Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD
by Patricia Kasper
As a foster and adoption social worker, Patricia Kasper wanted to understand why so many children in the foster care system fall between the cracks. A lifelong learner, she ultimately dove into the study of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, or FASD, which affects 5% of the general population, but up to 70% of youth in foster care. Indeed, Patricia learned that 80% of youth with an FASD are not raised by their parents, and that 86% are either un- or mis-diagnosed.
The training Patricia took was revolutionary, as not only did it explain why so many children and youth have been failed, as well as why foster families are so ill-prepared to meet their needs, but it also revealed to Patricia that she herself was impacted by prenatal exposure to alcohol. FASD, a physical disability with behavioral symptoms, is rarely diagnosed, even though it is the #1 preventable cause of developmental, learning and intellectual disabilities world-wide, affecting more people than Autism Spectrum, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida and Downs Syndrome combined.
Patricia Kasper, MA, MTh, is a trauma-informed FASD Life Coach & Trainer
Patricia Kasper, MA, MTh, is a trauma informed FASD Life Coach & Trainer, who is passionate about supporting those affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). With over thirty years of experience in the fields of addiction, mental health, and child welfare, Patricia recognized a need for greater outreach to help those impacted by FASD. While completing her certification as a neurobehavioral trainer, Patricia came to recognize that she had both professional and living experience with an FASD, shifting her passion from helping children and families to reaching the nearly 15 million US adults who, like her, had not known that FASD impacted their lives on a very personal level. She regularly guests on podcasts, hosts a weekly podcast, Living with FASD Kasper’s FASD Life Coaching & Training, LLC provides staff development training and coaching services, serving not only parents of children with brain-based differences but neurodivergent adults as well. Because traditional therapeutic approaches generally fail those with FASD or other neurobehavioral conditions, Patricia is passionate about helping others in the helping professions (social workers, therapists, coaches, and recovery specialists) to adopt a more effective paradigm to better support those who are neurodivergent. Out of her wealth of experience, Patricia has also created training packages addressing intergenerational trauma and adoption preparation. Her approach to coaching and training is unique and effective, drawing on her personal experience with FASD, her degrees in social work, psychology and theology, as well as her training as a Certified Facilitator of FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model. Her holistic approach weaves in the interconnectivity of trauma, attachment, and intergenerational parenting styles, which has proven to be successful for both neurodiverse adults and parents of neurodivergent children. Patricia’s passion for helping those affected by FASD, and dedication to creating change in the way in which the world views behavior, make her a valuable resource for individuals and organizations alike. Patricia Kasper is truly making a difference in the lives of those affected by FASD and creating a lasting impact on the world. Patricia lives with her husband and fur-babies, including three dogs and eight rescued cats, and cares full time for her mother, who suffers from Lewy Body Dementia.