FASD-CAN (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder - Caregiver Action Network) was founded in 2013 by a group of parents with children with FASD, and professionals who were FASD experts. Our founding chair, Claire Gyde, together with a group of other parents, saw the need for an organisation that would unite caregivers and advocate for improved awareness, services and greater support for caregivers and whānau of individuals living with FASD.
Now we are a New Zealand-based, non-profit incorporated society made up of parents, caregivers, extended whānau and health professionals, including our clinical advisor, Dr Valerie McGinn (Clinical Neuropsychologist and Clinical Director of the FASD Centre, Aotearoa) and our Patron, Judge Tony Fitzgerald.
• In 2023, we celebrated our ten-year anniversary – you can read more about the early days of FASD-CAN and our furture directions in an article here.
• In November 2024 at our AGM, we launched FASD-CAN Life Membership, and awarded it to four key people who have gone above and beyond in raising awareness and advocating for those with FASD in Aotearoa, New Zealand. These were our CEO Dr Leigh Henderson, our founder Claire Gyde, Christine Rogan ONZM and Dr Valerie McGinn.
Find out more about our four inaugural Life Members here.