Understanding and Supporting Children and Adolescents with FASD: Practical Strategies for Optimising Wellbeing
Tracks
Prince & Virtual via OnAIR
| Monday, August 11, 2025 |
| 1:50 PM - 2:10 PM |
| Prince Room |
Overview
Vanessa Spiller - Jumpstart Psychology & Robyn Smith - NOFASD Australia
Speaker
Ms Robyn Smith
Helpline Services Manager
NOFASD Australia
Understanding and Supporting Children and Adolescents with FASD: Practical Strategies for Optimising Wellbeing
Presentation Overview
Three Key Learnings:
1. Challenges individual living with FASD face
2. Influences shaping mental health
3. Strategies to support
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Children and adolescents with FASD have many strengths but often face challenges in attention, learning, emotional regulation, and social interactions, yet many environments remain ill-equipped to support their complex and unique needs. This presentation will explore inclusive practices that foster positive self-concept, identity, and purpose for young people with FASD. We will highlight the impact of attentional differences and executive functioning challenges on education and daily life, and discuss the social, academic, and personal influences shaping the mental health of neurodivergent adolescents with FASD.
Drawing on the latest research, real-world case studies, and lived experience, we will explore practical strategies and tools such as the Ability Wheel, that caregivers, educators, and professionals can utalise to create supportive environments that promote success and wellbeing for children and adolescents with FASD. The session will include interactive discussion and time for Q&A to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
1. Challenges individual living with FASD face
2. Influences shaping mental health
3. Strategies to support
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Children and adolescents with FASD have many strengths but often face challenges in attention, learning, emotional regulation, and social interactions, yet many environments remain ill-equipped to support their complex and unique needs. This presentation will explore inclusive practices that foster positive self-concept, identity, and purpose for young people with FASD. We will highlight the impact of attentional differences and executive functioning challenges on education and daily life, and discuss the social, academic, and personal influences shaping the mental health of neurodivergent adolescents with FASD.
Drawing on the latest research, real-world case studies, and lived experience, we will explore practical strategies and tools such as the Ability Wheel, that caregivers, educators, and professionals can utalise to create supportive environments that promote success and wellbeing for children and adolescents with FASD. The session will include interactive discussion and time for Q&A to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Biography
Robyn has extensive experience supporting individuals and families affected by FASD, drawing from both her professional expertise and personal journey. Her work spans aged care programs, parenting advice and support programs, offender reintegration, and transition strategies for school students and youth at risk.
Robyn is dedicated to raising awareness and advocating for better support and outcomes for individuals and families impacted by FASD. Passionate about educating professionals and communities, she works to create more inclusive and supportive environments that address the challenges of FASD, reflecting her lifelong commitment to improving understanding and outcomes for those affected.
Ms Vanessa Spiller
Clinical psychologist
Jumpstart Psychology
Understanding and Supporting Children and Adolescents with FASD: Practical Strategies for Optimising Wellbeing
Presentation Overview
Three Key Learnings:
1. Challenges individual living with FASD face
2. Influences shaping mental health
3. Strategies to support
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Children and adolescents with FASD have many strengths but often face challenges in attention, learning, emotional regulation, and social interactions, yet many environments remain ill-equipped to support their complex and unique needs. This presentation will explore inclusive practices that foster positive self-concept, identity, and purpose for young people with FASD. We will highlight the impact of attentional differences and executive functioning challenges on education and daily life, and discuss the social, academic, and personal influences shaping the mental health of neurodivergent adolescents with FASD.
Drawing on the latest research, real-world case studies, and lived experience, we will explore practical strategies and tools such as the Ability Wheel, that caregivers, educators, and professionals can utalise to create supportive environments that promote success and wellbeing for children and adolescents with FASD. The session will include interactive discussion and time for Q&A to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
1. Challenges individual living with FASD face
2. Influences shaping mental health
3. Strategies to support
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects cognitive, emotional, and social functioning. Children and adolescents with FASD have many strengths but often face challenges in attention, learning, emotional regulation, and social interactions, yet many environments remain ill-equipped to support their complex and unique needs. This presentation will explore inclusive practices that foster positive self-concept, identity, and purpose for young people with FASD. We will highlight the impact of attentional differences and executive functioning challenges on education and daily life, and discuss the social, academic, and personal influences shaping the mental health of neurodivergent adolescents with FASD.
Drawing on the latest research, real-world case studies, and lived experience, we will explore practical strategies and tools such as the Ability Wheel, that caregivers, educators, and professionals can utalise to create supportive environments that promote success and wellbeing for children and adolescents with FASD. The session will include interactive discussion and time for Q&A to encourage collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
Biography
Dr. Vanessa Spiller is a Clinical Psychologist with an unwavering commitment to supporting individuals with highly complex brain-based differences, including Autism, ADHD, FASD and trauma. With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Spiller has become a leading voice in FASD and neurodiversity education in Australia and overseas.
Equipped with a Master's and PhD in Psychology, Dr. Spiller combines evidence-based approaches with practice-based evidence to offer comprehensive educational programs about brain-based differences and works individually with families and organisations. Her expertise lies in working collaboratively across sectors to ensure individuals with complex neurodiversity receive the support and services required to navigate their disability and build on their strengths in all areas of life.
Dr. Spiller has given numerous lectures, conference presentations, and workshops, including several keynote presentations on supporting children with complex brain-based issues, particularly those with multiple diagnoses and highly complex presentations. She also trains professionals, parents, and carers and frequently works across sectors, including out-of-home care, education, corrections, and disability.
