Paul Burbage’s Post

September is FASD Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a prevalent condition that often goes unrecognized. Despite affecting approximately 4% of Canadians—more than the combined total of Autism, Cerebral Palsy, and Down Syndrome—FASD receives relatively little public recognition or understanding. Recent research indicates that the prevalence of FASD is much higher than previously estimated, and with improved methods of detection, these numbers continue to rise. While FASD prevalence rates vary across countries and populations, they are often considered conservative. Special populations, such as those involved in the child welfare and justice systems, experience significantly higher rates. Understanding the scale of FASD in our communities is crucial for informed decision-making about funding and resource allocation, as well as for evaluating the effectiveness of prevention efforts. Additionally, enhanced knowledge about high-risk groups can help target intervention strategies to reduce new cases of FASD and support healthy outcomes for individuals and families already affected. Let’s work together to promote awareness, support healthy pregnancies, and create a brighter future for those impacted by FASD. Wear your red shoes this month to show your support and learn more at www.canfasd.ca. Canada is lighting up red on September 9th—check out which landmarks will shine brightly to raise awareness for this important cause! #FASDMonth2024 #EveryonePlaysaPart #RedShoesRock

FORE today announced it is awarding $2.4 million to eight organizations that offer training, technical assistance, and other resources aimed at improving outcomes for populations at high risk of #opioid poisoning and #overdose, with a focus on ensuring that #prevention and #treatment services are tailored to adolescents, supporting people with perinatal substance use disorders, and delivering evidence-based practices in criminal-legal settings, mental health clinics, and emergency departments. Congratulations to the American College of Emergency Physicians, Boston Children's Hospital, Opportunity Labs , the Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs, Friends Research Institute, Inc., the Health and Reentry Project, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and the Public Health Institute!

Critical conversations during this panel on maternal #substanceusedisorder and #overdose care. #SUD "Substance use disorder and mental health conditions are leading causes of pregnancy-related and pregnancy-associated deaths around the country. We need to make sure we are comparing apples to apples." Marcela Smid, MD “We cannot effectively address perinatal mental health without also addressing perinatal substance use. We need to move beyond clinical solutions to create systems that holistically meet families’ physical, behavioral, and socioeconomic needs” Jessica Simon Association of Maternal & Child Health Programs "Stigma and access to treatment are still major barriers to care for perinatal substance use disorder. We must continue educating clinicians, promoting understanding, and supporting policies that make care accessible." Amy Ushry American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) “We are excited that many jurisdictions are going beyond the mandates of CAPTA to collaborate across health care, child welfare, substance use treatment and home visiting programs to offer prenatal Family Care Plans that offer families affected by substance use the opportunity to achieve recovery and maintain family integrity.” Teri Kook #maternalmentalhealth #MMHFORUM

These findings are critical evidence that more #prevention and interventions are needed to address the ongoing high rates of #ACEs in the U.S. If we don't, then widespread #substanceusedisorder will surely continue - and with that, more #overdose deaths. https://lnkd.in/eUZi-eme

Exploratory study associates childhood trauma with brain features in abusive mothers Another example for why the family court system should re-think Pro-Contact for all and everyone no matter what. Pro-Contact with a parent with specific pathologies should be re-considered in protection of children and their future. https://lnkd.in/eKBzKSaB

United to make change - Count us in! The Muscular Dystrophy and Neuromuscular community unite with Neurological Alliance Australia to improve the lives of all people with neurological conditions in Australia. #CountUsinNeuro The Count Us In campaign aims to: - Increase awareness of our conditions - Engage our community - Secure the support of key politicians Together we call for the establishment of a Taskforce for Neurological Conditions that will: 1. Invest in funding for medical research 2. Strengthen the NDIS 3. Address neurological conditions data gaps 4. Ensure equal access to assistive technology 5. End age discrimination for NDIS eligibility 6. Improve Aged Care, Health, and Disability sector integration For more information and to find out how you can get involved visit Neurological Alliance Australia’s website. https://lnkd.in/g7aX3ThE [Image description: The words at the left say ‘My name is Phil, and I live with motor neurone disease. I need the support of expensive aids and equipment, but they’re not always available to us. Count Us In!” To the right is an image of Phil.] #Campaign #SpreadAwareness #DisabilitySupport #Inclusion #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness #DisabilityAdvocacy #SupportEachOther #DisabilityCommunity #MuscularDystrophy #MDAwareness #NeuromuscularDisease #NMDAwareness #SpinalMuscularAtrophy #SMAAwareness #WheelchairLife #CountUsinNeuro

People with epilepsy face challenges beyond their condition, including stigma, discrimination, and lack of equal opportunities. Protecting their rights is essential to ensure they can live with dignity, access necessary resources, and participate fully in society. The right to education, employment, and healthcare should be guaranteed for everyone, including those with epilepsy. Reasonable accommodations, such as flexible schedules or seizure-safe environments, empower individuals to succeed without fear of exclusion. Enforcing anti-discrimination laws helps dismantle barriers and promotes understanding of epilepsy as a manageable condition. Advocating for these rights is crucial to reducing stigma and creating a more inclusive world. At the Angie Epilepsy Foundation , we work tirelessly to ensure people with epilepsy are supported and respected. Together, we can build a society where everyone, regardless of their condition, has the opportunity to thrive. #epilepsyeducation, #epilepsyawareness, #EpilepsyCure, #epilepsystrong, #epilepsy, #epilepsywarrior ROW Foundation, CURE Epilepsy, Epilepsy Foundation, Epilepsy Wellness Advocates, International League Against Epilepsy, Advocating for Epilepsy Inclusion, Epilepsy Research Institute

This is wholly unacceptable. These unfounded accusations against parents and carers that HARM the children they suppose to protect must STOP. To be clear: FII/perplexing presentation is not a diagnosis. FII is NOT Munchausens By Proxy/Factitious disorder imposed upon another (FDIA), although it has been falsely equated as such, despite being debunked by Professor Luke Akehurst, Cathleen Long and others. As such, I propose a new disorder category: Factitious Disorder Imposed by a Professional. Clearly such a disorder must result in being barred from professional practice. https://lnkd.in/eKn4YcdJ

Professional Interventions for Child Survivors of Intrafamilial Child Torture For professionals working with child survivors of Intrafamilial Child Torture (ICT), it is crucial to employ evidence-based interventions that address the unique needs of these children. These needs span psychosocial, developmental, medical, and spiritual domains. More importantly, any treatment must begin with ensuring the child’s safety, as no intervention will be effective if the child remains in a harmful environment. Key interventions include Body-Based Trauma Treatment, Yoga Therapy, Theraplay, Attachment, Regulation, and Competency (ARC), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT), Expressive Therapies, and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Practical Steps for Professionals working with ICT survivors: 1. Ensure Safety First: Confirm that the child is in a safe environment before beginning any treatment. 2. Assess Individual Needs: Evaluate the child’s unique psychosocial, developmental, medical, and spiritual needs. 3. Implement Body-Based Interventions: Start with methods that address trauma’s physical impact. 4. Use Play and Expressive Therapies: Allow children to express themselves naturally and comfortably. 5. Promote Attachment and Regulation: Focus on building strong, healthy attachments and teaching emotional regulation. 6. Encourage Caregiver Involvement: Involve caregivers in the treatment process to support the child’s development and healing. These interventions, grounded in the best available evidence, can help professionals provide the comprehensive care that child survivors of ICT need to heal and thrive. Read more: https://ow.ly/fs8o50StFSe #IHS_columbus #childmaltreatmentpolicy #CMPRC_org #trauma #traumainformedcare #socialwork #childwelfare #childprotection #childabuseprevention #ICT

🧠 Dementia Awareness Week: Understanding the Impact on the Criminal Justice System 🧠 In light of Dementia Awareness Week, it's crucial to recognise the profound impact dementia has on individuals and society, including its intersections with the criminal justice system. Dementia, a progressive cognitive impairment, affects millions globally, and many may encounter the criminal justice system only after a dementia diagnosis. Dementia is NOT a part of ageing, it is a brain condition. This intersection raises significant concerns about how dementia can influence offending behavior and how justice systems respond to these individuals. 👥 Impact on Offending Behavior: Cognitive decline can alter an individual’s behavior, decision-making, and comprehension. This often results in actions being misinterpreted as criminal behavior rather than symptoms of cognitive impairment. 🔓 Challenges in the Criminal Justice System: Inappropriate or inadequate care in prison settings can lead to further cognitive decline and distress. ❤️ The Need for Specialised Care: Correctional facilities need to have protocols that accommodate the unique needs of individuals with dementia. This includes proper medical care, cognitive support, and tailored interventions to manage symptoms effectively. For more insights and resources, visit Dementia Australia and join the conversation to promote better understanding and improved care for individuals with dementia. #DementiaAwareness #CriminalJustice #DementiaCare #SupportAndAdvocacy #DementiaAustralia #Trainingandcapacitybuilding #Training #Resources #Disability #DisabilityAdvocacy