Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) 101 – Foundations and Overview

In collaboration with the Northwest Regional HSJCC’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Justice System Working Group, the Provincial HSJCC is pleased to invite you to join us for an FASD Education Webinar Series, beginning with FASD 101: Foundations and Overview.

Through this webinar, participants will gain a deeper insight into FASD, including how it is defined, the impact of stigma and misinformation, and the factors that can contribute to an increased risk of justice system involvement.

Participants will also learn about practical, strengths-based strategies and receive an overview of diagnostic clinics, FASD workers, and caregiver supports available across Ontario.

https://cmhaontario.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_b75nLfbNS1ebFPKS2TRRGg#/registration

Presenters: 

Alexis Trepanier, RECE (they/them, she/her)

Alexis is an FASD Worker and Registered Early Childhood Educator with Children’s Centre Thunder Bay, bringing over 10 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families through a variety of community-based roles, including childcare, schools, and intensive services.

They hold an Honours Bachelor of Applied Science in Early Childhood Studies and have a strong passion for working within developmental services. Their approach centers on strengths-based, relationship-focused, and neuro-affirming support for children.

Drawing from their own living experience as a disabled and neurodiverse person, Alexis approaches their work with a deep commitment to understanding and accessibility. Alexis is dedicated to spreading awareness and understanding about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder within the community, aiming to foster greater inclusion and support for individuals and families affected by FASD.

Karin Smids-Baxter, MSW., RSW.

Karin is a Clinical Social Worker and FASD Worker at Children's Centre Thunder Bay with 12 years of experience on the Intensive Services Team, now part of the FASD program. Throughout her career, she has specialized in case management and multi-sector collaboration—partnering with schools, primary care, and social service providers to support youth and families facing complex challenges.

Beyond her professional credentials, Karin brings a deeply personal perspective to her work. She and her husband provide long-term Therapeutic Foster care in their home for four neurodiverse children, three of whom live with FASD. This unique intersection of personal and professional life fuels her active volunteer advocacy within the Ontario fostering community and drives her passion for empowering families and youth living with FASD.
 

What to Expect:

This introductory session builds a shared foundation. Together we'll cover what FASD is and how it's currently defined, how common it is and where rates are highest, the stigma and misinformation that keep families from seeking help, and what the current Canadian diagnostic guidelines involve.

We'll also explore what FASD means in practice across sectors, including a closer look at why FASD raises the risk of justice involvement. The session closes with practical, strengths-based strategies and a guide to diagnostic clinics, FASD workers and caregiver supports available across Ontario.