There are a number of types of training, both online and at university.
In 2022 for the first time there will be a new certificate starting at Otago University from July 2022.
SOCI404: Exploring Neuro-Disability in Health, Welfare and Justice Systems will be taught by long-time FASD specialist Professor Anita Gibbs.
It will be aimed at professionals but caregivers could also do it, particularly if they have already completed some education already. It will run July to October 2022 as a 400 level course at Otago, for both distance and on-campus learners. The course can be completed as a stand-alone certificate or alongside other courses at Otago. Commitments - Mondays 4pm-5pm for a live zoom tutorial (also recorded) and Thursdays 4-6pm for a lecture recording or live session. For further info, contact [email protected]
The University of Western Australia
The University of Western Australia has some FASD courses for 2022. All of the courses are run primarily online and can be accessed from anywhere in the world.
There's a graduate certificate and two short introductory courses which would contribute credits towards the grad cert.
Graduate Certificate in the Diagnosis and Assessment of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
The aim of the Graduate Certificate is to provide clinicians with the specialist knowledge and clinical skills required to participate in team-based assessment and diagnosis of FASD. This course is targeted towards clinicians with a background in psychology, speech pathology, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nursing, medicine and other relevant disciplines.
Further information about the course, as well as a link to the application, can be found on the UWA website
here:
Applications close 31st January 2022.
FASD short courses (micro-credentials)
The university's new FASD short courses aim to provide students with foundational knowledge required for understanding FASD. Both micro-credentials will cover the basic characteristics of FASD and will include lived experience perspectives on FASD. Although each micro-credential can be accessed independently, it is recommended that students intending to complete both micro-credentials follow the order outlined below. Both short courses will have two offerings per year: April to July and July to September. Within each teaching period, the students can complete the coursework at their own pace.
There are no entry requirements for these short courses. Students completing both micro-credentials will be eligible to receive course-credit for the first coursework unit in the Graduate Certificate in the Diagnosis and Assessment of FASD developed at UWA by A/Prof Carmela Pestell and Adjunct Prof James Fitzpatrick (note: the Grad Cert does have entry requirements).
Applications are open for the next intake. The link to the application portal can be found on the course webpages (outlined below).
This micro-credential will cover the historical and social context of FASD and common comorbidities.
This micro-credential will outline the relevant ethical issues in FASD assessment and diagnosis and intervention strategies.
Dr Kirsten Panton is the lecturer for these courses, she’s passionate about raising awareness and knowledge of FASD across Australasia and can be reached for further info at
[email protected]
The FASD Collaborative Project
This is an international FASD learning project which was instigated in late 2020. The FASD United Affiliate Network in the United States identified a need to increase effective supports and evidence-based training at a national level related to FASD. FASD organisations from around the globe joined forces to create more dynamic FASD systems of care internationally. There are 30 organisations participating in the 2021-2022 series of webinars, which run online through to August 2022.
Click here for the list of webinars.
Jeff Noble podcasts
For informal upskilling, many parents find the chatty style of Canadian FASD guru Jeff Noble to be uplifting, refreshing and of course informative. To find Jeff's podcasts, click here.
