In this episode, Angela shares her thoughts on our broad understanding of neurodivergence and how the opportunity for inclusivity is there, but we seem to continue to miss the most common developmental disorder there is which is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

Angela highlights the reason why she wrote her book, A Complicated and Beautiful Brain,(including an audio endorsement from Dr. Peter Choate recommending this book alongside Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey's book, What Happened To You?). She highlights how different her book is from others in that it aims to help people see the more subtle yet impactful symptoms that largely go unrecognized as brain based and are misunderstood more often to be associated with poor parenting, poor decision making and behaviour!

There is so much blame and shame associated with this condition, which is unfair and unhelpful. We can do better!

She asks for your help to keep spreading this very important message because the symptoms that we see as neurodivergence and mental health conditions are also directly linked to prenatal substance exposures. As much as we want neurodivergent affirming communities and supports, we also want to prevent unnecessary variances in brain function if we can. I see every single day how challenging these conditions can be. Everyone wants a healthy pregnancy, and it is necessary to clarify information in order for this to happen more often.

Remember, more people are confirming alcohol use during pregnancy now than a decade ago. Our prevention efforts need to adjust.

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:

• Very Well Mind | What Are Neurodevelopmental Disorders?
• Public Health Agency of Canada | Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention: Canadian Perspectives
• eMentalHealth.ca | Fetal Alcohol and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

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