Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are designed to offer discipline- and/or topic-specific discussion spaces for their members. Across SIGs, the primary focus is to provide a space for collaboration and knowledge sharing about best practices in the field of FASD. Each SIG provides discussions on ways to enhance community resources on effective, evidence-based practices for supporting individuals with an FASD and their families. These were originally created by the FASD Collaborative Project and now shared by Texas FASD Network.
The format of each group will vary based on the needs and interests of those participating in the SIG. For more information, please contact the SIG hosts below to be added to their mailing list or to learn more about their community.
Don’t see your professional field or an important topic represented below? Contact us!
FASD Knowledge Share Collective
This is an open space to share what you are doing in the field of FASD and discuss ideas, recent developments, and opportunities for collaboration across states, territories, and organizations. We welcome conversation about what has and hasn’t worked, challenges we’ve experienced, and how we can learn from one another.
The goal of this special interest group is to foster networking and meaningful connections that can be furthered through individual collaborations between quarterly meetings.
For more information, contact Kelly Rain Collin at kellyrain@healthymindsconsulting.com. Please include “FASD Knowledge Share Collective SIG” in the subject line.
FASD Diagnostic SIG
This special interest group (SIG) is designed for professionals involved in the FASD diagnostic process with the goal of promoting evidence-based practices in this integral area.
Members internationally and from multiple professions (e.g., psychology, medicine, speech and language pathology, occupational therapy, social work, etc.) are all welcome. Topics will cover a wide range including screening, testing, and diagnosing. Broader conversations, such as methods, coding, and case conceptualization will also take place.
For more information contact Laura Gumbiner, Ph.D. gumbinerl@kreiderservices.org. Please include “FASD Diagnostic SIG” in the subject line.
FASD and Child Welfare SIG
This work group, hosted by Families Rising (formerly NACAC), focuses on elevating FASD knowledge within child welfare. We will discuss sharing FASD information with child welfare professionals — including screening, best practices, and training — and how to better support families caring for a child with an FASD.
Adoption, foster care, and child protection professionals are welcome. The group meets quarterly.
To join or ask questions, contact Barb Clark at barbclark@wearefamiliesrising.org. Please include “FASD Child Welfare Group” in the subject line.
FASD & Schools SIG
This Special Interest Group, hosted by Formed Families Forward (FFF) in Virginia, brings together parents, caregivers, and educators to discuss ways to best support students with FASDs in the classroom.
The group focuses on building reciprocal relationships between school and home, promoting approaches that lead to better outcomes, and advocating for systemic school changes that honor the social, emotional, and academic needs of students with FASDs.
Contact Stacia Stribling at stacia.stribling@formedfamiliesforward.org to join.
FASD & Allied Health SIG
If you are someone who works in allied health internationally, please join us for regular discussions on how our fields can effectively support individuals with an FASD and their families.
This professional forum is hosted by the Specialty Diagnostic Resource Center, Arkansas’s FASD diagnostic center. Allied health professions include, but are not limited to, audiology (AudD), occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), physician assistant (PA), rehabilitation counseling, and speech-language pathology (SLP).
Contact Natalie Welcher at nlhenley@uark.edu to join this SIG.
Mental Health Professionals SIG
A professional forum hosted by The Center for Neurobehavioral Guidance (Illinois FASD United Affiliate), this SIG supports mental health professionals internationally who are individually supporting individuals with FASDs and their families.
Suitable for the following professions: Mental Health Therapists, Counselors, Psychotherapists, Marriage & Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, Social Workers, Psychologists, Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors, Psychiatrists, Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, Developmental Therapists, and Occupational Therapists (supporting areas such as emotional regulation).
Contact Janessa Nikols, NCC, LCPC, at jnikols@centerforneurobehavioralguidance.org to join this SIG.
Housing and Supports for Adults with FASD SIG
This workgroup, co-hosted by Orchids FASD Services of WI and the Statewide Independent Living Council of Alaska, focuses on accessible housing for adults with FASD — identifying barriers to obtaining and maintaining stable, affordable housing and developing concrete solutions.
Caregivers, self-advocates, residential staff, housing specialists, and housing rights advocates are all welcome.
The group meets twice per month. Contact Jackie Wille at jwille@orchidsfasdservices.org to join. Please include “FASD Housing Group” in the subject line.