In this podcast episode, Angela tackles a significant issue surrounding the term "FASD" (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and whether the name itself contributes to the stigma faced by many who experience misdiagnosis and misunderstanding. While FASD has traditionally been linked to maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy, recent insights highlight the complexity of the diagnosis. Angela emphasizes the growing understanding of epigenetics and the role of paternal alcohol use at conception, as well as the intergenerational impact of alcohol exposure that may manifest even if no alcohol was consumed during pregnancy.

This discussion encourages us to reconsider our approach to supporting individuals by moving beyond judgment and focusing on recognizing organic, brain-based difficulties. Angela calls for better screening to identify when behaviors are neurologically rooted rather than the result of parenting or poor decisions. She is pleased and honoured that people are calling on her more frequently to share what she has learned in this area and specifically the training for Social Workers that we now know is so critical.

Listeners are invited to explore related research articles, which make the case for a possible name change to FASD, to better reflect the complexity of the condition. Additionally, the episode revisits the song "Dusty Road to Home," celebrating the creative talents often found in individuals with neurodivergent and "complicated, beautiful brains."

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of FASD and the need for compassionate, informed approaches to support.

Check out these research articles, as well and link to the SW training page please and to the video for Dusty Road to home.

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:

• FASD United | Addressing the Recommended Changes to FASD Diagnosis Published in The Lancet
• Social work and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) (PDF)
• Time to move on from FASD diagnosis? (PDF)
• Hearing the voice of child welfare social workers: planning safe care for a child with or suspected of having fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) (PDF)
• Training for Social Workers | Facilitated by Angela Geddes

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In this episode, Angela opens up about her recent work and candidly addresses the challenges she's faced in raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). She reflects on the resistance she has encountered in spreading the message and poses important questions about why this crucial issue isn't receiving the attention needed to drive meaningful change.

Please visit the CanFASD website to learn what Canadians have been up to, and check out the upcoming training dates below. If you would like additional information on any of these events, please reach out to us at infogeddes@gmail.com.

Upcoming Training Sessions:

• Windsor - October 1st
• North Bay - October 9th
• Port Huron - October 17th - Event Details
• Brantford - November 5th
• London Conference - October 22nd & 23rd
• Fanshawe College - Fall Semester

Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

We all have a role to play in supporting/preventing FASD. It's up to all of us to support healthy pregnancies.

As we mark FASD Awareness Month, we are thrilled to share a project that holds a special place in our hearts. A small group of young adults, collectively, with lived experiences of family disruptions, grief, loss, trauma, FASD, learning disabilities, ADHD, anxiety, domestic violence, and other adverse childhood experiences, came together to form new connections and explore hidden talents. What emerged from this collaboration is nothing short of magical in our humble view. With the incredible support of CCMA award-winning artist Jamie Warren—who also happens to be Angela's husband—we created a powerful and inspirational song, Dusty Road to Home.

Please check out our website for the videos and ways you can help share and spread this important message.

In today's episode of The Power of Kitchen Table Conversations: Making a Difference in Prenatal Health, we'll explore the critical and often overlooked issue of alcohol use during pregnancy.

Despite clear evidence showing that no amount of alcohol is safe, conflicting messages from the media and medical field continue to confuse expectant mothers. We'll share personal stories, like that of my niece, who made the informed decision to go alcohol-free during her pregnancy, inspired by years of family discussions.

This episode highlights the importance of honest, compassionate conversations in preventing prenatal alcohol exposure and ensuring the healthiest start for the next generation.

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:

• CanFASD Journal on Developmental Disabilities | Are Rural and Urban Ontario Health Care Professionals Aware of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder? A Secondary Data Analysis of the Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Survey for Health Professionals (PDF)
• Today.com | Mandy Moore compares giving birth to 'acid trip'
• CanFASD | Reporting on Alcohol Use During Pregnancy and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (PDF)
• CanFASD | Breastfeeding and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (PDF)
• US News | Drinking Among Pregnant Women Up in U.S.
• CEWH.com | Why do girls and women drink alcohol during pregnancy? (PDF)

Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

There is compelling evidence that effective learning is deeply tied to human connection, focused attention, and the internalization of knowledge—areas where technology, especially AI, falls short.

As parents and caregivers, it’s important to consider these findings when managing technology use at home. Technology for some can be a game changer and there are so many obvious benefits. However, deeper, long lasting and foundational learning develops over time and requires a few things that technology cannot provide. Listen in to learn more and check out the resources below for further learning. (The irony is not lost on me with that last suggestion!!)

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:

• Psychology Today | 5 Ways to Help Your Brain Learn Better
• My Health Alberta | Cutting Back on Your Child's Screen Time: Care Instructions
• Mayo Clinic | Screen time and children: How to guide your child

Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

Advocacy is a cornerstone of social work, essential in helping others learn to voice their needs. Yet, navigating the fine line between assertiveness and finesse is crucial. In this episode of Kitchen Table Conversations, we delve into strategies for advocating effectively while maintaining respect and avoiding further stigmatization.

Join us as we explore the nuances of this vital aspect of our profession.

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:

• Psychology Today | Practice Assertiveness
• Psychology Today | How, and How Not, to Stand Up for Yourself
• Youth Employment | How To Stand Up For Yourself Without Putting Other People Down

Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

This week, Angela is heading away for a family holiday and felt that it would be fitting to discuss some tips and strategies that can help to make summertime as enjoyable and relaxing as possible; even for people who are experiencing the impact of complex neurodevelopmental conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Tourtett's Syndrome, Autism, and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.

It is so important to realize that FASD is the most common Developmental Disability in Canada, and with the right support and information, it can be prevented. Let's talk about this and some strategies that help us accept the condition and to learn new caregiving approaches that can help everyone in the family.

RESOURCES TO LEARN MORE:

• AMA Queensland | Glimmers for Mental Health
• NOFASD Australia | Let’s Travel Guide
• Angela Geddes’ Monthly Newsletter | Subscribe

Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.

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)

Please share this podcast with those in your circle and community who would benefit from these important Kitchen Table Conversations. Your support means the world to us.