Nofasd Australia - The Loop - Issue #43b

The University of Sydney is running a parenting program for parents of children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This excellent evidence-based program can be delivered in person or by webinar and is available for free until July 2017.

The highly successful Stepping Stones Triple P Program for parents of children with disabilities now has resources that allow the programs to be specifically tailored for FASD, aimed to address the challenging behaviours commonly displayed by these children.

Young people with developmental disabilities demonstrate behaviour problems at a rate approximately 3 to 4 times higher than other children. If left untreated these behaviour problems severely impact their families. Parents can experience high levels of stress, making it difficult to maintain positive relationships with their child and other family members.

The impact of family stress and a child’s challenging behaviours often extends to other environments, such as school and social gatherings. This reduces the likelihood that the child will achieve their potential, engage effectively with peers, and participate in their community. This can lead to social isolation for the child and their family.

The program will help parents of children aged 2 – 12 years with FASD to:

Raise happy, confident kids

• Set family rules and routines
• Manage problem behaviours and encourage positive behaviours
• Teach their child new skills
• Take care of themselves
• Participate in their community

The Stepping Stones Triple P Program for FASD:

• Is an evidence based program that can be tailored to the specific behaviours of children with FASD
• Will be delivered by practitioners who have experience in FASD. Practitioners will be supported by experts in the field including Professor Stewart Einfeld, Professor Bruce Tonge and Associate Professor Kylie Gray
• Will teach parents cutting edge, evidence-based methods to address challenging behaviours and teach their child new skills.

Until July 2017 the Stepping Stones Triple P program is being delivered for free. Parents based in NSW who are willing to complete surveys throughout the program will be thanked with up to $125 in Coles/Myer Gift Vouchers.

For further information or to arrange program delivery for parents of children with fetal alcohol disorders, please contact the NSW Stepping Stones Triple P research team at [email protected] or on (02) 9114 4060.

DDWA are pleased to advise our new Employment Guide,

‘Kick-starting Your Child’s Career Journey’ is now available on our website.

KICK STARTING YOUR CHILD'S CAREER JOURNEY - A Guide for families of young people with disability 

All families want their children to lead productive and fulfilling lives.

People with disability also share this aspiration. More than 80% of people

receiving the Disability Support Pension report they would like to have a job.

This guide by Sue Robertson, former Managing Director of Edge Employment Solutions, provides practical tips and information to help families plan constructively for their child's future employment. It is intended to be used in conjunction with a range of other online resources which are listed on the last page.

This resource isavailable on our website http://ddc.org.au/rise/

Written and narrated by one of Australia’s leaders in the field, paediatrician Professor Elizabeth Elliot from the University of Sydney, this video is a ‘must watch’ for anyone that is involved in the care and education of children.

This wide-ranging interview with Melanie Hogan provides an invaluable overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) – its characteristics, diagnosis and prevention.

https://vimeo.com/100859137

At recent FASD training by NOFASD Australia in Sydney it was pointed out by Amanda Mulligan, who is a very experienced foster mother that the following books are extremely good resources for parents and carers of FASD affected children.

• -Trying Differently Rather Than Harder – second edition (author: Diane V. Malbin, MSW)
• -Making Sense of the MADNESS – An FASD survival guide (author: Jeff Noble)
• -Parenting a child with a disability (author: Dr Mary Mather)