This newsletter contains information regarding resources, services, articles, research and any other materials that might inform and provide support to frontline workers and caregivers.If you wish to share information or to be added to our e-list subscription, please contact: Brielle: bdergousoff@bissellcentre.org

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July/August 2011 Inside:Effects of Summer Break 2Alcohol: Tips & Tricks 3Article of Interest 4Bookshelf 5Bulletin Board 6-7

Summer is here and that (hopefully) means some nice summer heat! Summer heat safety tips are important for the whole family, including pets. Overheating during the summer months can be dangerous, but there are

ways to stay prepared and safe.

During the hottest hours of the day, stay inside or in the shade if possible. The hottest hours of the day are typically from mid morning to mid afternoon. Dress lightly and when sleeping, use lightweight breathable covers. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. If you do not have air conditioning, keep blinds closed from morning until late afternoon to block extra direct heat from sunlight. Use a fan. Don’t place the fan directly in front of a window because it may push hot air in. Try placing a fan so that it blows in the room and out the window instead. Move your exercise routine to the early morning or later in the evening. Never leave anyone in the car while you run in to do a quick errand. Not a pet, not a child, not anyone. Cars can become overheated quickly and when overheated, can become like ovens. People can succumb to heat exposure very quickly when in a hot car.

Effects of Summer Break on Students with Disabilities

Summer break may have both positive and negative effects on children with disabilities. Some students with special needs

adjust well to the ‘rest period’ of summer break, while others fare better with consistent academic and social stimulation.

When the school year comes to a close, many parents and teachers wonder about the possible effects of summer break

on students with disabilities. Because the specific special needs of a child may involve academic delays, behavioral issues,

social deficits, or a combination of the three, the overall effect of a two to three-month summer break may vary

significantly from student to student. Parents and educators can consult with one another to determine if summer break is

advantageous for an individual child, and can also discuss programs such as summer school or day camps.

By: Finn Orfano, Edited by Elizabeth Stannard Gromisch June, 2010

Benefits of Summer Break Summer break can be a good experience for many students with disabilities. The following points are commonly cited by experts who favor the idea of allowing a child to have a ‘rest period’ in between school years.

Summer breaks help kids to avoid ‘school overload’ : Children with special needs sometimes benefit from being able to ‘recharge their batteries’ over the summer so that they are relaxed and ready to begin the next grade in fall. Involved parents can help children with academics at home: Academic regression can be avoided if parents are diligent about helping their kids with summer reading and math in the home environment. Social interaction can take place in relaxed environments: Kids who have social difficulty may still have ample opportunity to interact with other children if parents plan trips to the library, pool, or friends houses.

Drawbacks of Summer BreakSome children with special needs are negatively affected by a summer break from school. The potential disadvantages of summer vacation for these students include:

Regression of academic skills: Students who need consistent instruction in academic subjects in order to retain information may face challenges when starting a new grade after a summer break. Regression of social skills: Kids who have communication disorders such as Autism or Asperger’s syndrome may regress socially if they are not in regular contact with peers over the summer. Interruption of school-­‐based therapies: Children with special needs who receive speech therapy or occupational therapy during the school year may lapse in progress if not enrolled in a summer program. Deviation from routine: Some children with special needs thrive on routine and may not react well behaviorally if sleep or travel patterns are changed in the summertime.

Summer FunHere are a few simple and inexpensive ways to have some summer fun!

Sloppy Sensory: With nice weather, partake in some goopy activities outside that will help your child/teen integrate their

senses. Spray an outside table with shaving cream and let them smear it around or fill a bin with rice and let them dig in.

Tent Building: Pull out your old blankets, cushions and towels and grab some lawn chairs, have the tent take over your living

room or backyard. Tent play can occupy children for hours. It may also be a great resource to soothe them, providing a hide-

out or quiet place.

Visit a local berry picking farm where the kids/teens can pick their own strawberries or raspberries. Don’t stop there, take the

berries home and whip up a tasty dessert together!

Alcohol : Tips & Tricks As the warm days of summer move it, so do the boozy nights. Alcohol seems to be embedded in many of summer’s

activities. a new UK based site: www.drinkaware.co.uk provides accessible, evidence-­‐based information about alcohol and it’s effects to employers, young people, teachers, parents and community workers. The site is full of

information on a variety of alcohol related topics, the information below is just a sampling of what is offered on the site!

Alcohol isn’t a stimulant, it’s a depressant.

That’s why drinking too much often leads to to impaired judgement,

slurring of speech, a tendency toward violent behavior and loss of short-

term memory. As alcohol also irritates the stomach, heavy drinking can

cause sickness and nausea, and sometime diarrhea. Alcohol also has a

dehydrating effect, which is the main reason why excessive drinking can

lead to a hangover. It can also lead to temporary impotence in men.

How underage drinking can affect

people’s long-term health.

Starting drinking as a young person can result in a greater risk of

developing long term health conditions later in life. Young bodies

are still growing, and alcohol can harm their development.

Regular drinking can lead to cancer, liver disease, heart disorders

and impotence later in life.

Sleep - Ever wondered why you feel so tired the morning after the night before? You’ve had a hard day. A million things are running

through your head as you get ready for bed. You know you’re not going to

get to sleep easily. A drink or two will help, won’t it? Alcohol might help

you nod off (as anyone who’s ever passed out after one too many will tell

you...), but even just a few drinks can affect the quality of your sleep.

When you drink a lot of alcohol close to bedtime, you can go straight into

deep sleep, missing out on the first stage of sleep, called rapid eye

movement (REM) sleep. Alcohol interferes with the normal sleep

process. Your deep sleep is when the body restores itself, and alcohol can

interfere with this. In the course of a night you usually have six to seven

cycles of REM sleep, which leaves you feeling refreshed. However, if

you’ve been drinking, you’ll typically have only one to two, meaning you

wake feeling exhausted. You may also be waking up to use the bathroom.

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it encourages the body to use extra

fluid, making you dehydrated. Drinking can also cause heartburn,

making you wake in the night. It can make you snore loudly too, because

drinking relaxes the muscles in your body. This means the tissue in

your throat, mouth and nose is more likely to stop air flowing

smoothly, and more likely to vibrate.

Anxiety and DepressionAlcohol can temporarily relieve some negative thoughts and feelings because it alters the chemistry of your brain. That’s why some use drinking as a prop to help ‘cope’ with life or stress. But over the long term, heavy drinking can magnify problems and make life more difficult.

Article of Interest University Professor Adapting Popular Video Games to Treat FASDBy: Rebecca Cheung, Special to The Sun

June 1, 2011

Chris Bertram spends his days playing around with video games, all in the name of science.

The University of Fraser Valley professor is working with computer scientists and other research institutions across the country, including the University of B.C. and the University of Victoria, in adapting popular video games they believe have benefits for treating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, also known as FASD.

Children with FASD are born with damage to certain parts of the brain. As a result, these individuals might have problems with memory, maintaining focus and grasping consequences.

Approximately 300,000 Canadians are currently living with FASD, according to Health Canada’s website. Individuals who do not benefit from early intervention tend to develop secondary disabilities, such as mental health problems, alcoholism and troubles with the law.

Bertram’s study, set to begin in September in Abbotsford, uses video games to explore whether children with FASD can develop techniques to alter their patterns of thinking to overcome certain deficiencies they were born with.

This research is driven by the principle or neuroplasticity, the idea that the brain in malleable and can be changed though experience and training.

“The brain can alter its function. It can rewire itself,” Bertram said. “That’s essentially what we’re hoping happens here.”

Bertram is recruiting children with FASD to play video games for his 12-­‐week study.

These gamers will wear special headsets that allow scientists to monitor patterns of brain activity in real-­‐time. Based on this information, which indicates whether a child is starting to become excited, anxious, or less focused, scientists can manipulate how these video games appear on screen.

For example, if these recordings indicate that the child is starting to become less attentive, the researchers can blur or distort the images as a signal that the child should shift focus back to the game.

“Their ability to see the game and play the game effectively is going to be disrupted,” Bertram said. “What they are going to learn how to do is make those disruptions disappear by changing the pattern of activation of their brain.”

Though many researchers are hopeful, this brand or neurotherapy has not yet been validated by scientists.

Queen’s University professor James Reynolds, who is working with Bertram on this study, said most evidence up until now has been anecdotal.

“The evidence that this approach is effective is lacking,” Reynolds said. “That’s one of the gaps we’re trying to fill with this project.”

Therefore, before these participants begin playing video games, scientists will assess each child’s cognitive abilities, like the ability to maintain attention. Motor skills, such as balance, coordination, running speed and strength, will also be measured. Children will be encouraged to play video games that they are likely to excel at.

These abilities and skills will be measured again, at the end of the study, to assess and changes.

This study is one among several in an emerging research field that looks at the potential of video games as interventions for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Two Network Centres of Excellence, NeuroDevNet and GRAND, a group focused on graphics animation and new media development, co-­‐invested $500,000 last December towards Canadian research investigating the potential uses of video games for diagnosis and treatment of childhood brain disorders.

www.vancouversun.com

Bookshelf

Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder FASD: Who is Responsible? The implications of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder for the affected individual and the family are devastating. The social and economic burden to society is enormous with formidable expenditures in health care, mental health care, education, social services, and possibly correctional services. Prevention has been a goal since the condition was medically described and defined forty years ago, but has remained elusive though feasible. This book reviews the evidence for effective strategies. It lays out what needs to be done. The book is of great value to policy makers, clinicians, researchers, and others advocating for action against this condition that is reducing the potential of our society and sapping its resources. Available for purchase at: www.ihe.ca

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder FASD: Management and Policy PerspectivesReflecting the recent increased public awareness of the topic, this is the first and most comprehensive resource for over a decade on the molecular basis, prevalence, treatment options, socioeconomic impact and prevention strategies of FASD. Edited by world-renowned experts, this compendium includes the latest research results to provide new insights and realistic estimations of FASD frequencies in Western communities. An invaluable resource for every professional dealing with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of FASD, from researchers via health professionals to social workers. Available for purchase at: www.ihe.ca

Metis Settlements and First Nations in Alberta: Community Profiles This resource provides a general overview of the eight Metis Settlements and 48 First Nations in Alberta. Included is information on population, land base, location and community contacts as well as Quick Facts on Metis Settlements and First Nations. The Community Profiles are compiled and published by the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations to support an enhanced awareness of Aboriginal communities in Alberta and to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal people and their communities. Available at: www.aboriginal.alberta.ca

Guide to Aboriginal Organizations and Services in Alberta This guide is a listing of First Nation, Metis and Aboriginal organizations and services in Alberta. Also included are national and umbrella organizations with offices located elsewhere. This guide is compiled and produced by the Ministry of Aboriginal Relations in order to provide contact information for Aboriginal organizations and services across the province. Available at: www.aboriginal.alberta.ca

Sam’s BearThis children’s storybook raises awareness of brain development and FASD. It combines storytelling with science and includes a guide on brain development for caregivers and parents. Available in French and English, it may be a valuable tool for First Nation and Inuit health workers, Child and Family Services, Child Welfare System, Foster families, School Boards, and Correctional Services. This book can be ordered FREE (+ shipping and handling) at:www.niichro.com

Bulletin BoardAre you part of and agency or organization that

works with individuals who may be affected by

FASD? EFAN is continually looking to expand its membership and to establish linkages with relevant agencies and committees in order to build on the Network’s and the community’s capacity, while offering culturally sensitive services across the lifespan. The Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network is open to all agencies and community members who have an interest in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and its related issues. If you are interested in learning more about EFAN or becoming a member, please visit the EFAN blog or contact the Network.

Blog: http://www.edmontonfetalalcoholnetwork.wordpress.comEmail: fasdsolutions@hotmail.comPhone: 780.378.2450

Upcoming Network Meetings:• Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011• Tuesday, September 6th, 2011• Tuesday, October 4th, 2011

What’s Happening?

Do you have an FASD related workshop, training opportunity or event that you would like to have mentioned in an upcoming FASD Frontline Newsletter? Let us

know and we’ll do our best to include it in the bulletin board pages!*

Please email the details or poster of your event to:

fasdsolutions@hotmail.com

* Based on available space, relevance of the event/training/ workshop and timing of newsletter release.

Kid is a 5-day, outdoor adventure day camp where kids can experience the wonders of animals and nature! Nature walks, pony rides, animal interaction, stories and crafts will fill the day with fun! Through specifically designed hands on activities with animals and nature, children will work on skill building including communication and social skills. This camp is designed for children with special needs. Camp days take place on the beautifully treed and trailed 40 acre Dreamcatcher Ranch, located in Ardrossan, Alberta;; 30 minutes East of Edmonton and 10 minutes East of Sherwood Park. Qualified Dreamcatcher staff will guide and facilitate fun yet challenging camp activities in this natural and safe environment. Each day will be filled with new and engaging experiences of discovery and adventure.

6 to 8 year olds July 25th to July 29th 2011 9 to 12 year olds Aug. 22nd to Aug. 26th 2011

Registration and fee deadline is July 15th 2011 for 6 to 8 year olds and Aug. 12th 2011 for 9 to 12 year olds.

Time: 9:00am to 3:00pm each day

Fee: $325.00 per person per week (fees can be paid by cash or cheque)

Maximum 10 participants per camp children will be matched in camps with similar children *Must have minimum 8 participants for camp to run

Lunches and snacks will be provided.

Location: 53044 RR#213, Ardrossan, AB To register or for more information:

780-922-1047 dani@wildroseinternet.ca

Bulletin Board

Retreat Dates: Aug. 8th to Aug. 12th 2011

Daily from 9:30am to 3:30pm Age Group: youth in grades 9 and 10 Number of participants: Maximum of 8 participants Lunch: Lunches will be provided for each day of the retreat. Transportation: Participants are responsible for transportation to and from the Dreamcatcher site each day.

is a 5 day therapeutic day-retreat intended to empower youth through self discovery. The August 2011 retreat is specifically designed as a starting point to help young people in grades 9 and 10 navigate the fast and furious realms of self-identity, healthy choices and relationships. Addressing the

activities will empower youth by: highlighting their abilities, teaching them responsible decision making skills, modeling effective communication strategies, helping them to understand and develop healthy leadership views and increasing their confidence in being who they are.

Navigate will take place outdoors on the beautifully treed and trailed 40 acre Dreamcatcher Ranch, located in Ardrossan, Alberta;; 30 minutes East of Edmonton and 10 minutes East of Sherwood Park. Youth will spend the entire retreat interacting with more than 25 of the Dreamcatcher animals, many of whom were donated and are now thriving with the love and acceptance of children and youth who attend the Dreamcatcher programs.

Mental Health and Animal Assisted Therapy Dreamcatcher staff will guide and facilitate participants in fun yet challenging activities which include learning to communicate and develop a healthy relationship with many different animal species, caring for animals, understanding herd dynamics, working as a team to accomplish a variety of animal-related tasks, exploring and respecting nature and developing a mutually rewarding relationship with all the Dreamcatcher animals, program facilitators and other youth at the retreat. Through interactive work with the Dreamcatcher animals, participants will forage a path to self discovery and personal growth.

To Register: Contact: 780-922-1047

dani@wildroseinternet.ca

Location:53044 RR #213 Ardrossan, Alberta,T8G 2C4

Registration Deadline: July 22, 2011 Retreat Fees: $450.00 per youth for 5-day retreat Fee Submission Deadline: July 22, 2011 Methods of Payment: Cheque or Cash

*Please make cheques payable to: Dreamcatcher Nature Assisted Therapy Ltd.

November 21-22, 2011 Calgary, Alberta

ADVANCE NOTICE

NETWORK, SHARE AND LEARN…We invite you to join us in this important multidisciplinary conference focused on Fetal AlcoholSpectrum Disorder (FASD) and its impact on individuals, families, communities and society at large.The two day conference will feature half day plenaries with keynotes Dr. Gabor Maté and Dr. MartinBrokenleg, breakout sessions and a community showcase. This year’s conference will also feature aspecial focus on mental health and addictions issues.

CONFERENCE LOCATION:Hyatt Regency Calgary Hotel 700 Centre Street SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 5P6. Phone: 403 717 1234

CONFERENCE HOTELS:A room block and special rates have been secured at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for conferencedelegates. Please reserve your rooms under the FASD Conference block. The conference room rate is$189 per night plus applicable taxes, based on single or double occupancy. We strongly advise that youbook your room as soon as possible as we anticipate that the room block will fill up quickly.

OBJECTIVES AND THEMES:Over the course of the two day conference, participants can expect to:

increase their knowledge on recent developments in the field of FASD in Alberta and Canada; network and share with people from all areas of the FASD field; and increase their understanding of lives affected by FASD.

AUDIENCE:This conference will be of interest to: caregivers and families, individuals with FASD, teachers, teacheraides, social workers, nurses, speech language pathologists, physical therapists, occupationaltherapists, psychologists, physicians, alcohol and drug workers, mental health workers, communityworkers, family support workers, program providers, vocational rehab service providers, electedofficials, government ministries, lawyers and policy makers.

Registration will open in July 2011REGISTRATION FEE: $150.00Please visit www.fasd cmc.alberta.ca for more information and a link to registration once open.

For additional information or any questions, please contact Amanda Amyotte at 780 422 6494 oramanda.amyotte@gov.ab.ca.

Are you looking for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder resources, articles,

programs, or information on supports and services in Edmonton and the

surrounding area?

Visit the Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network’s BLOG! The EFAN blog contains the

most up to date Network news as well as information on programs and services in

Edmonton, upcoming training opportunities and events as well as all archived FASD

Frontline Newsletters!

Visit the Blog at: http://www.edmontonfetalalcoholnetwork.wordpress.com