The following is a list of great VHS/DVD resources that all have the topic of FASD or another related topic. Please let us know if there is a VHS/DVD title you would like us to share.

F.A.S.: When the Children Grow Up (Knowledge Network; National Film Board of Canada)

Comments: current (2002); 40 minutes; DVD (also available in French)

Content:

• • explores the realities of living with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (F.A.S.) and partial F.A.S., called Fetal Alcohol Effects (F.A.E.)
  • this documentary tells the stories of three adults living with F.A.S.; provides commentary from experts in the field

For more information and to order: National Film Board: http://www.nfb.ca/collection/films/fiche/?id=53434; cost: $69.95; 1-800-267-7710

Date reviewed: June, 2006 (updated Oct., 2012)

FASD: Finding Hope

Comments:  2009; Knowledge Network – see below for length of each chapter

Content:  Finding Hope tells the stories of four mothers and their kids, as they search for answers and understanding of FASD.  Focusing on both prevention and potential, this documentary follows the families and features important insight and information from the doctors, experts, teachers and caregivers who strive to provide a greater understanding about FASD. 

It includes an introduction, documentary of the families, and other chapters on resources and supports (10 chapters; 54:02) As well, five separate components focus on “About FASD” (6 chapters; 06:41), “Prevention” (4 chapters; 06:33), “Assessment and Diagnosis” (6 chapters; 09:44), “Resources for Parents” (10 chapters; 22:33) and “Resources for Educators” (7 chapters; 15:46).  Each of these five components also has a text overview, links and downloads.

Update Jan 15 2010: the Knowledge Network is launching a new website with a new content management system. The temporary link for watching this online is:

http://findinghope.knowledge.ca/

To order:  Not available to purchase at this time but it may be borrowed from a local library in your area. 

Date reviewed:  August, 2009 (updated Nov. 2010)

FASD “Realities and Possibilities” – The Myles Himmelreich Story (Saskatchewan Prevention Institute)

Comments: 2009; 51 minutes; Myles Himmelreich is a young man living Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. He is an eloquent speaker who brings his message about both his challenges and his successes. It is appropriate for anyone wanting to understand more about FASD from an honest and personal perspective.

Content:

• • In this documentary, Myles courageously tells his story, speaking candidly about the issues he continues to face, as well as the strategies he has used to manage and overcome them. This resource includes an accompanying DVD guide, which provides discussion questions and additional information about FASD.

For a copy of this DVD, contact Bev Drew at the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute (306)655-2459.

Date reviewed: November, 2010

FASD Workshop for Parents, Caregivers, Support Workers and Service Providers (Northern Family Health Society; CDBC Key Worker Services Program)

Comments:   February, 2010; workshop; information package included; 2 DVD’s

Content:  Four speakers presented on four topics:
    1.  Nutrition (1:11)
    2.  Speech and Language (1:28)
    3.  Occupational Therapy (1:27)
    4.  Environmental Modification (1:04)

For more information and to order: Northern Family Health Society at 250-561-2689; cost:  $50.00.

Date reviewed:  July, 2010 (update Nov., 2010)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Employment: Supporting Adults with FASD on the Job (School of Social Work, University of Victoria; FAS/E Support Network of BC)

Comments: 2004; a frank and honest look at the challenges and barriers that individuals with FASD may face regarding employment. It includes strategies and approaches that adults affected by FASD, their support people and employers have found to be effective. Educators who work with learners who are transitioning to the workplace may find this resource helpful for supporting learners and for educating potential employers; available with a companion booklet; 34 minutes; DVD (English with optional French subtitles)

Content:

• • Featuring six adults living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, this video focuses on some of the employment related experiences and challenges faced by people with FASD. Highlighted as well are suggestions and strategies found to be helpful – both on and off the job.

To order or for more information, please contact:  Deborah Rutman, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC

Telephone: (250)721-8202 Email: drutman@uvic.ca

Date reviewed: November, 2010

How Difficult Can This Be: Understanding Learning Disabilities (PBSVideo/McIntyre Media; Richard Lavoie)

Comments: a bit dated but still very effective; 75 minutes; DVDContent:

• • not specific to FASD but an experiential and powerful video which simulates how learners with various disabilities "learn" (and feel!)

To order:  http://www.mcintyre.ca/   (1-800-565-3036); $69.95

Date reviewed: June, 2006 (updated Nov., 2010)

Parenting with FASD: Challenges, Strategies and Supports (School of Social Work, University of Victoria;FAS/E Support Network of BC)

Comments: January 2005; a frank and honest look at the issues associated with parenting given prenatal exposure to alcohol. Explored as well are a variety of parenting supports, resources and strategies; available alone or with a companion booklet; 28 minutes; DVD

Content:

• • Featuring four adults living and parenting with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, this video focuses on some of the parenting-related experiences and challenges faced by people with FASD. Highlighted as well are strategies, suggestions and resources found to promote positive parenting.

To order or for more information, please contact:  Research Initiatives for Social Change unit, School of Social Work, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, V8W 2Y2

Telephone: (250)721-8202 Email: drutman@uvic.ca

or

FAS/E Support Network of BC

Telephone: (604)576-9112 Email: info@fetalalcoholcom   Video & Booklet: $45 Video/DVD only: $35 Booklet only: $15

Date reviewed: November, 2010

Recovering Hope (US Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental  Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) National Clearinghouse for Alcohol an Drug Information (NCADI)

Content: 

• • created for viewing by women in recovery and their counselors eight women tell poignant, memorable stories; they speak out about how alcohol use during pregnancy affected their children, how they are learning new ways to parent, and how they are recovering hope for the future
  • six researchers and clinicians support these stories by explaining the physical, mental, behavioural and learning disabilities associated with FASD and discussing evaluation and intervention services (Astley, Streissguth, Conner etc.)

Other: 

• • comes with a companion brochure called “Be the Best Mom You Can Be”

To order:  An updated version with closed captioning has just been released and is available at store.samhsa.gov and is free (although there may be shipping charges to Canada).

Date reviewed: June, 2006 (updated Nov., 2010)

Scrabble Rabble:  The Game of Life (Bulkley Valley FASD Prevention Committee; Smithers Community Services; funded through MCFD Make Children First and community sponsors)

To order:  $25.00 (comes with a Basic FASD Facts Handout); contact Natalie at 250-847-9515 or email fasd@scsa.ca

Updated Nov., 2010

Students Like Me

Comments: current (2000); 39 minutes; DVD or VHS

Content:

• • gives a visual model for teachers to work effectively with students affected by FAS
  • shows how to recognize a child with FAS in the classroom, how to modify the classroom environment, provide structure and predictability, adjust teaching methods, communicate clearly and plan transitions and unstructured time

To order: Available from the Canadian Learning Company - print the order form at  www.canlearn.com/pdf-lib/order.pdf  and mail or fax order to them.  Home edition (private home use only) $39.95, Single SIte license (school or address, no loans permitted) $195.00 and Public Performance Rights (use on site or loans off site) $225.00.  Shipping costs and GST are extra and please fax in order if using a Purchase Order (1-519-537-1035).

Date reviewed: June, 2006 (updated Nov. 2010)