• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Research
    • Collaborating With Us
    • Current Research
    • Research Ethics
    • Student Research
  • Foundation
    • Donate
    • Leadership
    • Accountability
    • Privacy
  • Contact Us
    • Invite Us
    • Your Feedback Matters
  • Subscribe
  • Search

Surrey Place

  • About Us
    • Who We Are
      • Mission, Vision, Values
      • Leadership & Governance
    • Accountability
      • Annual Reports & Business Plans
      • Financial Reports
      • Publications and Statistics
      • Policies & Disclosures
      • Self-Advocacy Council
    • Accessibility
      • Accessibility Plan
      • Accessibility Commitment
      • Resources
    • Contact Us
  • Programs & Services
    • Autism Spectrum Disorders
      • Autism Services
      • School Support Program
        • Services Provided to School Boards
        • Services Provided to Community Agencies
      • TRE-ADD Program
        • Services Provided
        • Eligibility Criteria
    • Developmental Disabilities
      • Coordinated Service Planning (CSP)
      • Infancy and Early Childhood (Ages 0 – 6)
        • Eligibility Criteria
        • Services Provided
        • Specialized Programs and Services
        • Groups and Workshops
        • Connect With Us
      • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Services
      • Blind-Low Vision Early Intervention Program (Ages 0 – 6)
        • Eligibility Criteria
        • Services Provided
        • Connect with Us
      • Children & Youth (Ages 6 – 18)
        • Eligibility Criteria
        • Services Provided
        • Specialized Programs and Services
        • Groups and Workshops
        • Consultation and Training
        • Connect with Us
      • Adults (Ages 18+)
      • All Ages
    • Wellness Services
  • Resources & Support
    • Coronavirus Resources
    • Resource Library
  • Join Us
    • Job Postings
    • Career Opportunities
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Learning Opportunities
      • Student Learning
      • Medical Learning
      • Professional Development
      • Contact Us
    • Internships
  • Stories, News & Events
    • News
    • Events
    • Stories
    • FASD Family Capacity Building Workshop

WEBINAR SERIES

MOVING
FORWARD:

Building Resilience in FASD

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the most prevalent brain-based disabilities developed as a result of maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. The condition may lead to physical, mental, learning, behavioural and/or social skill impairments with possible lifelong implications.

To honour FASD Awareness Day on September 9, 2020, Surrey Place is hosting a multi-day webinar series to build capacity, knowledge and resilience in FASD, as well as engage participants in an interactive dialogue with content experts from across Canada, self-advocates diagnosed with FASD and families and caregivers.

This webinar is designed to educate, share experiences and bring awareness to this disorder’s preventable nature.

ALL EVENTS ARE FREE. REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN.

Registrations close 24 hrs before the event.

Epidemiology & Diagnosis SEPTEMBER 9, 2020
10 AM - 11:30 AM
Epidemiology & Diagnosis PRESENTED BY DR. COOK & DR. TEMPLE Leading FASD experts present new research related to diagnosis and key findings from the Dataform research project in this 1.5 hour webinar and Q&A.
Living with the Disorder SEPTEMBER 16, 2020
10 AM - 11:30 AM
Living with the Disorder PRESENTED BY INDIVIDUALS LIVING WITH FASD This presentation is an opportunity to hear from self-advocates with an FASD. Presenters will speak frankly about their experiences and diagnoses. (1.5 hour webinar and Q&A)
Parenting a child with FASD SEPTEMBER 23, 2020
10 AM - 11:30 AM
Parenting a child with FASD PRESENTED BY FAMILIES AND CAREGIVERS This 1.5 hour webinar and Q&A offers a window into raising a child with an FASD with subjects ranging from navigating community services to self-care and advocacy.
Close

September 9, 2020
10AM – 11:30AM

Epidemiology & Diagnosis

Dr. Cook will describe and present results from the groundbreaking Dataform research project, which has captured information about hundreds of FASD diagnoses made across Canada. The project aims to better understand this life-long disorder and support individuals and families through improved understanding of service needs and informing policy and practice across the country.

Dr. Temple will provide an overview of current diagnostic criteria for FASD and review some of the clinical signs and symptoms of the disorder. She will also present results from a new research project that describes how receiving an FASD diagnosis can improve lives through better understanding and increased access to supports and services.

Moderator: Meagan Blunt

Presenters

<strong>Dr. Jocelynn Cook</strong><br />
Keynote Speaker Dr. Jocelynn Cook
Keynote Speaker

Dr. Jocelynn Cook has a long history in the field of alcohol and pregnancy, in both an academic and a program and policy context. She received a Bachelor of Science degree (Honours Biology) from Bishop’s University and then a PhD in Physiology from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Cook studied the effects of alcohol consumption on preterm birth for her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Alberta. She has worked with First Nations and Inuit Health Branch’s FASD Team developing cost-benefit analyses for FASD diagnosis and intervention programming. She is a past member of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Commission’s FASD Expert Advisory Committee, the National Institute of Health’s Expert Advisory Committee on Terminology related to FAS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s FAS Task Force.

<strong>Dr. Valerie Temple</strong><br />
Keynote Speaker Dr. Valerie Temple
Keynote Speaker

Dr. Valerie Temple (PhD. C. Psych.), Clinical Psychologist and Professional Practice Leader, works with individuals and families in Toronto, as well as those living in remote communities in northwestern Ontario through Surrey Place’s MMW Video conferencing program. Dr. Temple has published research papers and book chapters on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of intellectual and developmental disabilities including Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), Down Syndrome, and Autism. She is a member of CanFASD a national collaborative network of researchers focused on FASD, and FASD-ONE an Ontario network of professionals involved in FASD support.

Close

September 16, 2020
10AM – 11:30AM

Living with the Disorder

In this panel discussion, you will hear firsthand accounts from individuals living with FASD. Conversations will include subjects like motherhood, education, employment, and the impact of the diagnosis. Learn from these women’s personal stories, unique strengths, and hear how these individuals are each living with resilience.

Moderators: Ann Lindsay, Eric Marier

Presenters

<strong>Melony Mclean</strong><br />
Self Advocate Melony Mclean
Self Advocate

Melony Mclean* was diagnosed with FASD at 22 years old. She has overcome many obstacles in her life and is proud of her work experience. She currently works at a coffee shop where she sells confectionery items, baked goods, freshly brewed coffee, sandwiches and salads prepared daily. This position has allowed Melony to gain experience as a barista and customer service representative, while learning leadership skills and eventually taking on the responsibility of training other staff. Melony has also developed work experience at a grocery store, a bakery and catering company, and in the non-profit sector doing administration and self-advocacy work. Melony loves acting, singing and travelling whenever she can. She is a mother and has experience raising a child while navigating her diagnosis. *Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the individual

<strong>Colette Philcox</strong><br />
Self-Advocate Colette Philcox
Self-Advocate

Colette Philcox was not diagnosed with FASD until later in life. During her childhood and youth, her parents did not understand why she frequently acted out. They asked Colette to move out of their home, and, after struggling in the shelter system, she found herself living on the streets. During this time, Colette became pregnant. Her parents helped her register for ODSP and move into an apartment. After a second child arrived, she and her partner decided to separate. Colette’s children lived with their grandparents for ten years, until Colette was able to create a stable environment for them. Now in her thirties, Colette is dedicated to helping young people understand the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. She works part-time in the film industry and is a full-time parent to her son and daughter.

<strong>Marie-Lynne LeBlanc</strong><br />
Self-Advocate Marie-Lynne LeBlanc
Self-Advocate

Marie-Lynne LeBlanc is a talented seamstress and designer. Growing up, Marie Lynne faced challenges in school but, with support and hard work, was eventually able to graduate from a 3-year college program in Fashion Design. After school, she was recruited by a Toronto clothing manufacturer. Away from home and without her mother’s support, she struggled with the responsibilities of holding down a job and living independently. Challenges related to work, anxiety, finances, and relationships caused her to seek an FASD assessment, and she was diagnosed three years ago. Marie-Lynne is very grateful to put a name to some of her challenges. She has been able to integrate coping strategies into her life that assist with skills she finds difficult. Marie-Lynne currently works two part-time jobs with support from her employers.

Close

September 23, 2020
10AM – 11:30AM

Parenting a child with FASD

In this panel discussion, you will hear family & caregivers discuss their experience of parenting a child/adult with FASD. They will share the joys and challenges of supporting their child’s unique needs. Conversations will address a variety of subjects including diagnosis, support networks, advocacy, clinical services, community programs, respite, and government benefits that can assist in caring for a person with FASD.

Moderators: Dr. Michael Sgro, Meagan Blunt

Presenters

<strong>Jessica Lundeen</strong><br />
Parent Jessica Lundeen
Parent

Jessica Lundeen is the parent of a 13-year-old girl with FASD, along with several other diagnoses, including an intellectual disability. Her daughter was adopted when she was three years old. Jessica is an active advocate for caregivers of adopted children, currently working as a Regional Parent Liaison with Adopt4Life, a non-profit organization that provides post-adoption support for families across Ontario. She will share her experience adapting to her daughter’s academic, social, and emotional needs while attempting to maintain her work/life balance.

<strong>Debbie and Bill Michaud</strong><br />
Caregiver Debbie and Bill Michaud
Caregiver

Debbie and Bill Michaud live in Sioux Lookout, Ontario and have been caring for and fostering individuals with FASD for over 20 years. In their professional lives, Bill works with adults with developmental disabilities at Community Living and Debbie worked with children and families at Kenora-Rainy River Child and Family Services but is now an instructor at confederation college and a PhD student. Both have extensive experience, both personally and professionally, with overcoming obstacles to support and care for people with FASD.

<strong>Janice</strong><br />
Parent Janice
Parent

Janice is the parent of an 8-year-old boy with FASD. Since adopting her son when he was 1 year old, Janice has learned how to access infancy and childhood services. She is a single mother, working full-time while ensuring that she meets her child’s complex and changing needs. As an advocate for her son, Janice has spent many years navigating complex support systems and finding ways to help him reach his full potential.

<strong>Kate M.</strong><br />
Parent Kate M.
Parent

Kate M. is the adoptive parent of children impacted by FASD and has fostered many other impacted children as well. She is also active in supporting permanency planning for youth who have aged out of foster care. Kate has seen firsthand that, while FASD can affect how children and youth negotiate life, education, and relationships, those impacted have many strengths. Most days you can find Kate (and her children) dancing around the kitchen, while simultaneously advocating for school support, teaching self-regulation and planning for the future.

Partners and Supporters

Surrey Place

Surrey Place helps children and adults living with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum disorder and visual impairments reach their full potential. They offer a variety of groups and workshops for clients, families and caregivers, as well as extensive education and consultation services to community agencies.

Scarborough Health Network FASD Diagnostic Clinic

Scarborough Health Network (SHN) provides a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic services to support inpatient and emergency programs, as well as referrals from outpatient clinics at the hospital and in the community.

St Mike’s FASD Diagnostic Clinic

This clinic uses a multidisciplinary approach that provides diagnostic services, a plan of care for each identified individual, and co-ordination of community referrals as needed. The clinic assesses individuals of all ages with suspected FASD.

SickKids Foundation

Established in 1972, SickKids Foundation raises funds on behalf of The Hospital for Sick Children. The Foundation’s fundraising is driven by the belief that improving the health and well-being of children is one of the most powerful ways to improve society.

Contact Information

Questions: Meagan Blunt – Meagan.blunt@surreyplace.ca
Registration: wellness.registration@surreyplace.ca

  • Sitemap
  • Web Accessibility
  • DSO TorontoE
  • DSO TorontoF
  • FFacebook
  • IInstagram
  • TTwitter
  • LLinkedIn

© Copyright 2021 Surrey Place Centre · All Rights Reserved