Dec 08

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD): What Is It and What Do We Do About It?

Of all substances of abuse, alcohol causes the most serious long-term effects in a fetus, resulting in permanent brain damage. Many children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders often go undiagnosed and suffer lifelong social challenges, serious mental health problems, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. Proper identification and intervention can help prevent many of these challenges. Attendees will learn to identify red flags & signs that may indicate brain-based behaviors as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure. 2 CEs, 2.5 CLEs

Monday, December 8, 2025

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm EST

Cost: FREE

This presentation encourages attendees to reframe social and emotional difficulties, challenging behaviors, and learning struggles in children as symptoms of brain-based differences, rather than willful defiance or opposition.

TAKEAWAYS:

Learn what FASD is and how it is often misdiagnosed.
Learn how FASD impacts brain development and behaviors.
Learn to identify FASD red flags.
Gain a shift in perspective about those with social/emotional
problems, difficult behaviors, or learning challenges.

Continuing Education:

2 CEs approved by the Florida Board of CSW, MFT, and MHC for LCSW, LMFT, LMHC and Certified Master Social Workers through CEBrokers.

Florida Bar Association: CLE Credits: 2.5 General, 2.5 Mental Health and Wellness; Certification Credits: 2.5 Juvenile Law

PRESENTERS:

Tamra Cajo, LCSW

Statewide Director of FASD Services

Tamra Cajo, LCSW, is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker with nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood development and prevention. She currently serves as the Director of the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Clinics at The Florida Center for Early Childhood—home to the only diagnostic clinics for FASD in the state of Florida.

Tamra is actively involved in national efforts to support individuals and families affected by FASD. She serves on the Executive Council of FASD United and is a Board Member of FASCETS. She is also a certified facilitator in the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model and a Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) Practitioner.

Previously, Tamra was the lead trainer in the Midwest for ACT Raising Safe Kids, an evidence-based violence prevention curriculum. Her extensive training also includes a range of other evidence-based programs such as Circle of Security Parenting, Families Moving Forward (FMF), Helping the Non-Compliant Child, Chicago Parent Program, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.

Crystal Dethlefs

Crystal Dethlefs is the proud biological and adoptive mother of seven children, including four siblings who joined her family as infants following prenatal alcohol exposure. Her lived experience has fueled a deep passion for supporting individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and equipping caregivers and professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to provide effective, compassionate care.

Crystal serves as a Parent Advocate with the FASD Clinic at The Florida Center for Early Childhood, where she works to promote informed care that leads to positive outcomes for individuals with FASD and their families.