Free webinar: How to support a person with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with lifelong cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. In addition to effects on the brain, FASD is a full-body diagnosis that can include more than 400 known conditions.

In recent years, all major national public health bodies have recognised the importance of FASD prevention, diagnosis and support.

Speakers: Brian Roberts and Georgia Roberts

Date: Wednesday 26th February 2025

Time: 1 – 2 pm GMT

Price: Free

Who should attend: parents and carers, professionals working in health and social care

Description:

FASD is a series of preventable mental and physical birth defects associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. Helping women to drink less or no alcohol during their pregnancy will reduce the number of children and young people affected by FASD.

Data on the number of children and young people in the UK with FASD are limited, with no single reliable source. However, with a conservative prevalence rate of 2-4%, it is now thought that there are more people with FASD than autism and most other neurodevelopmental conditions. Yet, FASD continues to have less public profile, services, provision and funding.

NICE guidance states that children and young people with a diagnosis of FASD have a management plan to address their needs, yet recent research found that there is systemic confusion and a lack of coordination and commissioning across the NHS.

This webinar discusses innovative approaches to help support those living with the condition.

About the speakers

Brian Roberts, Director of Education & Wellbeing, National Organisation for FASD

Brian is an independent trainer and consultant specialising in providing support for vulnerable individuals and those that care for and work with them. Brian is a qualified senior teacher and has been Virtual School Head for children in care in two English local authorities. Brian regularly provides advice for UK Government departments and other organisations. He undertakes commissioned work throughout the UK and also works for the National Organisation for FASD, KCA & AC Education. Brian and his wife have fostered for over 30 years and he has been Chair of the Fostering Network England Advisory Committee representing foster carers on the local, regional, national and international stage and was Chair of Bedfordshire Foster Care Association.

Georgia Roberts, Self-advocate

Georgia is a passionate advocate for vulnerable people and is keen to allow people to see life from her lived experience as someone who has successfully coped with the barriers that have affected her. Georgia is 22 and has known that she is affected by FASD ever since she can remember. She had a difficult start in life and was 15 months old when she and her older sisters were taken into care. Georgia has lived with FASD and other conditions through her time in mainstream full-time education. Since then, Georgia has appeared in documentaries about FASD, has spoken to MPs about how FASD has affected her life, and has contributed in face to face training. She spoke to Steve Barclay when he was Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and launched the alcohol and pregnancy tool kit for midwifery teams alongside the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England. She is currently seeking ways to make more people aware of the condition.

About the Host

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer, Online Editor of Learning Disability Today and Managing Editor of Pavilion Health Today, published by Pavilion. Alison is a mum to three children, one of whom has global developmental delay.