Workshop 1: FASD-Informed Practice: Empowering the AOD Workforce Through Interactive Online Training
Tracks
Prince Room - In-Person & Virtual
| Wednesday, May 27, 2026 |
| 1:40 PM - 2:40 PM |
Overview
Simone McKenry, NOFASD Australia and Jame Dunne, Australian Alcohol and Other Drugs Council
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. Understand how FASD affects treatment engagement, recovery, and outcomes within AOD practice.
2. Identify practical strategies to recognise and respond to neurodevelopmental differences in clients.
3. Apply learnings from the NOFASD AOD Online Training to improve practice, collaboration, and client outcomes.
1. Understand how FASD affects treatment engagement, recovery, and outcomes within AOD practice.
2. Identify practical strategies to recognise and respond to neurodevelopmental differences in clients.
3. Apply learnings from the NOFASD AOD Online Training to improve practice, collaboration, and client outcomes.
Speaker
Mr James Dunne
Policy And Projects Coordinator
Australian Alcohol And Other Drugs Council
FASD-Informed Practice: Empowering the AOD Workforce Through Interactive Online Training
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. It often co-occurs with substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges, making it highly relevant to the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector. Yet many practitioners report limited confidence in recognising or supporting clients who may be living with FASD.
To address this need, NOFASD Australia has launched a new AOD Online Training, adapted from a course originally developed by CanFASD (Canada’s national FASD research and knowledge exchange network). The Australian adaptation was created in collaboration with the Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council (AADC) and funded under the national Every Moment Matters campaign to strengthen FASD prevention and response among priority workforce groups.
This interactive workshop will introduce participants to the training’s evidence-based content and engage attendees in real-world case study discussions. Through practical scenarios and reflective group activities, participants will explore how to apply FASD-informed principles to assessment, engagement, and treatment planning within diverse AOD contexts.
The session aligns with the 2026 theme “Addiction Treatment in a Changing World: Whole Person, Whole System, From Hope to Action” by highlighting the importance of inclusive, neurodiversity-aware practice and workforce innovation through digital learning.
To address this need, NOFASD Australia has launched a new AOD Online Training, adapted from a course originally developed by CanFASD (Canada’s national FASD research and knowledge exchange network). The Australian adaptation was created in collaboration with the Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council (AADC) and funded under the national Every Moment Matters campaign to strengthen FASD prevention and response among priority workforce groups.
This interactive workshop will introduce participants to the training’s evidence-based content and engage attendees in real-world case study discussions. Through practical scenarios and reflective group activities, participants will explore how to apply FASD-informed principles to assessment, engagement, and treatment planning within diverse AOD contexts.
The session aligns with the 2026 theme “Addiction Treatment in a Changing World: Whole Person, Whole System, From Hope to Action” by highlighting the importance of inclusive, neurodiversity-aware practice and workforce innovation through digital learning.
Biography
For more than 15 years James has worked in policy and research roles within government, non-government organisations and universities in Australia, Scotland and Hong Kong, including with the Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League and the Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society. James has a long history of working in member-based organisations at the regional and national level, and has a passion for improving health and wellbeing outcomes for people who use alcohol and other drugs. James is a former board member of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organisations and current Fellow at the Centre for Criminology at The University of Hong Kong.
Mrs Simone McKenry
Project Support Officer
NOFASD Australia
FASD-Informed Practice: Empowering the AOD Workforce Through Interactive Online Training
Abstract
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. It often co-occurs with substance use, trauma, and mental health challenges, making it highly relevant to the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) sector. Yet many practitioners report limited confidence in recognising or supporting clients who may be living with FASD.
To address this need, NOFASD Australia has launched a new AOD Online Training, adapted from a course originally developed by CanFASD (Canada’s national FASD research and knowledge exchange network). The Australian adaptation was created in collaboration with the Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council (AADC) and funded under the national Every Moment Matters campaign to strengthen FASD prevention and response among priority workforce groups.
This interactive workshop will introduce participants to the training’s evidence-based content and engage attendees in real-world case study discussions. Through practical scenarios and reflective group activities, participants will explore how to apply FASD-informed principles to assessment, engagement, and treatment planning within diverse AOD contexts.
The session aligns with the 2026 theme “Addiction Treatment in a Changing World: Whole Person, Whole System, From Hope to Action” by highlighting the importance of inclusive, neurodiversity-aware practice and workforce innovation through digital learning.
To address this need, NOFASD Australia has launched a new AOD Online Training, adapted from a course originally developed by CanFASD (Canada’s national FASD research and knowledge exchange network). The Australian adaptation was created in collaboration with the Australian Alcohol and other Drugs Council (AADC) and funded under the national Every Moment Matters campaign to strengthen FASD prevention and response among priority workforce groups.
This interactive workshop will introduce participants to the training’s evidence-based content and engage attendees in real-world case study discussions. Through practical scenarios and reflective group activities, participants will explore how to apply FASD-informed principles to assessment, engagement, and treatment planning within diverse AOD contexts.
The session aligns with the 2026 theme “Addiction Treatment in a Changing World: Whole Person, Whole System, From Hope to Action” by highlighting the importance of inclusive, neurodiversity-aware practice and workforce innovation through digital learning.
Biography
Simone has a career spanning over three decades in the education and mental health sector. In her previous work, she combined her expertise in mental health with a deep understanding of educational support to create inclusive and nurturing learning environments. She focussed on addressing individual challenges and fostering both academic success and emotional well-being. In her role at NOFASD, Simone is dedicated to spreading awareness about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). She is committed to supporting and advocating for those affected, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Her work at NOFASD reflects her commitment to making a meaningful impact and enhancing the quality of life for individuals and communities.
