Disability Rights North Carolina- An Interview with Lisa Nesbitt

Welcome to the 17th episode of "FASD Informed", sponsored and produced by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed.  This episode is titled "Disability Rights North Carolina". Podcast Host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews Lisa Nesbitt, Senior Attorney with Disability Rights North Carolina. Disability Rights is a legal advocacy agency that fights for the rights of people with disabilities in North Carolina.

This episode includes the following topics:

-  Lisa's background, her law education and what sparked her work in being an advocate for individuals with disabilities.

-  Explaining Disability Rights North Carolina and how DRNC serves the North Carolina community.

-  When Lisa first learned about FASD through Disability Rights.

-  The biggest hurdles and the rights that are not being met for children / teens / adults with both an Intellectual Developmental Disability (IDD) AND Mental Illness (MI), including those diagnosed with an FASD.

-  Advice for parents / caregivers / loved ones of those with IDD/MI and other disabilities, who are fighting for services and supports.

Resources-

Disability Rights North Carolina

https://disabilityrightsnc.org/

Podcast Host, Natalie Vecchione

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org

NCFASD Informed

https://www.ncfasdinformed.org

Connection is Essential- An Interview with Nate Sheets of Cognitive Supports

Welcome to the sixteenth episode of "FASD Informed", produced and sponsored by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed. Today's episode is titled "Connection is Essential" and Podcast Host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews Nate Sheets of "Cognitive Supports" in Oregon. Nate is an international behavior consultant and trainer. 

In this key episode, Nate shares the following:

-  How FASD Training has grown and his perspective on the movements in FASD trainings, especially in recent years.

-  Key points that Nate truly wants people to understand about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders.

-  Advice and tips for parents,  who may face resistance from school and from other professionals. 

-  Advice for parents of children / teens / adults who have an new FASD diagnosis.

-  Key points and concepts for parents, caregivers and educators to remember and implement when working with those with an FASD.

Resources from this episode:

-  Nate Sheets

https://www.cognitivesupports.com

Book mentioned-

"Beyond Behaviors: Using Brain Science and Compassion to Understand and Solve Children's Behavioral Challenges" by Mona Delahooke, Ph.D, PESI Publishing (2019)

Podcast Host, Natalie Vecchione-

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org

NCFASD Informed-

https://ncfasdinformed.org

Out of Darkness- An Interview with Delaney Kay- An Adult with an FASD

Welcome to the fifteenth episode of "FASD Informed", sponsored and produced by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed.  This episode is titled "Out of the Darkness" and Podcast Host, Natalie Vecchione interviews Delaney Kay, an adult recently diagnosed with an FASD. Delaney is a mother of grown children, a personal coach and and has her own You Tube Channel. Delaney was recently diagnosed with an FASD after a lifetime of experiencing  significant neurological difficulties...and this recent diagnosis of an FASD was a major piece in putting her life back together.

In this meaningful episode, topics discussed include:

-  Delaney's journey with having significant, neurological difficulties and what led her to seeking a diagnosis for an FASD.

- How having an official diagnosis, as an adult, has changed her life.

-  The AMAZING accommodations that Delaney created for herself, even before she know she had an FASD (and the significant difference that these accommodations helped in her daily activities).

- How Delaney has been able to BUILD ON HER STRENGTHS throughout her lifetime.

- Her hope for the future, especially knowing her FASD diagnosis  and understanding how it impacts her.

-  Her encouragement and advice to other adults, who may be struggling and may suspect they have an FASD.

Resources-

Delaney Kay

delaney@daylightoutofdarkness.com

Podcast Host, Natalie Vecchione

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org

NCFASD Informed

https://www.ncfasdinformed.org

Let’s Talk Legislation- An Interview with Sara Messelt of Proof Alliance

Welcome to the 14th episode of "FASD Informed", sponsored and produced by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed.  This episode is titled "Let's Talk Legislation". Podcast Host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews Sara Messelt, Executive Director of Proof Alliance (formerly MOFAS). 

This "Call to Action" Episode includes the following topics:

-  The background and growth of Proof Alliance and how it serves and advocates for the FASD Community.

-  The exciting, new FASD legislation that is happening in Minnesota and what this legislation both requires and represents.

-  Why this new legislation is SO important for children and foster care parents.

-  The mission and vision of Proof Alliance (and how it has become a driving force of change in the FASD Community).

-  Upcoming initiatives and events for Proof Alliance.

-  Advice and encouragement for FASD advocates in the United States (and around the world) , who are hoping to start legislative efforts and assist individuals with FASD (and their families and caregivers).

Resources-

Proof Alliance

https://www.prrofalliance.org/

Podcast Host, Natalie Vecchione

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org

NCFASD Informed

https://www.ncfasdinformed.org

A Voice To Be Heard- A Bio Mom’s FASD Journey

Welcome to the 13th episode of "FASD Informed", sponsored and produced by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed. This episode is titled "A Voice To Be Heard- A Bio Mom's FASD Journey". Podcast host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews Melissa Moore. Melissa is a biological mom of a child with an FASD. Melissa is also a mama of four and raising her family with her number one supporter and love- her spouse. Melissa's passions are keeping active and being outdoors. Her other priorities include quality time with her family, family game night and family movie night. Melissa is a fierce advocate in the FASD and Mental Health communities. Melissa works as an Educational Assistant by day and active mom of 4 kids by night....and she loves helping others to understand their worth and importance in life.

This candid and important episode includes:

-  Melissa's journey and her pregnancy story.

-  When Melissa began to become aware of the symptoms that were a result of her drinking in  the first weeks her pregnancy (when she didn't realize she was actually pregnant).

-  The steps and action she took in supporting her child's needs, once she learned that her child had an FASD.

-  The stigma that she faced of a biological mom of a child with an FASD.

-  What made Melissa decide to be an advocate in the FASD community.

-  Her message to other biological moms who may suspect their child may have an FASD and to ALL parents of children / teens / adults with and FASD.

Resources-

Melissa Moore on Instagram @ms.melissajan

Podcast Host

Natalie Vecchione

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org

NCFASD Informed

https://ncfasdinformed.org/

Tips from a Tutor- An Interview with Jennifer Donaldson

"Tips from a Tutor"

Welcome to the 12th episode of "FASD Informed", sponsored and produced by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed. This episode is titled "Tips from a Tutor- An Interview with Jennifer Donaldson". Podcast host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews Jennifer Donaldson, owner of the private, tutoring business, Tailor Joy Tutoring.

Jennifer is a teacher, tutor, curriculum writer and the mom of two grown children.  Jennifer has taught in both Virginia and North Carolina.  Her favorite part of teaching and tutoring is when she can "see the light come on" for students as they grin with confidence, and her favorite students are the ones that she has to try hardest to find that "light switch".

Topics covered in this episode include:

-  Jennifer's experience learning about FASD and working with students with FASD and other brain-based diagnoses.

-  How brain-based symptoms may look like "behaviors" and why it is SO important for parents, teachers and administrators to understand that MAKING ACCOMMODATIONS will better address these symptoms.

-  Which teaching / tutoring strategies are most helpful in working with students with FASD and other brain-based diagnoses?

-  Identifying "out of the box" strategies and "real life" learning experiences that parents, teachers and tutors can use to reinforce learning.

-Tips for parents, particularly during these changing times, who are schooling at home or parent-led homeschooling.

Resources-

Jennifer Donaldson, Owner of Tailor Joy Tutoring

http://tutoring.tailorjoy.com 

or 

https://tailorjoy.wordpress,com/

Podcast Host- Natalie Vecchione

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org

NCFASD Informed

https://ncfasdinformed.org

Self Care for Caregivers? (Yes, Please!) - An Interview with Cami Nichols

Welcome to the 11th episode of "FASD Informed", sponsored and produced by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed. This episode is titled "Self Care for Caregivers? (Yes, Please!). Podcast host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews Cami Nichols of "My Kiddos Advocate". Cami is the mom of two kids, ages 13 and 15, both of whom with diverse abilities, whom grew in Cami's heart and not in her belly. Cami's daughter, who joined their family through adoption, was diagnosed with an FASD at the age of 9. Cami's son also lives with ADHD and ODD. Both of Cami's children have experienced trauma in different ways. Cami currently works at Chehalis Community School on the S'tailles Aborignal Land Reserve and volunteers as a Resource Parent for the Family Support Institute in British Columbia. Cami started "My Kiddos Advocate" (on Instagram and Facebook) about a year ago, as a way to spread awareness and support other caregivers who have similar experiences.

Topics included in this episode:

-  Cami's journey in becoming a mom (and learning about FASD prior to becoming a mom) and how Cami is involved in the FASD Community as a support and advocate.

-  Why are caregivers, of those individuals with an FASD, at a higher risk for burnout and added stressors (and defining those added stressors)?

-  What obstacles do caregivers, of individuals with an FASD, face in trying to practice self-care? 

-  Everyday examples of self-care

- Different breathing techniques to aid in relaxation and focus

- The importance of connection, sleep and breathing!

Resources-

Cami Nichols on Instagram and Facebook as @mykiddosadvocate

Cami Nichols- mykiddosadvocate@gmail.com

Podcast Host- Natalie Vecchione

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org

NCFASD Informed-

https://ncfasdinformed.org

FASD, Skilled Trades and Work Experiences- An Interview with Cindy LaJoy

Welcome to the tenth episode of "FASD Informed", sponsored and produced by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed. This interview is titled "FASD, Skilled Trades and Work Experiences". Podcast Host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews Cindy LaJoy, who is the founder of Blue Collar Homeschool. Cindy and her husband live in Colorado with their five young adult children, all of whom were adopted from orphanages in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Three of her children have a Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Cindy has homeschooled all five of her children for the past eleven years. Passionate about those who need other avenues in life to achieve success in adulthood, Cindy created "Blue Collar Homeschool", which is an 8,000 member Facebook group and website where homeschool families can find encouragement for learners who are not headed down the traditional college path.  As a part of their journey, Cindy led her children through an exciting, year long adventure of creating "Buckaroos Slices and Scoops", a pizza and ice cream restaurant they developed and built by themselves, and which her young adult children run autonomously, with occasional mentoring from mom and dad.

Topics included in this episode include:

-  Cindy and her husband's journey in building their family through international adoption, learning about FASD and their decision to homeschool their children.

-  What led Cindy to create "Blue Collar Homeschool".

-  Why skilled trades / creative arts / work experiences are SO important to our kids/teens/young adults with an FASD (or other brain based diagnoses).

- How parents need to create opportunities, mentor their children and focus on what CAN be done (not what can't) for the future.

- Ways to help kids/teens/adults with an FASD learn their passion or gifts by paying attention to their interests, exposing them to a variety of "real life work experiences".

-  Why it is SO vital for any expectations to be developmentally appropriate...and the importance of brain based parenting.

- Shifting the mindset to think about SKILLS and RELATIONSHIP FIRST.

Resources-

Cindy LaJoy, Blue Collar Homeschool (group on Facebook)

https://bluecollarhomeschool.com

cyndilj@aol.com

Buckaroos Slices and Scoops Restaurant-

https://buckaroosmontrose.com

Podcast Host- Natalie Vecchione

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org

NCFASD Informed-

https://ncfasdinformed.org

Sibling Relationships and FASD- An Interview with Michelle Catania - Episode 9

Welcome to the ninth episode of "FASD Informed", sponsored and produced by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed. This episode is titled "Sibling Relationships and FASD". Podcast host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews Michelle Catania, who is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Michelle and her husband live in Connecticut with their three children.  Her youngest son joined their family through domestic adoption and he has taught them so much about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. Michelle was a preschool teacher for over 15 years and she now has a small private practice, that allows her to use both life experiences as well as education to support her family and other families in her community.

Topics covered in this episode include:

-  Michelle and her family's journey, learning about FASD and becoming informed about FASD and the Neurobehavioral Approach.

-  How the changes and challenges that accompany parenting a child with an FASD can teach valuable life lessons....even in the midst of chaos! Chaos is often part of the family enviornment....and that's OK!

-  The importance of giving siblings (of those with an FASD) an opportunity to "hear their hard", having time for them to "tap out" and "emptying their resentment bag".

- The importance and value of the Neurobehavioral Approach in Parenting a Child with an FASD or other Brain-Based Diagnosis.

-  Her lessons learned about her family's faith, sense of humor and remembering the "moments of aweseomeness".

-  Her advice and feedback for siblings of children with an FASD (and for parents, too!).

Resources-

Michelle Catania, LMFT

www.michellecatanialmft.com

FASCETS (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Consultation, Education and Training Services)

https://fascets.org

"Trying Differently Rather Than Harder" by Diane Malbin

NCFASD Informed-

https://ncfasdinformed.org

Podcast Host- Natalie Vecchione

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org

Accommodations are AWESOME- An Interview with Wendy Brown - Episode 8

Welcome to the eighth episode of "FASD Informed", sponsored and produced by the North Carolina nonprofit organization, NCFASD Informed. This episode is titled "Accommodations are AWESOME". Podcast host, Natalie Vecchione, interviews Wendy Brown, who is a certified trainer of the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model. FASCETS stands for "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Consultation, Education and Training Services". Wendy enjoys helping caregivers and community partners to learn differently when working with those challenged by FASD or other neurobehavioral diagnoses. Wendy previously worked for Eastern Washington University through the Family Resource and Training Center as a mentor to foster families in Southwest Idaho. Wendy and her husband have parented over 80 children through foster care and adoption, most of whom have been neurodevelopmentally challenged.  Now settled in a small, east-coast town....Wendy and her family continue to enjoy homeschooling, their RV adventures and working in their family garden.

Topics discussed in this AWESOME episode include:

-  Wendy and her husband's story of becoming parents, becoming foster parents, and building their family through adoption.

-  Wendy's experiences learning about FASD, when she began her journey as a foster mom and her mission to become a foster mom educator, FASCETS Certified Trainer and FASD Advocate.

-  An Introduction to FASCETS.

-  What are accommodations and why are they SO important in parenting / caregiving or working with a child / teen / adult with an FASD (or other Neurobehavioral Diagnoses)?

-  Breaking down accommodations: how to start learning about accommodations and the purpose of making accommodations.

- How parents and caregivers may already be making accommodations....and not even realize it!

-  The importance of objectivity, compromise and letting go of the emotions involved in "expectations".

-  The importance of being intentional, listening to your child and meeting your child where they are in a developmental sense.

-  How accommodations can be FUN (and examples of fun accommodations)!

-  Taking the next steps in learning more about how to make accommodations and the Neurobehavioral Model in working with FASD and other brain based diagnoses.

Resources-

Wendy Brown, FASCETS Trainer  fasdwow@gmail.com

FASCETS (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Consultation, Education and Training Services) https://fascets.org/

"Trying Differently Rather Than Harder" by Diane Malbin

NCFASD Informed-

https://ncfasdinformed.org/

Podcast Host: Natalie Vecchione

natalie.vecchione@ncfasdinformed.org