Occupational Therapists: A Driving Force in FASD Awareness, Assessment, Action And Advocacy 

INTRODUCTION

This workshop is part of CPD Empower, the must-attend event designed to inspire, connect, and equip you with cutting-edge tools for success.    

CPD Empower offers a series of 2-day and 1-day workshops led by expert presenters, intimate group sizes for meaningful interaction, and stunning venues that foster collaboration, these events are set to reshape your practice. Networking breaks and an evening event provide time to recharge, connect, and share stories with fellow OTs.  

Don’t miss your chance to build new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and connect with a vibrant OT community.   

For more information about CPD Empower, click here  
 

SESSION OVERVIEW

FASD or Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder describes the impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. FASD is the leading cause of neurodevelopmental disabilities in the developed world. It is 2.5x more common than Autism, yet it is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed.  

Occupational therapists in all areas of practice are key stakeholders in the identification and assessment for FASD. Building understanding of FASD, will assist OTs to effectively support individuals affected. FASD causes lifelong impacts across potentially 10 developmental domains. This may include challenges with motor skills, physical health, learning, attention, emotional regulation and social skills.    

This practical focused workshop will explore FASD Awareness, Assessment, Actions and Advocacy, a model that occupational therapists can apply in their practice. 

On day 1 of the workshop, the living experience of those impacted by FASD will be explored along with the features of FASD, its prevalence and epidemiology. Presenters will guide you through The Diagnostic guidelines, the role of occupational therapists in the assessment process and how this can unlock barriers to participation for individuals, families and communities that are impacted. 

Building upon the Foundations of FASD introduced on the first day, day 2 of the workshop will explore ways occupational therapists can take positive action with individuals/ families and communities to build FASD informed interventions.  

Individuals with living experience will share their stories and along with the presenters explore the secondary impacts that may develop if FASD informed interventions are not embedded early and how you can make a difference in your practice. 

You will also develop a growing understanding of how FASD is supported within our health/ education sectors and how to advocate for those impacted by FASD.  

By attending this workshop, you will learn to: 

• Explain the risks and potential lifelong impacts of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.  

• Identify the diagnostic criteria for FASD. 

• Demonstrate a sensitive approach to discussing and assessing alcohol exposure in pregnancy​ 

• Identify the common features of FASD across the lifespan 

• Advocate by employing health promotion strategies to promote FASD awareness within your communities of practice  

• Identify interventions for individuals with FASD across the lifespan and develop a 'toolbox' of support strategies.  

• Demonstrate ways to partner with carers and families in promoting successful outcomes for those living with FASD 

THIS SESSION IS SUITABLE FOR

OTs at all stages of their career 

PRESENTERS

  Rebecca Ball 

Rebecca Ball is a special education teacher and occupational therapist with a diverse and extensive career around Australia. Rebecca is a passionate advocate for building neuro-affirming environments working collaboratively to ensure inclusive practices are embedded to support children and their families. Rebecca is a Senior Consultant with NOFASD Australia supporting those impacted by FASD and is committed to building capacity within the allied health and education sectors. Rebecca works with the Department of Education Victoria, in private consulting as the Director of HopscotchED and is a Partner at BrainyCo.

  Sinead Freeman  

Sinead Freeman is an Occupational Therapist and Clinical Coordinator with NOFASD Australia. She is passionate about building allied health professionals' awareness of FASD and empowering them with the skills and knowledge to support their clients through family-centred care. 

  Christine Brooks   

Christine is the Vice-Chair of NOFASD Australia and a caregiver to a teenager with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). She also supports a number of young people navigating the challenges of this hidden disorder. Her lived experience with FASD has fuelled her passion for advocating for the well-being of young people in the education system. After extensive years as a Primary School Educator both in Melbourne and a remote NT community, Christine is now dedicated to educating educators about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 

  Simone McKenry 

Simone has a career spanning over three decades in the education and mental health sector. In her previous work, she combined her expertise in mental health with a deep understanding of educational support to create inclusive and nurturing learning environments. She focussed on addressing individual challenges and fostering both academic success and emotional well-being. In her role at NOFASD, Simone is dedicated to spreading awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). She is committed to supporting and advocating for those affected, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Her work at NOFASD reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact and enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities. 

WORKSHOP DETAILS

DATE

27th & 28th February 2025 (Thursday & Friday )

TIME

Thursday 27th February 9am – 5:30pm  

Friday 28th February 9am – 4:30pm 

Registration commences at 8:30 am for both days

CPD HOURS

A certificate of attendance will be issued on the completion of the course for 12 hours. 

Please note: Your certificate will be available in your CPD Tracker within 48 hours after course completion.

INCLUSIONS

The following are included in your registration: 

• Tea & Coffee on arrival 

• Daily Catering - Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea (please note any dietary requirements at time of registration) 

• Thursday evening networking event from 5:30pm – 6:30pm, includes drinks & canapes) 

• Workshop materials 

REGISTRATION FEES 

OTA Member

Earlybird - $960  - Register on or before 15 January 2025

Standard - $1050 - Register on after 16 January 2025

Non-Member

Standard - $1365 – Register before 12 February 2025

Note: Earlybird pricing is not available for non-members

All pricing is inclusive of GST

Registrations close on 12 February 2025 at 11:55pm 

Members must be logged in with username and password to register at the member rate. 

VENUE 

The Langham Melbourne, 1 Southgate Avenue, Southbank, Melbourne VIC 3006 

ACCOMODATION

For discount with accommodation booking, The Langham Melbourne offer a corporate Optimum program where guests can enjoy up to 10% off the best available flexible rate.

Please click the booking link here to select room type and inclusions to gain this discount.

DISCLAIMER 

All information is correct at the time of publication. OTA reserves the right to alter or delete items from the CPD calendar as required, and takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, and changes.  

All resources including copies of the presentation, along with all supporting documents and links are not for distribution and are the property of the presenter.  

An OTA staff member or representative may be photographing this event for use in OTA publications and/or on OTA social media sites. If you do not wish to be photographed, or have your image published please make this known to the OTA representative at your course or contact OTA on 1300 682 878 or info@otaus.com.au  

TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Terms and Conditions including OTA’s refund and cancellation policy are available here  

CONTACT US 

Please email info@otaus.com.au or phone 1300 682 878