Sponsored by The Florida Center for Early Childhood and the State of Florida, Department of Health

Jul 28

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

Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Time: 10:30 am - 12:30 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.

The Florida Certification Board recognizes this presenation in the areas of mental health and child welfare.

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 at The Florida Center for Early Childhood's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Clinic

Tamra Cajo, LCSW, is a bilingual licensed clinical social worker with nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood development and prevention. Tamra is actively involved in national efforts to support individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). She serves on the Executive Council of FASD United and the Board of FASCETS. She is a certified facilitator in the FASCETS Neurobehavioral Model, a TBRI Practitioner, and previously served as the Midwest lead trainer for ACT Raising Safe Kids. Her training also includes Circle of Security Parenting, Families Moving Forward, Helping the Non-Compliant Child, Chicago Parent Program, and Youth Mental Health First Aid.

Jenn Werden, MSW

Outreach and Engagement Coordinator at The Florida Center for Early Childhood's Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Clinic

Jenn Werden, MSW is a mom of four incredible children, including one child living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, the most severe on the FASD spectrum. She serves as Outreach and Engagement Coordinator for The Florida Center's FASD program. She earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in social work from Florida State University. Jenn is expertly trained in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) and has participated in FASCETS neurobehavioral model, Circle of Security, and numerous FASD trainings. She values utilizing her lived experiences along with her clinical education.

This free training is offered as a part of the FASD Program's grant-funded deliverables and is hosted by The Florida Center Training Institute. Optional Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for a separate administrative fee.