#037 Aliy Brown: Providing Supports in Scotland and Beyond

Do you struggle to get medical professionals to listen to you? 

Are you looking for ideas about what you could implement in your community to help caregivers? 

Do you know why Scotland is leading the charge on FASD in the United Kingdom? 

If you want to know the answers to these questions, you are going to want to tune into today’s podcast with Aliy Brown. 

Aliy holds a BA (Hon) in Social Policy from Newcastle University. Currently, she is the Project Manager for FASD Hub Scotland, a support service run by Adoption UK Scotland for all parents and carers across Scotland who are parenting individuals with FASD and the networks and professionals who support these families. Aliy and her husband are parents and home educators to three children who are adopted, one with an FASD diagnosis. Aliy is passionate about raising awareness of FASD, breaking down the barriers for parents/carers, and empowering all those who have an interest in FASD, whether that is professional or personal, to work together for the good of those with FASD.  

Aliy and her team have a lot going on in Scotland to help not only adoptive parents but especially parents and caregivers of children with FASD. Aliy is an interesting juxtaposition between a super nice individual and someone not to mess with. Her journey to get a diagnosis took two years. She says: 

We were convinced there was prenatal alcohol exposure and it was FASD. But people weren’t on board with that. We had to fight. Our GP was like, “here are some parents who aren’t happy with their child.” 

Does that sound familiar? We talk about how that prompted her to “take the bull by the horns” to get a diagnosis and how you can do that, as well as: 

• How her background prepared her to raise and advocate for individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure. 
• Why she feels like she has to, and what it feels like to continually prove herself as a parent. 
• When the FASD Hub Scotland was started, and its evolution to leading the way in FASD services and support. 

We also talk about the importance of partners being on the same page and why connecting with others and self-care is critical. I love how she reflected that all she has gone through has led her to where she is today and how her boss inspired her and her team to “go for greatness” to continue and expand their network. 

Show Notes: 

Email: fasdhub.scotland@adoptionuk.org.uk 

Facebook: FASD Hub Scotland 

FASD Helpline: 0300 666 0006 - select option 2 for FASD Hub Scotland. FASD Advisors are available Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 10 am - 2.30 pm