Kurt is joined by Professor Anita Gibbs, of the University of Otago, New Zealand and Julie Flanagan. NOFASD’s National Projects and Communications Manager. Together they discuss a research article based on the outcomes of the Families Linking with Families program and the benefits of the program as confirmed by participating caregivers.. The Families Linking with Families program is an online support group developed by NOFASD Australia in conjunction with Professor Gibbs, to provide education and peer support for those who are caregivers for individuals living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Key points about the Families Linking with Families program:

- It is a structured and guided 7-week online support group which is led by trained facilitators, each of whom is a parent or caregiver for an individual with FASD.

The main benefits include:

- Enabling caregivers to connect with others who are going through similar experiences, thereby lessening the sense of loneliness experienced by many carers.

- Providing a safe and confidential space for caregivers to share their specific situation and challenges without judgement

- Increasing caregiver knowledge about FASD, effective parenting/caregiving approaches and FASD-informed strategies.

- Empowering caregivers and building their resilience.

The online format makes the program accessible across Australia, even for those in remote areas. The program is delivered several times a year and is refined based on participant feedback and issues of concern tabled during meetings. Australians interested in participating in a future support group should contact the NOFASD Australia helpline on 1800 860 613 or visit our website through this link to express interest.

The research article discussed in this episode is: “An Australian Online Training and Support Program for Caregivers of Children and Youth with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Families Linking with Families” by Anita Gibbs, Julie Flanagan and Louise Gray is freely accessible. It's an open access article in the Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability.

The full article can be read at: https://doi.org/10.3109/13668250.2023.2271757.

For more information about FASD, please go to: https://www.nofasd.org.au/

Producers: Kurt Lewis, Julie Flanagan and Louise Gray

Narrator: Frances Price

Interviewer: Kurt Lewis

Interviewees: Professor Anita Gibbs & Julie Flanagan

The copyright is owned by NOFASD Australia.

All rights reserved - No reproduction or use of this content without written consent of Kurt Lewis and NOFASD Australia.

The views expressed in this podcast are those of the interviewees. NOFASD makes every effort to ensure all content is free from judgement and stigma. NOFASD’s mission includes reducing stigma for families and individuals impacted by FASD.