Living with FASD

The biggest hidden-in-plain sight epidemic we face is FASD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, affecting 1:14 people to varying degrees and in differing ways. How many people do you know, counting family, friends, coworkers and acquaintances? Divide that number by 14 to find out how many people in YOUR circle have been affected by Prenatal Alcohol Exposure, regardless if they've received a diagnosis or not. This interview style podcast, by a host with both professional and living experience, seeks to educate the public, to combat the ongoing stigma, and to provide community and understanding to those living with the affects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and their loved ones.

Living with FASD is a health podcast hosted by Patricia Kasper, with 142 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Patricia Kasper hosts Living with FASD, a health show with 142 episodes published.

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  Episode #137

  FASD in Real Life: Marriage, Stigma & Changing the Narrative

  Aug 17, 202653 minS4

  COMING SOON! The launch of Patti’s second book, made possible by this very podcast – 4D Living with FASD: Shared Voices, Clearer Understandi ng launches Sept 9, and its companion study guide, Discover Your 4D Life: The FASD Living Experience will launch shortly thereafter! Both will be available at Patti’s online store at books.by/yourfasdcoach as well as Amazon and your local bookseller. In this week's deeply personal and eye-opening episode of Living with FASD , host Patti Kasper welcomes back Dr. Kristina Uban, director of the Developing Brains Laboratory at UC Irvine. After two and a half years, Dr. Uban returns to explore a topic rarely discussed in the context of neurodivergence: the reality of marriage, long-term relationships, and significant partnerships when navigating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Together, Patti and Kristina unpack the intersection of personal experience and academic research, challenging historical research stigmas, discussing the invisible load of complex medical comorbidities, and reframing the unique "wildflower intelligence" that comes with an FASD diagnosis. Key Discussion Points: Bridging the Academic and Personal: How Kristina’s professional world in neuroimaging collided with her personal life, reshaping her understanding of historical research pools and the narrow narratives surrounding FASD. The Realities of Marriage with FASD: Examining the unique relational pressures caused by financial strain, medical trauma, chronic illness, and the need for deep foundational trust. The "Car Breakdown" Analogy: A powerful framework for understanding when a partner's behavior is driven by burnout or a neurodivergent "breakdown" rather than personal malice. Moving Past Shame and Stigma: Embracing vulnerability, walking straight through social stigma, and finding resilience, authenticity, and leadership within the FASD community. As always, if you enjoyed today’s episode, Invisible Disabilities & Workplace Discrimination: Challenging the System with Julie Harris, then please remember to like, subscribe and share this podcast episode, because the more it is shared, the more people can find Living with FASD and learn more about the many and varied effects of Prenatal Alcohol Effects. If you would like to reach Kristina, please email her at kuban@uci.edu If you want to reach Patti to discuss either FASD training or life coaching, you can schedule a call using this links: https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation . Additional training topics can be found on her website, www.patriciakasper.com . You can also email Patti at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com I

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  Episode #135

  Diagnostic Overshadowing and Neurodiversity with Brett Williams

  Aug 10, 20261h 10mS4

  In this episode of Living with FASD , host Patti Kasper is joined by Brett Williams from the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan (LDAS). Together, they explore the complexities of non-apparent disabilities, late-in-life neurodivergent diagnoses, and the phenomenon of "diagnostic overshadowing"—where a single label can obscure an individual’s full spectrum of strengths and needs. From unpacking why "no pattern is the pattern" in FASD cognitive testing to rethinking accommodations in the workplace and classroom, Patti and Brett share a candid, compassionate, and humorous conversation on moving away from individual blame and toward true interdependence. Special Book Announcement & Teaser Mark your calendars for International FASD Awareness Day! Patti Kasper’s upcoming book, 4D Living with FASD: Shared Voices, Clearer Understanding , officially launches on September 9th . Grounded in qualitative research and lived experience, this book brings together real voices from the FASD community to shift paradigms, break down stigma, and build genuine understanding. Available September 9th at books.by/yourfasdcoach , Amazon, or your favorite local bookseller! Key Takeaways & Discussion Highlights Diagnostic Overshadowing: How focusing solely on a single diagnosis can blind us to an individual’s unique cognitive profile and strengths. "No Pattern is the Pattern": Why traditional, uniform testing patterns don't always fit neurodevelopmental conditions like FASD, and how scattered test results should be interpreted. The High Cost of Masking: Understanding the cognitive and metabolic energy tax that neurodivergent individuals pay to perform and "showtime" in daily life. Shift to Interdependence: Challenging the hyper-focus on absolute self-sufficiency and embracing social connectedness and mutual support. Preventative Accommodations: How simple, zero-cost support—like the gift of extra processing time—benefits entire organizations, schools, and communities. ️ About Our Guest Brett Williams (he/him) is the Director of Program Service Delivery for the Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan (LDAS). He has professional experience providing mental health counseling and consultation across the education, health, community, and private sectors. Brett has personal experience receiving mental health services, and is grateful to have a wonderful wife, a dynamic daughter, and a multitude of imaginary friends. Resources & Links Mentioned Learning Disabilities Association of Saskatchewan (LDAS): ldas.org

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  Episode #134

  Beyond the Brain: FASD, Aging, and Autoimmune Health with Dr. Tamara Bodner

  Aug 4, 202639 minS4

  When we talk about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), the conversation often centers around childhood behaviors or brain function. But what happens as we age with FASD? How does early exposure impact the rest of the body, from our immune system to our joints and digestive health? In this episode, Patti Kasper sits down with Dr. Tamara Bodner , Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, to break down the latest research on adult FASD outcomes, whole-body health, and aging. From her early preclinical work with legendary FASD researcher Dr. Joanne Weinberg to her current clinical studies in Calgary, Dr. Bodner shares crucial insights into how FASD manifests across the lifespan. In This Episode, You’ll Discover: From the Lab to the Lived Experience: How a simple question at a conference shifted Dr. Bodner’s focus from animal models to human clinical health. The Prevalence Gap: Why FASD remains underdiagnosed and misunderstood despite impacting 1 in 12 to 1 in 20 people across North America. Autoimmune & Inflammation: The connection between FASD, elevated inflammatory markers (cytokines), and early symptoms of autoimmune challenges. Aging & Dementia Questions: What the data actually reveals about brain biomarkers, cognitive decline, and why one-size-fits-all diagnostic tools don't always fit FASD. The Gut-Brain-Immune Axis: Emerging research on the gut microbiome in FASD and how modifiable lifestyle factors (diet, sleep, mobility) foster resilience. Participating in Research: How adults with lived experience in both the U.S. and Canada can get involved in ongoing studies. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Tamara Bodner’s Lab (University of Calgary): Search Tamara Bodner University of Calgary to explore active studies and research updates. Books Mentioned: Sip by Sip by Patti Kasper (https://books.by/yourfasdcoach) Connect & Follow: Website: patriciakasper.com Work With Patti: https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/introductory-chat-with-patti . Email her at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com Subscribe & Share: If this episode gave you clarity or hope, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or share this video with a friend or colleague!

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  Episode #132

  FASD Across the Lifespan: A Longitudinal Perspective with Dr. Claire Coles

  Jul 20, 202646 minS4

  In this episode of Living with FASD, Candid Conversations , I am honored to host Dr. Claire Coles, a pioneer in the FASD field from Emory University. Dr. Coles shares the history of her groundbreaking longitudinal study—spanning 40 years—which has been instrumental in our current understanding of how prenatal alcohol exposure affects development, health, and aging. We discuss the critical need for better medical protocols, the realities of aging with FASD, and why stories from the community are the key to moving the needle on policy and research. Key Discussion Points 40 Years of Research: Dr. Coles reflects on starting in the early 1980s when FASD was considered a "rare event" and discusses the transition from studying birth defects to understanding long-term health outcomes. Health Across the Lifespan: We delve into the findings regarding increased risk for chronic health issues in adulthood, including cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal problems, and early onset cognitive decline. The "Premature Aging" Phenomenon: We discuss the lived experience of accelerated aging in the FASD community and current research into immunological factors that may explain why many feel older than their chronological age. Collaboration and Advocacy: Dr. Coles emphasizes that research needs to be a partnership between scientists and the FASD community, urging listeners to speak up and share their stories to drive change in legislative and medical circles. Future Directions: We explore the urgent need for funded intervention studies and standardized medical protocols that support individuals with FASD throughout their lives, regardless of their access to insurance. Resources Mentioned Emory University School of Medicine CIFASD (Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders) Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD by Patti Kasper, available at https://books.by/yourfasdcoach Thank you for listening to this episode. Please subscribe to stay updated on our latest conversations with leaders in the FASD field. Please like this channel and this video to help others find this information. You can email Patti at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com

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  Episode #131

  Challenging the System: How to Manage Workplace Discrimination with Julie Harris

  Jul 13, 202659 minS4

  Workplace discrimination against neurodivergent individuals and those with invisible disabilities is a widespread reality, often occurring behind closed doors where HR policies meet individual needs. In this episode, I am joined by Julie Harris, who shares her powerful, lived experience of navigating seizures, workplace discrimination, and the EEOC mediation process. We dive deep into the legal realities of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specifically the often-misunderstood concept of "undue hardship" and the importance of the interactive process. Whether you are currently facing challenges at work or simply want to better understand your rights, this conversation provides the practical knowledge and encouragement you need to advocate for yourself confidently. Key Takeaways The Right to the Interactive Process: Employers are legally required to engage in an "interactive process" when you request an accommodation, working together to identify an effective solution. Demystifying "Undue Hardship": The burden of proof for "undue hardship" lies with the employer, not the employee. It has a specific legal definition involving significant difficulty or expense, and for large companies, costs under $500 rarely meet this threshold. The "TurboTax of Employment": Julie introduces her new, web-based tool designed to guide employees through the accommodation request process, generate templates, and flag potential retaliation, making advocacy more accessible. Dismantling Internal Ableism: Julie opens up about the importance of addressing the ableism we often direct at ourselves—judging our need for rest or our changing capacity—and reframing accommodation requests as essential tools for success rather than signs of a deficit. To get a copy of Julie’s book, Boldly Belong: The Power of Being YOU in a Disabling Society, go to https://a.co/d/0j8gvk6v To reach Julie, email her at Julie@accessmyability.org As always, if you enjoyed today’s episode, Invisible Disabilities & Workplace Discrimination: Challenging the System with Julie Harris, then please remember to like, subscribe and share this podcast episode, because the more it is shared, the more people can find Living with FASD and learn more about the many and varied effects of Prenatal Alcohol Effects. If you want to reach Patti to discuss either FASD training or life coaching: https://calendly.com/kaspertrainingandcoaching/consultation . Email Patti at livingwithfasdpodcast@gmail.com To get Patti’s book, Sip by Sip: Candid Conversations with Adults Living with FASD - www.books.by/yourfasdcoach Resources EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) - https://www.eeoc.gov/ Ernest Employee - Advocacy Tool (Upcoming) - https://ernestemployee.com LinkedIn Profile of Julie Harris - https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-harris/ Disability Rights and Law Resources - https://www.ada.gov/

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