21–23 October 2025 | Hilton Downtown Toronto, Canada
Conference theme: Shaping the Future of FASD: From Evidence to Action
NOFASD Australia was proud to be part of the Canada FASD Conference 2025, a leading international event bringing together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and lived-experience voices to advance understanding, prevention, and support for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
This year, NOFASD CEO Sophie Harrington represented Australia on the global stage, presenting two sessions that highlight our nation’s evolving policy landscape and ongoing work to improve justice outcomes for individuals with FASD.
1. Shaping the Future – Australia’s Evolving FASD Response and the Role of International Collaboration
Tuesday 21 October, 1:15 – 2:45 PM
York Room – Main Floor | Interactive Learning Workshop (90 mins)
Australia has made major strides in FASD prevention, diagnosis, and awareness over the past decade. This session explores how our national response has developed since the landmark 2012 Senate Inquiry FASD: The Hidden Harm, through to the 2024 Inquiry and its 32 recommendations for action.
Sophie will discuss how international partnerships, particularly Canada’s leadership in prevention and the influence of its “four levels of prevention” model, have shaped initiatives like Every Moment Matters and informed policy directions in Australia.
2. Bridging the Gap – Advancing Justice Reform for Youth with FASD
Wednesday 22 October, 1:15 – 2:45 PM
Casson Room – Convention Floor | Oral Presentation (20 mins)
Young people with FASD remain vastly overrepresented in the justice system, often facing punishment for behaviours linked to neurodevelopmental challenges. In this presentation, Sophie will highlight NOFASD’s work to promote FASD-informed practice within youth justice, through professional training, advocacy for neurodevelopmental screening, and policy reform focused on early intervention and diversion.
The session will share practical strategies for identifying and supporting young people with FASD, aiming to replace cycles of incarceration with understanding, rehabilitation, and hope.
About the Conference
The Canada FASD Conference 2025 brings together more than 500 participants—including healthcare providers, educators, researchers, social workers, and those with lived or living experience—to exchange knowledge and share evidence-based practices. The event fosters international collaboration to move FASD research from evidence to action.
Learn more about the conference and view the full program here
Follow NOFASD updates during the event on Facebook