Breaking The Silence Media | Empowering Voices: Understanding FASD

In this episode of "Breaking the Silence," host Jake Tjapkes welcomes Patti, an educator, author, and podcast host, to discuss her lived experience with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Patti shares her journey from working in child welfare to becoming an advocate for FASD awareness, highlighting the importance of understanding and supporting individuals with neurodevelopmental disabilities. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by those with FASD, the misconceptions surrounding the disorder, and the need for systemic change in social services.

Creators and Guests

Guest

Patricia Kasper

In my work with a variety of systems, the biggest complaint I hear about is staff turnover, which disrupts client trust & impedes the building of therapeutic relationships, therefore hindering good outcomes for clients as well as for the agency as a whole. Sound familiar? A powerful factor in retention is staff’s belief that their efforts make a real difference in their clients’ lives. I help administrators in mental health, child welfare & addictions reduce staff turnover and achieve better outcomes by training staff in recognizing neurodiversity and utilizing the neurobehavioral model to better meet the needs of neurodivergent clients. As a Certified Facilitator of FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model, I will provide your staff with the foundation, framework & tools of the Neurobehavioral Model. Your clients will feel heard, valued & supported, and when client outcomes improve, so will staff fulfillment, leading to increased staff retention. Increased staff retention means fewer wasted resources on advertising, on-boarding costs & core training, and more resources for program development and expansion. I am also available to train individual professionals in the Neurobehavioral Model, so if your clients have not made the progress you have hoped for despite using every technique in your toolkit, it may be that your client has an unidentified neurodivergence and will benefit from a neurobehavioral approach. I am also a neurobehavioral coach, and offer two coaching programs: a 90-Day Neurodiversity Mapping program for neurodivergent adults, & a 9-month Understanding & Setting Up Your Child for Success for parents of neurodivergent children, impacted by prenatal exposure to toxins (alcohol/drugs) or by trauma. Why you should choose to work with me: • Over 30 years’ experience in mental health, child welfare & addictions, with expertise in brain-based, trauma, attachment & adoption issues. • Knowledgeable and passionate trainer of both professionals and foster/adoptive parents; able to explain complex concepts in relatable ways. • Expertise in FASD, in a time when states as well as the federal government are increasing their recognition that FASD is an invisible physical, developmental disability. • Flexible presentation schedule to accommodate your schedule. If you would like to discuss working with me then contact me here on Linkedin, by email ([e-mail]), or follow this link (https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation ) to schedule a time to have a call.

What is Breaking The Silence Media ?

Breaking the Silence is a bold, truth telling podcast dedicated to raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and exposing the realities of Child Protective Services and the foster care system. Through lived experiences, expert interviews, and hard conversations, we challenge stigma, amplify unheard voices, and push for meaningful reform. This podcast is a space for parents, foster and adoptive families, professionals, and advocates who believe children and families deserve understanding, support, and systemic change. It’s time to break the silence and create a system that truly protects and heals.