The FASD Success Show

#046 Turning the Spotlight on the Creators of the UK's first FASD podcast

December 06, 2020 Jeff Noble Episode 46
The FASD Success Show
#046 Turning the Spotlight on the Creators of the UK's first FASD podcast
Show Notes

We know Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder isn’t in the spotlight very much as it remains one of the most misunderstood or misdiagnosed disorders yet is the most common developmental disability. It is so important for us to work together to get the messages out, that I knew I just had to reach out when I heard about a new FASD podcast. 

Jessica Rutherford, a final-year Ph.D. student in the School of Design and Creative Arts, with her friend, colleague, and caregiver of three children on the Spectrum, Clare Devanney-Glynn recently launched the United Kingdom’s first FASD podcast. Spotlight on FASD aims to raise awareness of FASD, highlight the risk of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, share strategies around parenting and education, and have open conversations around real-life experiences.

“We want to normalize it. It is what it is.”

This is an interesting interview as we discuss FASD from not only the caregiving perspective but also from a front-line worker perspective. 

We talk about both women’s origin story with their journey to FASD, as well as:

  • How to talk to your child about their diagnosis and why their brain works the way it does.
  • The stigma professionals face talking to other professionals. “It’s the same conversation. I’m starting from the beginning with everybody. Every single time.”
  • The drinking culture of the UK, why Scotland is ahead of England, and the motivation for starting the podcast.

We also discuss grief and loss, what it is for Clare and how she manages it, why Jessica chose FASD as the focus for her Ph.D., as well as what they would like the future for FASD to look like. Really interesting episode with the two roles converging into a common way forward.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Show Notes:

Facebook: Spotlight on FASD
YouTube: Spotlight on FASD YouTube ChannelPodcast
Email: spotlightonfasd@gmail.com

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