This is a ten-module, practically-based course on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder for all those in the education sector: teachers, teacher-aides, learning support coordinators, RTLBs and SENCOs. The learning acquired will also be applicable to other neurodivergent ākonga.

Kete into Practice 2026 will take place over three terms, fortnightly on Thursdays from 3.30pm-5pm (avoiding holidays). 

The course begins on 5 March 2026 and ends on 27 August 2026. 

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How to register

Click here to head to our training platform now to register for Kete into Practice. The cost is $199 per educator for all 10 modules.

We are offering a discounted rate of $150.00 per person for group registrations of FOUR or more.

Read on for all information about the course, including dates and topics, as well as further general information on FASD in education.

About the course

The aim of this course is to assist all educators to feel more confident and better able to address the unique needs of ākonga / students with FASD and other neurodiversities. Many educators have some general knowledge about FASD and its associated symptoms, but in a busy classroom/school environment where many neurodiverse learners need support and attention, kaiako have told us they want practical, evidence-based strategies for a ‘real-world’ setting of limited resources and competing demands.

The learning objectives for the course are:

• an increased knowledge about FASD and how the symptoms of neurodisability impact on the learning and behaviour of FASD ākonga.
  
  
• an increased knowledge of FASD-informed and brain-based strategies and interventions that can be applied in the akomanga / classroom and kura / school environments.
  
  
• practical examples from other kaiako of how they have used and integrated brain-based strategies and interventions in a real-life class or school setting.
  
  
• identified issues to raise and discuss within your kura that can improve the inclusion of FASD and neurodiverse ākonga and how to best meet their complex needs.
  
  
• identified areas for future personal development that will enhance your knowledge and ability to meet the needs of neurodiverse learners within the vision of a modern, inclusive approach to education.
  
  

Testimonials 

"Fantastic course, well run and very informative, I would like to continue my study in this area if possible."

"Any new LSC should take part in the learning as it follows all the UDL principles that also support other neurodiverse learners." 

"The course challenged my preconceived ideas, understanding and biases regarding FASD students."

"Good mix of theory – loved all the practical applications. Great, up-to-date info."

"I think it's important for all educators to understand all the varieties of neurodiversity. This is a great place to start, or continue, that understanding."

Course delivery

• The course comprises 10 modules of 1.5 hours duration delivered fortnightly on a Thursday between 3.30pm and 5.00pm beginning on 5 March and ending on August 27.

• There will be a mix of presenters including Ailsa Clarke of Valiant Minds Education in Scotland; Debbie Kenwright, Educational Psychologist; and Kim Milne, Principal Advisor at FASD-CAN.

• We arrange the training delivery schedule to avoid school term breaks. There may need to be occasional flexibility to accommodate international presenters but if so we will give you as much notice as possible. 

• Once you have registered and paid for the training you will receive a registration confirmation email. Your Zoom link will be sent out in reminder emails before each session – you'll use this same link for each session.

Dates and module titles for 2026

Notes

• If registrants attend 8 out of the 10 modules they will receive a Certificate of Achievement and Attendance for the course, which will also record their total hours of learning.

• If registrants attend less than 8 of the modules they will instead receive a Transcript of Learning recording the title of the module(s) attended, and the hours of learning for each module.

Cost

$199 per person, or $150 per person for groups of FOUR or more.

We believe this represents excellent value given its length, the feedback we have received about its quality and the opportunity to improve the school experience for those with FASD, their caregivers and whānau – and for yourself as a kaiako / educator. And remember, you will find that strategies learned can be applied very successfully to ākonga with other neurodiversities, including ASD and ADHD.

Our Presenters

Ailsa Clarke is an ex-educator, now an independent consultant and trainer on trauma and FASD. She works across the independent and state education systems and is completing a post-grad degree in Diagnosis and Management of FASD. Ailsa takes a brain-based, trauma-informed approach to unlocking the learning potential of people with FASD and those affected with developmental trauma. 

Educational Psychologist Debbie Kenwright has worked in the education sector and as a social worker supporting youth in care. She is now an educational psychologist supporting Tamariki and rangatahi, their whānau and educators. Debbie’s background uniquely equips her to understand the demands made on neurodivergent ākonga / students.

Kim Milne is the Principal Advisor at FASD-CAN. She is responsible for the education activities of FASD-CAN. Kim also brings lived experience to her mahi as the mother of a young adult with FASD. 

Eligibility

There are no eligibility criteria to take part in this training for educators. However, a requirement of registration is that you do not share your Zoom link with other people who have not registered with us for the course.

Please consider becoming a member of FASD-CAN!

It's free – there is a quick form to fill in which will help us with future planning; there is no requirement on your part; you will receive a monthly email about FASD matters – and you will add to our numbers which helps with funding. Please join us here!

Any questions?

If you have any questions about the course or want to know more, please contact Paige via [email protected]

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Further info on FASD in NZ schools

Education is an important part of life for any tamariki or rangitahi, but even more so for vulnerable ākonga/students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), who often struggle in a kura environment.

Research by the University of Auckland has shown that Aotearoa’s kaiako/teachers are looking for more information and training about best practice to support their learners with FASD.

FASD in education - the numbers

The Ministry of Health has conservatively estimated that between 3-5% of the population each year is born with FASD in Aotearoa. This makes FASD the most common non-genetic neurodisability in the world, more prevalent in society than Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, Tourette's syndrome and cerebal palsy – combined.