Recognizing FASD Warriors was part of The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s promotion of National Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, which takes place nationally during the month of September. The agency selected several worthy FASD Warriors and asked them to submit videos explaining why they devoted their time and energy to advocating for FASD awareness. Here’s what they said:
Alex & Pam Carver
16-year old Alex Carver, with the help of his mom Pam Caver, has been outspoken about his everyday struggles with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) publishing videos, blogs, and even articles about his lifetime disability. Alex was adopted from Russia at a young age and his adopted parents had no knowledge that his mother had consumed alcohol while pregnant. As a result, Alex constantly works to overcome issues associated with the disability and is eager to spread awareness about the dangers of drinking while pregnant and general facts about the spectrum disorder that affects 1 in 20 children.
Kathryn Shea and Seth Winners
Kathryn Shea and her son Seth Winners are proud advocates of FASD awareness and policy. Kathryn has campaigned for young children with vulnerabilities for the last 35 years. She was instrumental in working with local and state governments to bring the first FASD diagnostic clinic to The State of Florida. Located at The Florida Center for Early Childhood’s Sarasota campus, it will be named in her honor later this month! She and Seth continue to advocate for the FASD Respect Act and other worthwhile endeavors benefiting children and families living with FASD.
Lindsey and Spencer Munns
As parents of two adopted children on the FASD spectrum, Lindsey and Spencer Munns have inspired many by their commitment and determination to raise awareness about the lifelong disability of FASD.
Their efforts have created new revenue streams, opportunities, and progress for The Florida Center’s FASD Clinic, (which will likely be expanding to the Orlando region in the near future). Thank you Lindsey & Spencer for everything you have done for us and those living with this invisible disability!
Amy Falk-Weinberger of The Lean on Me Project
Amy Falk-Weinberger of the Lean on Me Project is another FASD Warrior because she helps bridge families and the school district by acting as a mediator for students living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). By doing so, she helps families feel “heard” in discussions with school district employees about their child’s individualized education plan (IEP). As FASD is not as well known to education professionals as other spectrum disorders, symptoms can often be perceived as behavioral issues instead of cognitive brain differences. Amy helps both parties see the complexities associated with the disorder. You can learn more about how the Lean on Me Project helps #FASD families by listening to our Centering Kids podcast featuring Amy as a guest.
Jen Werden
This mom of four is on a mission to spread the word about FASD. Jen adopted a son with fetal alcohol syndrome (the most severe case of FASD). Since he was diagnosed, Jen has set off on a personal purpose to learn everything she can about the disorder. She spent a year learning from FASD influencer Jeff Nobel. She became a Trust-Based Relational Intervention practitioner. She is currently working on her bachelor’s degree in Social Work with a Focus on FASD. After doing an internship with The Florida Center, she was hired as our new FASD parent support coordinator! We are so lucky to have Jen on our team! You can learn more about Jen’s efforts in our Centering Kids Podcast: The Invisible Disability.
