Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) describes the lifelong impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disability and is recognised as the leading preventable cause of neurodevelopmental disability in the developed world. It is estimated to be 2.5 times more common than autism, yet it remains frequently misunderstood, under-recognised, and misdiagnosed. 

Occupational therapists across all areas of practice are key stakeholders in the identification, assessment, and ongoing support of individuals living with FASD. Developing an informed understanding of FASD enables OTs to better support participation, wellbeing, and meaningful life outcomes for individuals, families, and communities. 

FASD can impact up to ten developmental domains, including motor skills, physical health, learning and cognition, attention and executive functioning, emotional regulation, communication and social participation.  

This practical, evidence-informed workshop introduces the FASD Awareness, Assessment, Action and Advocacy Model, providing occupational therapists with practical strategies that they can apply in their practice. 

Workshop Overview 

Part 1: Foundations of FASD - Awareness | Assessment 

Participants will explore: 

• The lived experience of individuals and families impacted by FASD  

• Key features, prevalence, and epidemiology of FASD  

• Australian diagnostic guidelines  

• The role of occupational therapists in identification and assessment  

• How assessment can reduce barriers to participation across home, school, health, and community environments  

Individuals with lived experience and presenters will introduce foundational knowledge to support occupational therapists in recognising FASD and understanding its lifelong impacts across developmental domains. 

Part 2: FASD in Practice – Action | Advocacy 

Building on foundational knowledge, Day 2 focuses on translating learning into practice. 

Participants will explore: 

• Developing FASD-informed interventions  

• Supporting individuals, families, and communities  

• Understanding secondary impacts when supports are not implemented early  

• Partnering with people with lived experience  

• Navigating health and education systems  

• Advocacy strategies to improve outcomes for those living with FASD  

Individuals with lived experience will share personal perspectives, helping participants deepen understanding and strengthen person-centred practice. 

Part 3: The 4As in Practice 

Delivered approximately one month following day 2, this two-hour interactive session focuses on consolidating learning and supporting implementation of the 4As framework within occupational therapy practice. 

Participants will explore: 

• Reflecting on key learnings from Days 1 and 2  

• Sharing experiences of applying FASD-informed practice in real-world settings  

• Identifying successes, challenges, and barriers encountered in practice  

• Troubleshooting implementation challenges with presenter guidance  

• Exploring complex and emerging clinical cases  

• Strengthening confidence in applying Awareness, Assessment, Action and Advocacy in everyday practice  

This collaborative session provides an opportunity for peer learning, reflective discussion, and problem-solving to support sustainable integration of FASD-informed approaches across diverse practice contexts. 

 

Key learning outcomes, by attending this workshop you will be able to: 

• Explain the risks and lifelong impacts of alcohol exposure during pregnancy  

• Identify the diagnostic criteria for FASD  

• Demonstrate sensitive and respectful approaches when discussing prenatal alcohol exposure  

• Recognise common features of FASD across the lifespan  

• Apply health promotion strategies to increase FASD awareness within communities of practice  

• Develop knowledge and skills of OT intervention approaches suitable for those living with FASD 

• Partner effectively with families and carers to promote positive outcomes  

 

Why Attend? 

• Gain practical skills you can apply immediately in various settings 

• Increase confidence in identifying and supporting clients with possible FASD 

• Learn directly from individuals with lived experience 

• Strengthen assessment and diagnostic contribution as an OT 

• Build intervention strategies across the lifespan 

• Enhance collaboration with families, carers, educators, and health professionals 

• Improve participation outcomes for clients with complex neurodevelopmental needs 

• Develop advocacy skills to promote FASD-informed practice within your workplace 

• Stay current with Australian diagnostic guidelines and best practice approaches 

• Expand your knowledge and skills for supporting neurodivergent individuals 

 

Who Should Attend? 

• Occupational therapists across all career stages, keen to build their skills, knowledge and confidence in FASD 

• Occupational therapists working in various practice areas including paediatrics, disability, mental health, community, justice, or adult services  

 

WORKSHOP DETAILS:

This is a 3-part interactive online workshop. 

DATE: 

Part 1: Friday 24th July 2026 (all day)

Part 2: Friday 31st July 2026 (all day)

Part 3: Friday 28th August 2026 (2 hours)

TIME: 

Friday 24th July & Friday 31st July 2026  

9:00am – 3:00pm | ACT, VIC, TAS, NSW, QLD |    

8:30am – 2:30pm | SA, NT |    

7:00am – 1:00pm | WA |   

 

Friday 28th August 2026   

10:00am – 12 noon | ACT, VIC, TAS, NSW, QLD |    

9:30am – 11:30am | SA, NT |    

8:00am – 10:00am | WA |   

Please log on 15 minutes prior to start time each day. 

VENUE 

Online via Zoom. Login details will be sent to registered participants prior to the workshop.

CPD HOURS: 

Total CPD claimable workshop hours: 13 hours 

A certificate of attendance will be issued upon completion of the full course. Please allow up to 48 hours for the certificate to appear in your CPD tracker. 

 

REGISTRATION FEES 

EARLYBIRD – Register on or before 21 June 2026

OTA Member: $710 
New Graduate Member: $640 
Non-member: $920 

STANDARD – Register on or after 22 June 2026

OTA Member: $780 

New Graduate Member: $700 
Non-member: $1,020 

(All pricing is inclusive of GST) 

RSVPS close 20th July 2026, 11:55pm AEST

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

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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