I have the incredible opportunity this episode to discuss the intricacies of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) with Barb Clark, an esteemed expert in the field. As someone who works closely with children, exploring this topic was eye-opening for me, resonating deeply with the struggles and challenges many young ones face.

Barb, a mother of five, shares her personal journey and insights gained from her eldest daughter's FASD diagnosis, offering a wealth of knowledge and perspective. Throughout our conversation, she sheds light on the complexities of FASD, emphasizing its profound impact on brain function and behavior. We discuss the misconceptions surrounding alcohol use during pregnancy and the urgent need for early recognition and support for affected individuals.

One of the most powerful aspects of our discussion is Barb's advocacy for a paradigm shift in parenting and caregiving approaches, highlighting the limitations of traditional disciplinary methods and sharing strategies for fostering understanding, empathy, and connection with children affected by FASD.

From navigating transitions to building supportive relationships, Barb provides invaluable advice for professionals and caregivers alike. Through her expertise and personal anecdotes, she underscores the importance of advocacy, empathy, and resilience in supporting individuals and families affected by FASD. Our conversation sheds light on a topic that is often overlooked and misunderstood, empowering listeners to advocate for greater awareness and support for those living with FASD.

 

Highlights:

[2:19] - Barb explains what FASD is.

[4:08] - Barb advocates against moderate alcohol use during pregnancy due to the limitations of flawed research.

[5:34] - Barb highlights the prevalence of unplanned pregnancies, stressing the need for improved FASD awareness.

[8:36] - Hear about Barb’s journey from working with at-risk youth to parenting and the challenges that she faced.

[11:29] - Barb recounts escalating efforts to address her daughter's behavior, leading to a pivotal discovery about FASD.

[13:42] - Learn about Barb’s daughter’s FASD diagnosis and the transformative impact of expert training.

[16:32] - Consequence-based parenting exacerbates anxiety and hinders learning, especially for children with FASD and/or histories of trauma.

[18:38] - Barb argues that parenting children with FASD or trauma requires a relational approach, moving beyond traditional consequences.

[20:21] - Shifting from consequences to understanding, Barb fostered open dialogue with her daughter.

[23:58] - Barb recounts a humorous church incident, having noticed the similarities between FASD and Alzheimer’s behavior.

[26:46] - Barb expresses that teaching her daughter the concept of confabulation helps her understand her brain's unique workings and builds self-awareness.

[29:25] - Barb explains why adults often struggle to understand FASD.

[31:56] - Incorporating preferred activities at neutral locations before returning home eases transitions for children.

[33:14] - Barb points out how inserting fun and creativity into activities eases transitions for children and reduces resistance.

[36:52] - Talk-based therapies often inadequately address FASD, but sensory-focused interventions like occupational therapy are even more effective.

[39:41] - Barb asserts that we need to stop stigmatizing birth moms and understand FASD's brain-based nature for effective support.

[42:26] - Barb adds that it’s also important to understand that children with FASD usually function at half their physical age.

[43:53] - Barb credits one of her closest friends, Julie Martindale, for having taught her a great deal about FASD.