From Awareness to Affirmation: Neuro Affirming Practice for Supporting People with FASD
Tracks
Jacaranda - In-Person
| Tuesday, September 29, 2026 |
| 1:05 PM - 2:05 PM |
| Jacaranda / Karrie Webb |
Overview
Emma McDougall, NOFASD Australia
Key Learnings
Key Outcomes:
1. Recognise FASD through a neuro-affirming lens and develop a deeper understanding of how hidden disability, trauma, and neurodivergence intersect to shape a person's experiences and support needs.
2. Apply practical, strengths-based strategies that promote regulation, participation, inclusion, and wellbeing across health, education, workplaces, and community settings.
3. Identify opportunities to reduce system-related harm by reflecting on language, assumptions, and everyday practices, and making meaningful changes that foster more inclusive and affirming environments.
Speaker
Emma McDougall
Clinical Coordinator/OT
NOFASD Australia
From Awareness to Affirmation: Neuro-Affirming Practice for Supporting People with FASD
Presentation Overview
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference and hidden disability that is frequently misunderstood across health, education, justice and community systems. While awareness of FASD is growing, many systems continue to rely on deficit based models that unintentionally contribute to stigma, misinterpretation of behaviour and system harm, impacting wellbeing across the lifespan.
This interactive workshop, delivered by NOFASD Australia, supports participants to move from awareness to affirmation. Using a neuro affirming, trauma informed and strengths based lens, the session situates FASD within the broader neurodivergent paradigm and explores how language, assumptions and system design directly shape lived experience, identity, access and outcomes.
Participants will engage with practice based examples, reflective activities and applied strategies that focus on reducing unintended system‑related harm and strengthening inclusive practice. The workshop integrates lived experience perspectives with evidence informed approaches, emphasising practical strategies that support regulation, participation, belonging and wellbeing across schools, services, workplaces and communities. Designed to be accessible and flexible, the session supports participants to apply learning immediately within their own professional and community contexts.
This interactive workshop, delivered by NOFASD Australia, supports participants to move from awareness to affirmation. Using a neuro affirming, trauma informed and strengths based lens, the session situates FASD within the broader neurodivergent paradigm and explores how language, assumptions and system design directly shape lived experience, identity, access and outcomes.
Participants will engage with practice based examples, reflective activities and applied strategies that focus on reducing unintended system‑related harm and strengthening inclusive practice. The workshop integrates lived experience perspectives with evidence informed approaches, emphasising practical strategies that support regulation, participation, belonging and wellbeing across schools, services, workplaces and communities. Designed to be accessible and flexible, the session supports participants to apply learning immediately within their own professional and community contexts.
Biography
Emma McDougall is an Occupational Therapist and Clinical Advisor at NOFASD Australia. With more than 10 years of experience working alongside children, young people and families, Emma has developed expertise in neurodevelopmental disability, child development, executive functioning, emotional regulation, sensory processing, and strengths-based, family-centred practice. She holds a Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (Honours) and a Graduate Certificate in the Assessment and Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) from the University of Western Australia.
Emma is passionate about translating evidence into practical, meaningful strategies that support participation, inclusion and wellbeing. Through her work with NOFASD Australia, she provides clinical consultation, develops resources, facilitates caregiver programs, and delivers training to educators, allied health professionals, disability providers and community organisations.
Drawing on both clinical experience and collaboration with people with lived and living experience, Emma advocates for neuro-affirming, strength based, FASD-informed approaches that recognise strengths, reduce barriers, and promote understanding, belonging and opportunity for all.
