook: FASD Success
  
  
• Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: @fasdsuccess
  
  
• Get all show notes and resources here: www.fasdsuccess.com/podcast
  
  

Connect with Barb Clark

• 📖 Raising Kids and Teens with FASD: Advice and Strategies to Help Your Family to Thrive! (October 21, 2025)
• 🌐 Website: FASDmosaic.com
  
  
• 📧 Email: [email protected]

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In this raw and powerful episode of the FASD Success Show, Jeff sits down with his friend and colleague Barb Clark just hours after she received her official FASD diagnosis.

Barb has coached, trained, and supported caregivers for years, but this time she’s on the other side of the story  talking openly about what it feels like to finally have confirmation of something she always suspected.

She shares the shock, the relief, and the validation of putting a name to her lifelong struggles — and how her neuropsych report revealed both surprising strengths and challenging weaknesses.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• Why diagnosis brings relief, not doom  even in adulthood.
• What a neuropsychological report actually looks at and why it matters.
• The reality of a “scattered profile” and why uneven abilities can make FASD so hard to spot.
• How harmful character labels (“lazy,” “defiant”) get replaced with accurate ones through diagnosis.
• Why naming FASD changes the conversation  at home, in schools, and in relationships.

We also dig into:

• Barb’s reflections on her mom, and why we need more compassion and less judgment for birth moms.
• The hope a diagnosis brings for individuals and their caregivers.
• How making it official has already changed the way Barb understands herself and the families she works with.

Barb’s story is brave, real, and exactly the kind of conversation caregivers need to hear. Whether you’ve wondered about diagnosis for your child, or even yourself, this episode will show you why naming it matters  and why it’s never too late.

So whether you’re deep in the struggle or standing at a crossroads, this episode is packed with relatable moments and real-world insight you can carry into your own journey.

Show Notes: Stay Connected and Empowered

Connect with Barb!

PRE OREDER HERE: 

• 📖 Raising Kids and Teens with FASD: Advice and Strategies to Help Your Family to Thrive! (October 21, 2025)
  
  
• 🌐 Website: FASDmosaic.com
  
  
• 📧 Email: [email protected]
  
  
• Join our Facebook community: FASD Caregiver Success Group
  
  
• Follow us on Facebook: FASD Success
  
  
• Subscribe to the YouTube Channel: @fasdsuccess
  
  
• Get all show notes and resources here: www.fasdsuccess.com/podcast
  
  

Support the show

In this powerful episode of the FASD Success Show, Jeff sits down with Cornelia Fornefeld, a fierce and funny foster mom from Germany who's turning personal adversity into national impact.

Cornelia opens up about the whirlwind journey of raising her daughter Dana, who came into her home at just five weeks old. Despite being a trained social worker and early childhood educator, Cornelia quickly discovered that parenting a child with FASD meant learning a whole new playbook. From chaotic daycare days to total school refusal and aggressive behaviors, she shares what life was like before they knew what they were really dealing with.

After years of misdiagnosis and confusion, Cornelia and her husband pushed for clarity and finally received an FASD diagnosis. But even then, support was hard to come by. So, like many caregivers, Cornelia rolled up her sleeves and built the resources she wished existed.

Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

• The real story of Dana’s early red flags, and how they were misunderstood for years.
• How Cornelia handled aggressive behaviors at home and what finally helped things shift.
• The importance of finding the right school environment, and how one change gave Dana purpose and pride.
• Cornelia’s tips for regulating your child (and yourself!) when things get hard.
• How she used coaching and training to move from reactive to proactive parenting.
• Why Cornelia created "Flausen im Kopf," a business focused on changing the conversation around FASD in Germany.

We also dig into:

• What FASD advocacy looks like in a country with limited diagnosis centers.
• The growing grassroots movement in Germany and Cornelia's major role in it.
• Her upcoming event bringing together 15+ orgs and advocates for a day of training, networking, and community.

Cornelia’s story is raw, inspiring, and full of those lightbulb moments that help you feel less alone. Her honesty about the burnout, the frustration, and the eventual breakthroughs is exactly what so many caregivers need to hear.

So whether you’re deep in the struggle or trying to find your next right step, this episode is packed with relatable moments and real-world strategies.

Tune in and get ready to feel seen, supported, and maybe even a little fired up.

Show Notes: Stay Connected and Empowered

• Join our Facebook community: FASD Caregiver Success Group
• Follow us on Facebook: FASD Success
• Subscribe to the @FASDSUCCESS YouTube Channel

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In this episode of The FASD Success Show, I sit down with Mike and Crystal, a couple who have been through the wringer raising four kids—all on the FASD spectrum. They open up about their darkest moments and the journey that brought them from surviving on the edge to finding peace and understanding.

Crystal shares how she was on the verge of running away, feeling overwhelmed and without support. But through education and connection, they found the tools to change their family dynamics. Now, their home feels calmer, and they have the confidence to tackle even the toughest days.

Tune in to learn about:

• The Breaking Point: Crystal’s raw honesty about feeling like she might leave it all behind—and how she turned things around.
• Creating Peace in the Chaos: How Mike and Crystal learned to manage behaviors and meltdowns without letting their home spiral out of control.
• From Survival to Thriving: Discover how understanding FASD on a deeper level allowed them to parent with compassion and less stress.
• The Power of Community: Why finding others who get what you’re going through can be a game-changer for caregivers.

This episode is packed with hope, real-life strategies, and inspiration. If you’re feeling burnt out or stuck, Mike and Crystal’s story will show you that change is possible.

Show Notes:

• Register for the Free Caregiver Kickstart Workshop: Our free, once-a-year workshop is happening on September 14th, 15th, and 17th! Gain the confidence and tools you need to create more peace and structure for your loved one with FASD. Register here.

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of The FASD Success Show! In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Jolly, an incredible single mom of four, two of whom have FASD. Ryan's story is one of resilience, determination, and the transformation that comes from finding the right support.

Ryan opens up about her toughest moments—like dealing with explosive behaviors and feeling completely overwhelmed. However, she also shares how she shifted her mindset through training and community support and found new ways to navigate the challenges. Her journey proves that, no matter how tough things get, there’s always hope.

Tune in to learn about:

• The Turning Point: How a chance encounter at a foster care training changed everything for Ryan and her family, leading to an FASD diagnosis.
• Managing Explosive Behaviors: Ryan shares her strategies for handling the unpredictable and overwhelming moments with her kids and how she learned to stop feeling alone in the fight.
• Building a Support Network: Discover how connecting with a community of FASD caregivers helped Ryan shift from isolation to empowerment.
• Shifting the Mindset: How Ryan went from seeing her kids’ actions as defiance to understanding them as symptoms of FASD—and how that changed her whole approach.

Whether you’re feeling isolated, exhausted, or in need of encouragement, Ryan’s story will inspire you and offer practical advice to help you on your FASD journey.

Show Notes:

• Register for the Free Caregiver Kickstart Workshop: Our free, once-a-year workshop is happening on September 14th, 15th, and 17th! Gain the confidence and tools you need to create more peace and structure for your loved one with FASD. Register here.

Support the show

Join us for a raw and real episode of The FASD Success Show. I’m your host, Jeff Noble, and in this episode, I chat with Ray and Jen, parents of five kids—four of whom are on the FASD spectrum. Before joining our community, they were constantly overwhelmed by daily blowups, meltdowns, and behaviors that left them walking on eggshells. But through training and education, they found the tools to stop engaging in the chaos and create more peace at home.

Ray and Jen share their honest and inspiring journey from being stuck in survival mode to finally getting on the same page as a parenting team. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the brink, this episode will give you the hope and practical tools to help you take back control.

Tune in to learn about:

• Turning Conflict into Calm: How Ray and Jen learned to stop blowups before spiraling out of control and found more peace in their daily lives.
• Working as a Team: Discover how getting on the same page as caregivers transformed their ability to parent effectively, even when emotions run high.
• Understanding FASD Behaviors: Hear how they shifted from seeing their kids' actions as defiance to recognizing the brain-based challenges of FASD—and how that changed everything.
• Finding Community and Support: Learn how connecting with others on the same journey brought them the understanding and validation they needed to thrive.

Whether you’re feeling burnt out or just looking for new strategies, this episode will give you actionable tips and a renewed sense of hope for your FASD journey.

Show Notes:

• Register for the Free Caregiver Kickstart Workshop: Our free, once-a-year workshop is happening on September 14th, 15th, and 17th! Gain the confidence and tools you need to create more peace and structure for your loved one with FASD. Register here: www.fasdsuccess.com/fasdworkshop

Support the show

Join us for a raw and real episode of The FASD Success Show. I’m your host, Jeff Noble, and in Episode 158, I’m coming back after an unexpected hiatus with a deeply personal story that’s changed my life. But it’s not just about the challenges—I’m here to share what’s in store for you as we move forward.

In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s been happening behind the scenes, and I’m spilling the tea on some big changes, powerful lessons, and exciting plans that you won’t want to miss. This isn’t just my story—it’s about how we keep pushing forward, even when life throws us some wild curveballs.

Tune in to learn about:

• Navigating Loss and Resilience: Hear my personal journey through grief and how it’s reshaped my perspective on life and work.
• Lessons in Acceptance: Discover how letting go of control can actually empower you in your caregiving journey.
• What’s Next for You: Get the inside scoop on the exciting new resources and events we’ve been working on, including the return of the Caregiver Kick Start Workshop.

Whether you’re a seasoned caregiver or new to the journey, this episode offers heartfelt reflections, practical advice, and a renewed focus on supporting you through the ups and downs of FASD caregiving.

Show Notes:

• Download the Understanding Me Guide: If you’re dealing with school anxiety or feeling like nobody understands your loved one with FASD, get our free, fillable PDF guide to help educators and others understand your child’s unique needs. Download Here: https://www.fasdsuccess.com/understandingme
• Register for the Caregiver Kick Start Workshop: Don’t miss our free, once-a-year workshop happening on September 14th, 15th, and 17th. This is your chance to gain the confidence and tools you need to create stability and success for your loved one with FASD. Register Here: https://www.fasdsuccess.com/fasdworkshop
• Join Our Online Community: Connect with other caregivers and find support in our FASD Forever Facebook Group. Join Here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/FASDFOREVER

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Welcome to "Summer Sanity: How FASD Caregivers Make It Work" Summer break is upon us, and if you're feeling the heat, you're not alone. In this episode, Jeff Noble is joined by the Caregiver Council—a group of seasoned parents from our online coaching programs. They're here to share their tried-and-true strategies to help you navigate the summer months with your FASD kiddos.

From maintaining structure and handling behavioral challenges to managing sibling dynamics and sneaking in some self-sanity, we've got it all covered. Tune in to hear practical tips, relatable stories, and a healthy dose of humor to get you through the summer chaos.

Tune in to learn about:

• Maintaining Structure and Routine: Discover how to keep your child's day structured even without the school routine, reducing anxiety and behavioral issues.
• Engaging Activities: Get ideas for activities that keep kids occupied and stimulated, from camps to at-home projects.
• Managing Sibling Dynamics: Learn tips for balancing the needs of multiple children and minimizing conflicts.
• Self-Sanity for Caregivers: Hear essential strategies for taking care of yourself amidst the summer chaos, ensuring you have the energy to support your family.

Whether you're a seasoned caregiver or new to the journey, this episode offers practical advice, relatable stories, and a supportive community to help you navigate the summer months.

Show Notes:

• Join Our Online Community: Connect with other caregivers and find support at FASD Forever Facebook Group.

Support the show

Join us for an insightful and inspiring episode of The #FetalAlcoholSyndrome(FASD) Success Show. I'm your host, Jeff Noble, and in Episode #156, we welcome Dr. Jeffrey Wozniak and Dr. Blake Gimbel to discuss the latest in FASD research, focusing on choline and brain imaging studies.

In this episode, Dr. Wozniak and Dr. Gimbel provide updates on their groundbreaking follow-up study on the effects of choline in children with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). They delve into how choline can help optimize brain development and share the promising results from their initial studies.

Tune in to learn about:

Choline's Role in Brain Development: Discover how choline supplementation can aid in memory and cognitive development in children with PAE and why early intervention is key.
 
-Long-Term Study Findings  Dr. Wozniak discusses the lasting impacts observed in children years after the initial choline study, highlighting improvements in nonverbal intelligence and memory.
 
- Brain Imaging Insights: Dr. Gimbel explains their innovative brain imaging study, revealing how differences in brain structure correlate with cognitive and executive function challenges in youth with FASD.
 
- New Research Opportunities: Learn about their latest study using a novel web-based brain assessment tool, BRAIN-online, aimed at making diagnostic assessments more accessible and efficient.

Whether you're a seasoned caregiver or new to the journey, this episode offers practical advice, cutting-edge research, and hopeful insights into managing and understanding FASD.

Show Notes

-Participate in the Brain-Online Study If you have a child aged 8 to 16 with a history of prenatal alcohol exposure or a diagnosis of FASD, you can help advance this crucial research. Learn more and sign up here https://fasd.umn.edu

- Explore the role of choline in brain development and the implications of early intervention.
- Understand how brain imaging can reveal structural differences that impact cognitive functions in children with FASD.
- Discover the benefits of the BRAIN-online assessment tool and how it aims to improve diagnostic accessibility.

Don't forget to subscribe to The FASD Success Show for more episodes that inspire, inform, and empower the FASD community. Join us in fostering a more supportive, empathetic, and resilient future for everyone impacted by Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

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