FASD Counselling and Consulting 2.15

Natascha Lawrence, M.A., R.C.C., is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Play Therapist specializing in the mental health and addiction treatment of children, youth and adults affected by FASD. She has her masters in counselling psychology and over 10 years experience working with individuals and their families.

On top of her private practice, Natascha currently works as the Group Facilitator, Youth and Family Counsellor, at BC Children's Hospital for inpatient psychiatry, and as a Student and Family Specialist at James Cameron School, a school specializing in the in the education of students with learning disabilities. She has also previously worked at the Asante Centre, which provides diagnostic services for individuals suspected of having FASD, ASD, and other brain based disabilities.

More importantly, Natascha is a caregiver to an amazing child diagnosed with a brain based disability.

What is FASD?

According to the US diagnostic standards, and previous Canadian standards FASD is commonly referred to an umbrella term referring to a spectrum of diagnoses. However, accordingly to the new recommended diagnostic standards, FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorder, a diagnostic term. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder refers to the spectrum of effects that can occur in an individual who was prenatally exposed to alcohol. These effects can include lifelong physical, mental, behavioural difficulties, and learning disabilities.

Though, there are currently no confirmed statistics on the number of people in Canada who have FASD, prenatal alcohol exposure is considered the most common known cause of developmental disability in the western world. Commonly, some studies have estimated rates to be approximately 1% of the general population, though other studies have suggested rates as high as 5%, and even higher in certain populations.

Why provide mental health and addictions treatment specific to those affected by FASD?

As a result of many factors including central nervous system damage, maladaptive behaviours, poor adaptive functioning, and environmental factors such as trauma, individuals with FASD are often diagnosed with additional mental health and addictions issues. Some studies have suggested at rates as high as 80-90%.

Natascha has worked in various mental health, addictions, and educational settings. In each of these settings she became very disheartened at how few professionals (from Heath Care Workers to Physicians) had a clear understanding of the needs of the individuals with FASD they were working with. Myths and misconceptions were common, and typically the outcomes for these individuals were poor. As a caregiver to a child with a brain based disability, this was unacceptable. Therefore, Natascha has made it her mission to improve the lives of all those affected by FASD.

It is also that Natascha is hopeful and knows that no matter the diagnosis, everyone can receive help that will make things better.