Willow Winds Support Network

11/05/2024

We're proud to showcase the winners of our 2024 youth art contest! We'd like to thank everyone who participated, Your talents have left us astounded!



*Willow Winds respects the privacy of the artists from local schools, correctional facilities and communities who participated in our annual Art Contest, therefore they will remain anonymous.

09/15/2024

Willow Winds has recently expanded coverage to include Paul Band First Nation. We sat down with Willow Winds Executive Director Angela Kemble to find out more.

***

Q1: How did this relationship between Willow Winds and Paul Band start?
Angela: Paul Band is on the outskirts of network coverage and the supports they were receiving were being contracted out to a third party which expected residents to come to them, rather than go on reserve. Willow Winds was approached to expand our network of coverage but we didn’t have funding to do so at the time.

Once I became a WRAP coach, I took the Paul Band schools (as well as Spruce Grove and Devon) into my network. As I was building relationships with the schools, I hosted a lunch at the school and connected with the health unit next door to the school. The Health Unit asked us to do some Professional Development for them, which is ultimately how the relationship with Paul Band really got started. To this day, the health unit continues to be our champion.

We did an environmental scan of what they needed for support and found a way to fund a part time FASD/PCAP/Prevention Conversation mentor position under Willow Winds. Debbie at Healthy Families, Healthy Future now covers Paul Band. With permission from EFAN (Edmonton Fetal Alcohol Network), Willow Winds took over the entirety of FASD support services for Paul Band April 1, 2024 and caseloads have steadily grown ever since. People there knew of us from our work in nearby Alexis and were ready to work with us.

When I was there and saw the need first hand, I couldn’t say no – the need is there and more funding is needed for all communities to receive this kind of support.

Q2: What are you most excited for with this expansion?
Angela: For the entire community to be served – cultural sensitivity training, building connection to the community, building connection with chief and council, access to school for programs and support, access to youth and children, etc. We strive to provide the same well rounded service we provide in Alexis and help them build things in community so they’re self sufficient.

08/18/2024

CALLING ALL ARTISTS! Have you sent in your submission yet??

As we celebrate the creativity of people living with FASD, we are now accepting submissions for our 2024 Art Contest!

Send your submission in by September 30 for review by our panel of judges from the Nina Haggerty Art Centre. Winners will be highlighted in our upcoming calendar distributed throughout the Willow Winds community.

SUBMIT YOURS TODAY!

07/30/2024

Get to know the incredible staff at Willow Winds.

Today, we’re featuring Tsion Abate, M.Ed., FASD Instructional Coach for Willow Winds, and asked her 5 Quick Questions!

Q1: What’s your role with WWSN?
I work as an FASD Instructional Coach with WRaP 2.0 (Link to learn more about WRaP 2.0 in comments). In this position, my goal is to promote the success of students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Edmonton and Area by working with educators, school authorities, and other school leaders.

Q2: How long have you been with Willow Winds and what brought you here?
I’ve been in this position since July 2021 and my passion for Inclusive Education brought me here.

Q3: What’s a highlight or favorite memory?
It’s always a special moment when the teacher I have been modelling strategies for lets me know that the student has asked if I can come back to their classroom the next day or so. There is sound evidence for how relationships are the backbone of instructional coaching; so, when I get an enthusiastic invitation from students and teachers alike, it confirms that something is working here.

Q4: What’s next?
Research and prep for the 2024-2025 school year!

Q5: This big question - Pancakes or waffles?
Waffles for the win! Especially Belgian Waffles ... they have more caramelization and are crispier. Forgive me as I head to the kitchen to make some now. 😊

Thanks Tsion - and stay tuned as we introduce more of the incredible staff doing this work & changing lives!

07/05/2024

CALLING ALL ARTISTS!

As we celebrate the creativity of people living with FASD, we are now accepting submissions for our 2024 Art Contest!

Send your submission in by September 30 for review by our panel of judges from the Nina Haggerty Art Centre. Winners will be highlighted in our upcoming calendar distributed throughout the Willow Winds community.

SUBMIT YOURS TODAY!

06/06/2024

Meet Willow Winds’ Executive Director, Angela Kemble. We sat down with Angela to ask her Four Quick Questions about her work (and a bonus to cover the important things in life.)

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Q1: How long have you been WWSN’s Executive Director?
Angela: It will be 9 years in September 2024.

Q2: What brought you to Willow Winds?
Angela: I was a WRaP success coach in the schools in 2013 and 2014 and wanted to continue on my FASD journey. My supervisor for the WRaP program brought me the advertisement for the Executive Director position at NWCFASD Network (now Willow Winds) and encouraged me to apply. I am so grateful she did.

*****
Go to the link in the comments for the rest of our interview, including the most important question of all :)

05/30/2024

The language we use is important! Subtle differences in wording can make a big difference to those living with FASD.

Since 2017, Canada FASD Research Network has published a resource focused on respectful ways of writing and talking about FASD – the “Common Messaging Guide.”

Every year, the guide is reviewed and updated based on new research and conversations within the FASD community. Individuals with lived experience of FASD have been increasingly involved in providing feedback on the topics covered and language used to describe issues related to FASD.

Link to our full article and the Common Messaging Guide in the comments below.

05/23/2024

On November 8, 2010, the Northwest Central Alberta FASD Network became incorporated as a registered Society in Alberta was assigned a Federal CRA number.

Head to the link in the comments to learn about how our name changed to Willow Winds and the evolution of our coverage.

05/17/2024

Meet Willow Winds Support Network!

Formerly known as Northwest Central Alberta FASD Network, we’ve recently changed our name to Willow Winds. The name has changed, but our mission stays the same:

* To prevent, support, diagnose, and stand by people impacted by FASD and brain domain challenges similar to FASD.

Check out our website to learn more about the new name and the services we provide (link in comments below)

04/17/2024

What are the differences between FASD and ADHD ?

There are many similarities between fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Both disorders can affect brain function, development and behavior. While many of the effects of FASD and ADHD are similar, research suggests that the parts of the brain that are most affected differ between the two disorders.1 Because of this, FASD has been linked with more executive function issues than ADHD.2 Executive function includes things like self-control, reasoning, problem solving and planning. 3

People can have both FASD and ADHD at the same time. Studies have found that people with FASD are 10 times more likely to have ADHD.4 Other studies have found that about half of children with FASD also have ADHD.5 If someone has both FASD and ADHD, it is important that their care team considers both diagnoses when planning and implementing treatment.
Treatment responses for people with ADHD and FASD are different from those who only have ADHD.6 For example, people with FASD and ADHD may react differently to stimulant medication than those who only have ADHD. 7

How are FASD and ADHD similar?

In both disorders:

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can be the cause.8, 9
However, ADHD can also be caused by genes, to***co or drug use during pregnancy, brain injury, and other things. FASD is only caused by drinking during pregnancy.
The effects are typically lifelong.10, 11 Brain structure may be affected.12, 13 Early intervention can help. 14, 15
Effects can include hyperactivity, impulsive behavior and short attention span.16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21
Those affected may have sensitivity to light, touch, taste, smell or sound.22, 23
There may be a link to microcephaly, which is when the head and brain are much smaller than expected.24, 25
Those affected may have difficulty in school.26, 27
Both disorders are listed in the ICD-10 (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems) and the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).28, 29, 30, 31


How are FASD and ADHD different?

Sources:

1. Jacobson JL, Dodge NC, Burden MJ, Klorman R, Jacobson SW. Number processing in adolescents with prenatal alcohol exposure and ADHD: differences in the neurobehavioral phenotype. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2011;35(3):431–442.
2. Kingdon D, Cardoso C, McGrath JJ. Research review: Executive function deficits in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A meta-analysis. The Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. 2016;57(2):116-131.
3. Diamond A. Executive functions. Annu Rev Psychol. 2013;64:135–168.
4. Kambeitz, C., Klug, M.G., Greenmyer, J. et al. Association of adverse childhood experiences and neurodevelopmental disorders in people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and non-FASD controls. BMC Pediatr. 2019;19:498.
5. Reid N, Shelton D, Warner J, O’Callaghan F, Dawe S. Profile of children diagnosed with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A retrospective chart review. Drug and Alcohol Review. 2017;36:677-681.
6. Young S, Absoud M, Blackburn C, Branney P, Colley B, Farrag E, Fleisher S, et al. Guidelines for identification and treatment of individuals with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and associated fetal alcohol spectrum disorders based upon expert consensus. BMC Psychiatry. 2016;16:324.
7. Peadon E, Elliott EJ. Distinguishing between attention-deficit hyperactivity and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in children: Clinical guidelines. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2010;6:509-515.
8. Burd L, Blair J, Dropps K. Prenatal alcohol exposure, blood alcohol concentrations and alcohol elimination rates for the mother, fetus and newborn. Journal of Perinatology. 2012;32(9):652-659.
9. National Institute of Mental Health. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): The basics. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-adhd-the-basics/index.shtml
10. Noor S, Milligan ED. Lifelong Impacts of Moderate Prenatal Alcohol Exposure on Neuroimmune Function. Frontiers in Immunology. 2018.
11. Faraone SV, Larsson H. Genetics of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Molecular Psychiatry. 2019;24:562-575.
12. Lebel C, Roussotte F, Sowell ER. Imaging the impact of prenatal alcohol exposure on the structure of the developing human brain. Neuropsychol Rev. 2011;21:102-118.
13. Bayard F, Nymberg Thunell C, Abé C, et al. Distinct brain structure and behavior related to ADHD and conduct disorder traits. Molecular psychiatry. 2018.
14. Hagan JF, et al. Neurobehavioral disorder associated with prenatal alcohol exposure. Pediatrics. 2016;138(4):e20151553.
15. Smith E, Koerting J, Latter S, et al. Overcoming barriers to effective early parenting interventions for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ( ADHD): parent and practitioner views. Child: Care, Health & Development. 2015;41(1):93-102.
16. Peadon E, Elliott EJ. Distinguishing between attention-deficit hyperactivity and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in children: clinical guidelines. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2010;6:509–515.
17. Sarver D, Rapport M, Kofler M, Raiker J, Friedman L. Hyperactivity in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Impairing deficit or compensatory behavior? Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. 2015;43(7):1219-1232.
18. Pei J, Leung WSW, Jampolsky F, Alsbury B. Experiences in the Canadian criminal justice system for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Double jeopardy?. Canadian Journal of Criminology & Criminal Justice. 2016;58(1):56-86.
19. Francx WCL, Zwiers MP, Mennes MJJ, et al. White matter microstructure and developmental improvement of hyperactive/impulsive symptoms in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines. 2015;56:1289- 1297.
20. Gross AC, Deling LA, Wozniak JR, Boys CJ. Objective measures of executive functioning are highly discrepant with parent-report in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Child Neuropsychology. 2015;21(4): 531-538.
21. Christakou A, Murphy CM, Chantiluke K, et al. Disorder-specific functional abnormalities during sustained attention in youth with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and with autism. Molecular Psychiatry. 2013;18(2):236-244.
22. Masotti P, Longstaffe S, Gammon H, Isbister J, Maxwell B, Hanlon-Dearman A. Integrating care for individuals with FASD: results from a multi-stakeholder symposium. BMC Health Services Research. 2015;15(1):1-12.
23. Shimizu VT, Bueno OFA, Miranda MC. Sensory processing abilities of children with ADHD. Brazilian journal of physical therapy. 2014;18:343-352.
24. Treit S, Zhou D, Chudley AE, et al. Relationships between Head Circumference, Brain Volume and Cognition in Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(2):1-15.
25. Aagaard K, Bach CC, Henriksen TB, Larsen RT, Matthiesen NB. Head circumference at birth and childhood developmental disorders in a nationwide cohort in Denmark. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2018;32(5):458-466.

This brochure provides information about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and teens including symptoms, how it is diagnosed, causes, treatment options, and helpful resources.

02/07/2024

Supporting Students with FASD in Schools

When unsupported, students with FASD can struggle in school. Teachers, educational assistants and other school staff need training on FASD.

01/31/2024

The Alcohol Industry and FASD

Simone Pettigrew and Bella Sträuli look at how the alcohol industry has dragged its heels in implementing mandatory labelling in Australia.

12/18/2023

Happy Holidays from NWCFASD Network.

12/14/2023

A huge welcome to John Sanders the newest member of our Network team.