Tucson resident Teresa Kellerman will conduct a two-day Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder seminar this week in Kingman.
"Teresa is a state-recognized fetal alcohol expert working through the Department of Developmental Disabilities," said Vicki Brewster, facilitator for a local group training screeners. "She is the adoptive mom of a son with fetal alcohol syndrome and a professional trainer and screener."
Kellerman will present a program dealing with interventional strategies for children and adults with suspected or diagnosed fetal alcohol spectrum disorder from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday in the Kingman Community Foundation, 2985 John L Ave. It includes four hours of training for support coordinators, supervisors, counselors, social workers, program managers and providers and is the second of three seminars for prospective screeners. As a result of this program, participants will be able to recognize neurobehavioral symptoms of FASD among all ages; differentiate between FASD and co-occurring disorders; understand the experience of families (birth, adoptive, foster or kinship caregivers); apply interventional strategies for affected infants, children, adults and their families; and identify resources in the state for families coping with FASD, Brewster said.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday at the same location, Kellerman will present the "Magical FASD Mystery Tour." Families of individuals with FASD are invited to hear and see a powerful, positive, realistic and funny one-day workshop.
Topics to be covered include understanding FASD behavior; the nine-step ladder to success for parents and caregivers; how to care for the caretaker (especially when it's you); nutritional recommendations for children and adults; how to avoid FASD Parent Stress Disorder, a reasonable plan for supporting adults with FASD; and how to work through grief, anger, fear and frustration.
There is no fee to attend the training Tuesday or workshop Wednesday, however, you must register by contacting Brewster at 753-8077 or e-mail to kapcsn@yahoo.com. The Kingman Area Partnership for Children with Special Needs will host the events.
The first training session was held Aug. 15.
"We had 98 attendees and it was awesome," Brewster said. "I'm hoping for 50 this time."
