FASD Awareness: Alison McCormack on Diagnosis, Challenges & Effective Support

In this episode of the Able to Care Podcast, host Andy Baker is joined by Alison McCormack, a leading advocate and expert in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Alison has spent years raising awareness, supporting families, and training professionals on the complexities of FASD and its impact on individuals and caregivers.

Alison shares her personal journey into FASD advocacy, the challenges families face when seeking a diagnosis, and the misconceptions surrounding FASD. She also highlights practical strategies for supporting individuals with FASD, the importance of early intervention, and why better awareness is needed across education, healthcare, and social services.

Whether you are a carer, educator, or someone keen to better understand FASD, this episode provides essential insights, practical advice, and inspiration from Alison’s dedicated work.

Sponsor: This episode is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK, helping unpaid carers access discounts, resources, and support. Get yours today using our exclusive Able to Care promo code at CarersCardUK.com.

Resources Mentioned: 📖 Key publications and resources on FASD 🌍 Leading FASD organisations providing support and training 🎧 Able Hub – Online courses and resources for carers

Key Messages from This Episode:

🧠 FASD is a spectrum – No two individuals with FASD are the same. Understanding the broad range of challenges is essential for effective support.

💬 Early diagnosis is crucial – Many children with FASD go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leading to missed opportunities for early intervention and appropriate support.

⚖ Environmental modifications can make a huge difference – Small adjustments in the home, school, and workplace can help individuals with FASD thrive.

📲 Advocacy and awareness are key – There is still a long way to go in improving understanding and support for FASD in society.

Key Timestamps:

📌 [00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Alison McCormack

📌 [03:15] – Alison’s journey into FASD advocacy

📌 [08:00] – Understanding the causes and prevalence of FASD

📌 [12:30] – Common misconceptions and myths about FASD

📌 [17:45] – The challenges of diagnosis and why so many cases go unrecognized

📌 [22:10] – Practical strategies for supporting individuals with FASD

📌 [28:20] – The role of education and how schools can better support students with FASD

📌 [33:40] – The importance of caregiver self-care and support networks

📌 [39:00] – Alison’s final reflections and key takeaways

📌 [44:30] – Where to follow Alison and access additional resources

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