ALC of FASD Changemakers: ALC of FASD Changemakers: Forgotten or Ignored? FASD as the Adult Orphan of Disability Does Anyone Care?
2026-05-12 13:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Zoom, FL, United States
Live Interactive Online Training offered on Zoom
Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026Time: 1:00 – 3:00 pm EST, 12-2pm Ct, 11-1pm MT, 10-12pm PSTCost: FREE
Description:
For more than four decades, adults living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) have been described as the “orphan child of disability,” a term originally used by a provincial court judge in British Columbia who repeatedly encountered individuals with FASD in the justice system without appropriate diagnosis, understanding, or support. Unfortunately, this description remains strikingly relevant today. In this workshop, the FASD Changemakers Adult Leadership Committee (ALC) will explore the systemic and societal factors that have contributed to the ongoing marginalization of adults with FASD. Participants will examine how missed or delayed diagnosis, lack of informed support systems, and widespread misunderstanding of brain-based disabilities have left many adults with FASD overlooked by service systems designed to help them. Through lived experience perspectives and critical discussion, the presenters will examine what has gone wrong over the past 40 years and why many adults with FASD continue to fall through the cracks in health care, social services, education, and the justice system. The session will challenge participants to reflect on the roles systems and professionals play in perpetuating or addressing these gaps. Participants will also be encouraged to consider what must change moving forward. By identifying key barriers and exploring practical ways to improve awareness, response, and support for adults with FASD, this workshop aims to shift the conversation from understanding the problem to becoming part of meaningful solutions for the future.
Learning Objectives:

Define the concept of the “orphan child of disability” as it relates to adults living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Identify systemic barriers that contribute to missed diagnosis, misunderstanding, and lack of appropriate support for adults with FASD.
Describe how gaps across service systems (health care, education, social services, and justice) impact outcomes for individuals with FASD.

The Florida Center for Early Childhood, home to Florida’s only FASD Diagnostic Clinics, located in Sarasota, Orlando, and the panhandle.
Presenters:
CJ Lutke – CanadaCJ Lutke, who is 41, was diagnosed with full FAS at birth and adopted by her foster family at age five, who had already adopted her older brother and sister who also have FASD. She is a well-known speaker on FASD, having presented at and participated in many conferences, seminars, training sessions and other events for over 20 years. CJ is a systems changer and advocate, provides advice and consultation and participates as an advisor and team member for different research projects. She currently sits on various committees, including one to make changes to the family court system in British Columbia (BC), chaired by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of BC, and has just been asked to be on a research project on suicidality in those with FASD by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, the national centre in Canada. She provides mentoring to younger adults with FASD and is the author of an on-line blog that is hosted by NOFASD Australia which is followed globally. As well, CJ has been a member of the Adult Leadership Collaborative (ALC) of FASD Changemakers for 15 year and was one of its founders. She was the co-lead on their first ground-breaking Lay of the Land Survey on the health and physical issues of adults with diagnosed FASD that has received wide international attention and was published in 2020. CJ was the lead author on their second Lay of the Land Survey on the Quality of Life of Adults with diagnosed FASD, results of which have been presented widely including to NIAAA and were published in 2024. As well, CJ became an adoptive parent when she adopted her now 12-year-old son (with FASD) from foster care when he was seven. CJ believes that those with FASD must challenge perceptions about possibilities and outcomes, find their purpose and change the future. Her goal is to help others with FASD find their voice and to understand that we are greater when we work together.
Maggie May – IrelandMaggie May, who is 29 years old, was diagnosed at the age of five with FAS in foster care, where she grew up. She was born in and has lived her entire life in Ireland. She is a well-known speaker on FASD, having presented widely, moderates several on-line groups including the largest global online support group for teens and adults with FASD and provides online mentoring to teens with FASD in several countries. Maggie is a systems changed and advocate and has been a member of the ALC for 5 years. She works for FASD UK. She is currently an expert advisory committee member for the development of a health app for adults with FASD by the University of Rochester, USA. Maggie’s goal is to help audiences change the way they view FASD, educate society to build environments for success, and empower those with FASD to find their own voices, purpose and the courage to be who they are and achieve what they want to do.

Infant Mental Health Training: DC:0–5™ Overview (for Administrators and Allied Professionals)
2026-06-03 09:30 - 11:00
The DC:0-5 Overview Training helps administrators and allied professionals gain a foundation for understanding this diagnostic System.For Early Childhood Court staff, Case managers, Attorneys, Guardians Ad Litem, DCF Staff, Judiciary, and other professionals working with young children.
Description:
The Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0–5™) is the only diagnostic tool designed for infants and young children. This training provides a comprehensive understanding of DC:0–5™, making it essential for professionals working in the field of infant and early childhood mental health (IECMH). It is particularly geared to support allied professionals in understanding the importance of developmentally informed, relationship-based, and contextually and culturally competent diagnostic practices. For Florida residents only. For individuals outside of Florida, contact Zero to Three for your state’s trainer.
Objectives:

Summarize the history of ZERO TO THREE’s efforts to develop a diagnostic classification system for infancy/early childhood.
Define infant/early childhood mental health (IECMH)
Describe the purpose for using DC:0-5 to diagnose infants/young children.
Identify DC:0-5™ Axes I-V.

Cost: $39.00
(email Training@TheFloridaCenter.org if registering 5 or more for a 10% discount code)
1.5 CEs ($10) for Florida LMHC, LMFT, LCSW, and CMSW through CEBrokers. Certificates provided.
Presented By Melissa Bradley, M.A., LMHCVice President of Behavioral Health Services at The Florida Center for Early Childhood and Certified Zero to Three trainer in DC:0-5™ since 2020.

Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI®) Caregiver Training (12 CEs) - 6 Sessions
2026-06-08 13:00 - 15:00
TBRI® Caregiver Training – live virtual training (this training is NOT recorded)
Dates: Monday and Wednesday’s, June 8 – 24, 2026Time: 1pm-3pm EST, 12pm-2pm CT, 11am-1pm MT, 10am-12pm PSTCost: $159 single/couple (early-bird until May 29th, then $179).
Continuing Education:12 CEs ($25) available for LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, and CMSW through Florida CEBrokers.Florida Certification Board recognizes this training for mental health and child welfare.
Participation in this training may be applied toward your annual foster parent training requirements.
DESCRIPTION:TBRI® is an attachment-based, evidence-based, and trauma-informed intervention that is designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. The TBRI Caregiver Training is designed for TBRI Practitioners to train caregivers, broadly speaking, within their organization in Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), equipping staff/caregivers with the skills and tools needed to be successful in their various roles. This training will not be recorded.
The TBRI Caregiver Training offers training on 4 TBRI topics:1) Introduction & Overview – a TBRI primer2) Empowering Principles – address physical needs3) Connecting Principles – address attachment needs4) Correcting Principles – address fear-based behaviors
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: – Helps caregivers to see the need behind the behaviors – Offer practical tools to support the individual needs of children – Bring hope and healing to families experiencing challenges when traditional parenting is not effective.
TBRI Practitioner:
Melannie Webster, TBRI Practitioner, and Child Advocate
Melannie Webster, a compassionate and dedicated individual with a degree in early childhood education and in pursuit of a master’s in psychology. As a certified TBRI practitioner and MSOW instructor through the Halo Project, she is passionate about supporting children who have experienced trauma and helping parents navigate the challenges of adoption. Melannie’s personal journey as an adoptive parent has inspired her mission to create a positive impact in the lives of families through understanding, empathy, and nurturing care.

Circle of Security- 8 week Parenting Course
2026-07-16 18:00 - 19:30
Circle of Security – 8-week Parenting Course
Details:
Days: Thursdays, July 16 – Sept 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 pm EST, 5:00-6:30pm CST, 4:00-5:30pm MST, 3:00-4:30pm PST
Cost: $99
Class size is limited to 15.
12 CEs $10 for Florida LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, and MCSW through CEBroker, Certificates provided for self-reporting for others.
GREAT FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS OF CHILDREN BIRTH THROUGH 11 YEARS OLD, AS WELL AS PROFESSIONALS
DESCRIPTION:
As parents/caregivers, we often think, “Are we getting it right?” We base our parenting on experiences from our own childhood, advice from others, and our instincts and beliefs. But often we feel overwhelmed and challenged by our child(ren).The Circle of Security © Parenting eight-week course provides relationship tools to offer a new way of understanding your child. You will learn how secure relationships can be supported and strengthened, pick up on cues your child is communicating, and be able to identify when they need encouragement to do things on their own or emotional support. This training is not recorded. Participants must attend all sessions to receive a certificate. This evidence-based curriculum is great for parents, caregivers of children from birth through 11 years old, as well as professionals.
TAKEAWAYS:
– Understand and respond to children’s emotional needs– Help your child manage feelings and behaviors– Honor your inner wisdom and desire for your child(ren) to be secure– Help children build a healthy foundation for a lifetime of success– Understand the importance of attachment in healthy growth and development
Circle of Security Facilitator:
Alison Daniello, MS. LMHCInfant and Early Childhood Mental Health Therapist
Alison has been working with children and families since 2016. She earned her Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She is passionate about helping parents and children build secure, healthy attachments so children can grow up feeling confident, safe, and happy.

DC:0–5™ Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood
2026-07-21 09:00 - 2026-07-23 13:00
Live Interactive Online Training offered on Zoom
3 sessions, 12hrsJuly 21, 2026, 9:00 am-1:00 pm ESTJuly 22, 2026, 9:00 am-1:00 pm ESTJuly 23, 2026, 9:00 am-1:00 pm EST
12 CEs included for Florida LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, CMSW offered through CEBrokers.
Cost: $349 until 6/30/26 12 CEs included (space limited to 25 seats)
Who is this training for?This training is best for advanced clinicians and practitioners such as mental health clinicians, psychiatrists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and early intervention specialists who work with infants, young children, and their families involved in assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation. Registrants must live in Florida.
Training Description:
The Clinical DC: 0 – 5™ training will provide support to participants in understanding the need for and development of a specialized diagnostic classification system for infancy and early childhood, and adopting approaches to diagnosis and assessment that are developmentally informed, relationship-based, and contextually and culturally grounded.
Participants will learn about the multi-axial approach to diagnosis as well as understanding the contents of each axis including Axis I clinical disorders. Activities and case-based learning will support participants in using the many tools included in DC:0-5™. This comprehensive training on DC:0-5™ Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood is designed for advanced practitioners such as FLORIDA licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health providers, licensed marriage and family therapists, registered mental health counselor interns, psychiatrists, pediatricians, nurse practitioners, and early intervention specialists whose work with infants, young children, and their families involves assessment, diagnosis, and case formulation. This training is available only for Florida professionals.
Please order your DC:05 Manual “Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health & Developmental Disorders (DC:0-5) – PRINT V 2.0” as it will be extensively used in this training. If you need to purchase a DC:05 Manual, or if you have an older edition of DC:0–5™, download the free supplement for the newest updates. Purchase DC:05 Manual:(copy and paste this url into your web browser)https://myzerotothree.force.com/s/store?_ga=2.133402504.722166065.1646073097-184303784.1587747534#/store/browse/detail/a3G2S000000BZcqUAG
Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn about the multifaceted approach to the diagnosis of disorders, which is developmentally informed, relationship-based, and contextually & culturally grounded.
Participants will learn the contents of each facet, including Clinical Disorders, Relational Context, Physical Health Conditions and Considerations, Psychosocial Stressors, and Developmental Competence.
Participants will be involved in the application of the model by diagnosing case studies within a group.

Trainer:
Melissa Bradley, M.A., LMHC, Vice President of Behavioral Health Services at The Florida Center for Early Childhood and Certified Zero to Three Trainer in DC:05™.
Melissa holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Argosy University and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida. She has been practicing in the field since 2013 and became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in 2015. She specializes in treating children from birth to age 5 and their caregivers to improve parent-child relationships. Melissa is a Zero to Three trainer in DC:0-5 and a number of other specialized trainings. She is a qualified supervisor for the Florida Board of Mental Health Counselors.

When Behavior is Biology: Supporting Kids by Understanding Stress, Capacity, and the Nervous System
2026-07-30 11:00 - 13:00
When Behavior is Biology: Supporting Kids by Understanding Stress, Capacity, and the Nervous System
Details:
Days: Thursday, July 30, 2026
Time: 11:00 am – 1:00 pm EST, 10:00-12:00 pm CST, 9:00-11:00am MST, 8:00-10:00am PST
Cost: $69 Parents, Caregivers; $99 Professionals
2 CEs $10 for Florida LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, and MCSW through CEBroker, Certificates provided for self-reporting for others.
If you support individuals with FASD or other brain-based differences, then you are supporting fragile (and easily overwhelmed) nervous systems. That means behavior isn’t just about choices, it’s about one’s nervous system capacity. In the upcoming training, When Behavior Is Biology with Eileen Devine, LCSW, you’ll learn how stress, cognitive load, and regulation impact both children and the adults supporting them.
DESCRIPTION:
Many children, especially those with developmental differences like FASD or histories of stress, experience the world through highly sensitive nervous systems. When a child becomes overwhelmed, what looks like “behavior” is often a reflection of their more fragile nervous system’s current capacity to cope, process, and stay regulated. At the same time, caregivers and professionals bring their own nervous systems into every interaction, shaping how support is given and received.
This training introduces a practical, accessible understanding of how stress and cognitive load impact both children and adults. Participants will explore how regulation fluctuates across the day and environments, how overwhelm shows up differently across individuals, and why traditional behavior-based approaches often fall short in creating lasting change. Emphasis will be placed on the dynamic relationship between adult and child regulation, highlighting the importance of co-regulation, scaffolding, and proactive supports.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the critical role of the nervous system, how to recognize early signs of overload, reduce cognitive fatigue, and implement preventative supports and accommodations that support resilience,connection, and success across home, school, and community settings.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:• Describe the role of the nervous system in shaping behavior, stress responses, and regulation in both children and adults• Identify indicators of dysregulation and early signs of overwhelm across settings and individuals• Explain the process of co-regulation and the influence of adult nervous system states on child functioning• Analyze the impact of cognitive load and fatigue on a child’s capacity for regulation and adaptive functioning• Demonstrate the application of scaffolding strategies and preventative accommodations to support regulation and reduce overwhelm
FACILITATOR:Eileen Devine, LCSW
Eileen Devine is a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Brain First Parenting and the Think Brain First Training Program for professionals. With over 20 years of clinical experience, she is an internationally recognized expert in supporting families raising children with FASD and other neurobehavioral conditions, as well as the professionals who serve them. In addition to her clinical work with parents, Eileen delivers dozens of workshops and trainings worldwide each year for parents, educators, mental health professionals, and agency leaders. She is also a trainer for the Center for Adoption Support and Education’s (C.A.S.E.) accredited Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) Program, where she teaches clinicians across Oregon to provide adoption- and foster-competent care. Eileen lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two teenage children, one of whom has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, a serious and lifelong brain-based condition.

Families Moving Forward (FMF) Foundations Specialist Training
2026-10-05 10:30 - 16:30
Transform Your Practice with Evidence-based FASD Intervention
The Families Moving Forward (FMF) Specialist Training equips master’s-level professionals with the expertise to deliver a scientifically validated intervention for families affected by prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Recognized as a promising practice by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse and recommended by the CDC, this comprehensive program combines positive behavior support, motivational interviewing, and cognitive behavioral therapy to create lasting positive outcomes.
Training Schedule & RegistrationSix Full-Day Virtual Sessions:

Dates: October 5, 6, 20, 27, November 3, 10 or 13, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM EST
Cost: $2,500

Application deadline: Monday, September 7, 2026 – No application fee. Complete our registration form to receive your application.
Program StructureThe FMF Program delivers expert training through two essential phases:

Six days of comprehensive virtual instruction
Intervention Fidelity Training – 12 or 18 hours ($150/hour)

Training includes:
Live instruction and interactive discussions via Zoom

Extensive case studies and practical applications
Complete access to the FMF Website Portal with specialized clinical materials
Ongoing support and implementation guidance

Eligibility RequirementsThis program is designed for master’s level professionals in counseling, social work, psychology, or related fields working with families affected by PAE/FASD.
Clinical FrameworkThe FMF Program serves children ages 3 to 13 (or those functioning within this range) and their families through a flexible delivery model that can be implemented both in-person and via telehealth. Our evidence-based approach helps parents transform their understanding of FASD while developing effective strategies to address behavioral challenges.
Expert LeadershipDr. Anika Trancik leads our training program with over two decades of specialized experience in FASD. Her background includes:

Licensed child clinical psychologist
14 years as Clinical Psychologist at Florida’s pioneering FASD Clinic
Original member of the FMF Program development team at the University of Washington
Primary National FMF Trainer

Program Impact & BenefitsParticipants will gain:

Deep understanding of FASD/PAE and associated stigma
Evidence-based intervention strategies
Customizable treatment approaches
Comprehensive clinical resources
Confidence in delivering specialized care for children with FASD/PAE and early adversity

The training provides:

30 CE credits through FL CEBrokers for:

Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Marriage and Family Therapists
Mental Health Counselors
Certified Master Social Workers

Offered by The Florida Training Institute in partnership with the Families Moving Forward Program Office in Seattle, Washington.
Elevate your clinical practice with specialized FASD intervention training
Request your application now by clicking “Register” below
For more information or registration assistance, contact: Training@TheFloridaCenter.org
