NOFASD Australia

Pregnancy and Alcohol: The Surprising Reality

NOFASD Australia

  • #17 Early Childhood Education with Dr Kate Highfield and Christine Brooks

#17 Early Childhood Education with Dr Kate Highfield and Christine Brooks

Wednesday 13th October 2021

Discover how educators can support children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) through awareness and new resources in early childhood education.
23 minutes
Informative
Educational
Supportive
Thought-provoking
Engaging

About this podcast

Pregnancy and Alcohol: The Surprising Reality
Author:
NOFASD Australia
Overview:
Categories:
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Family Recovery from Addiction
Stigma & Social Perspectives
Financial Health in Recovery
Nutritional Pathways to Recovery
Links:
Visit site
Episodes:
41 (View all)
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FASD in Early Childhood: Educators Making a Difference

We need to use the language in a way that it's going to inform the person, the child or the parent, being very sensitive to how they would be taking it all in and being clear about the exact words that we use.
Imagine being an early childhood educator and facing the challenge of recognizing and supporting children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). In this episode, Kurt sits down with Dr Kate Highfield and Christine Brooks to shed light on this very issue. Dr Highfield, a seasoned teacher and researcher, along with Christine Brooks, a former teacher and NOFASD board member, bring their wealth of experience to the table.
They discuss the significant impact of FASD on young children and the critical role educators play in identifying and supporting these kids. Dr Highfield shares her insights as the General Manager of Professional Learning and Research Translation for Early Childhood Australia. She emphasizes the importance of educators being vigilant and observant, even though they are not diagnosticians. Christine Brooks offers a personal perspective, recounting her journey as a carer for a child with FASD.
Together, they highlight a new resource being developed by Early Childhood Australia in partnership with NOFASD Australia, aimed at helping educators better understand and support children with FASD. One of the key messages from this conversation is the power of language and communication. Educators need to use clear, straightforward language when talking to parents and children about FASD. This approach helps in reducing stigma and making the information more accessible.
By raising awareness and providing appropriate support, educators can make a profound difference in the lives of children affected by FASD. This episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in early childhood education or caring for children with FASD. It’s packed with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and valuable insights that underscore the importance of early intervention and support.
Tune in to learn how educators can be the first line of defense in recognizing FASD and aiding families in seeking the help they need.