FASD Key Worker

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What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a term used to describe a broader spectrum of presentations and disabilities resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure.

What are Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions (CDBCs)?

Complex Developmental Behavioural Conditions is a term used to describe significant difficulties that may affect an individual in multiple areas of functioning such as learning and development, mental health and behaviour, and social and adaptive skills. It also includes:

  • FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)
  • ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
  • ADHD, ADD (Complex-Child-and-Youth Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Attention Deficit Disorder)

“If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe
we need to teach the way they learn”

Supporting Families and Caregivers

The FASD Key Worker Program is designed to support families/caregivers who are raising children/youth between the ages 0-19 with either suspected or confirmed fetal alcohol syndrome disorder (FASD), or other complex developmental behavioural conditions (CDBC).

The Key Worker assists families in understanding FASD by providing education and information specific to the needs of the child and family, and in turn develop and act on effective parenting strategies. The Key Worker will also recognize and treat each family as unique and work with them to enhance their strengths and become the best advocates they can be for their child.

Services Include:

  • Advocacy
  • Assessment process
  • Assisting with assessment recommendations
  • Strategies and interventions with the family
  • School Supports
  • Community integration and resources
  • Transitioning
  • Parent/Caregiver Support Groups
  • Education and awareness

How do I Connect with the FASD Key Worker?

The FASD Key Worker program has an open referral process including referrals from parents, caregivers, physicians, nurses, preschool, child care staff, or other community supports.

Parents and caregivers can complete a self-referral at CFEC’s main office, #1-486 Birch Avenue, 100 Mile House, BC. Self-referrals may also be initiated by phone at (250) 395-5155. For more information, please visit our how-to page on self-referral.

Challenging Behaviours Support Group for Parents and Caregivers

The Challenging Behaviours Support Group is open to all parents and caregivers of children/youth with FASD or suspected FASD and Complex Developmental Behavioural Disorders. It is vitally important for people caring for individuals with FASD/CDBC to get and feel supported. Parents/caregivers who are supported have more energy, patience and compassion to care for the challenges they face, and can benefit from talking with families in similar situations by sharing tips, coping strategies, encouraging each other, and laughing together. For more information about the group, or to learn about registration, please contact CFEC at 250-395-5155.