Training:

Beyond the Behavior: Understanding FASD Through a Brain-Based Lens

Sep 23
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – 5:00pm
5:00pm - 6:30pm

Audience: All Caregivers (Adoptive, Foster & Kinship Parents) & Professionals

Level: Beginner
Ages addressed: 0-18

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the most prevalent and most frequently misunderstood developmental disabilities. Because its effects on the brain are often invisible, individuals with FASD are frequently seen as oppositional, manipulative, unmotivated, or unwilling when they are actually struggling with brain-based differences that affect regulation, executive functioning, memory, communication, and adaptive skills.

In this 90-minute workshop, parents, caregivers, and professionals will learn to look beyond the behavior and recognize challenging behaviors as possible symptoms of a brain and nervous system working differently. Through a practical, neuroscience-informed lens, participants will explore why traditional behavior-based approaches are often ineffective for individuals with FASD and how shifting from “How do we get this person to behave?” to “What does this person’s brain need in order to be successful?” can lead to more compassionate, meaningful, and effective support.

Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of FASD, a new way of interpreting challenging behavior, and practical strategies for reducing stress, increasing felt safety, and creating environments in which individuals with FASD can experience greater success.

Register Here

Location:

Foster Adopt Minnesota - Webinar

https://www.fosteradoptmn.org/

Eileen Devine is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Brain First Parenting and the Think Brain First Training Program for professionals. With more than 20 years of clinical experience, she is an internationally recognized expert in supporting families raising complex children with challenging behaviors, with particular expertise in FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and other neurobehavioral conditions.

In addition to her work with parents, Eileen provides trainings and workshops worldwide for educators, mental health professionals, and agency leaders. She is also a trainer for the Center for Adoption Support and Education’s (C.A.S.E.) accredited Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) Program, where she teaches clinicians across Oregon to deliver adoption- and foster-competent care.