Chicago—Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: The Time is NOW

A FREE two-day workshop for Illinois caregivers and professionals who serve children and adults

Up to 1 in 20 children may have an FASD.

You may be thinking, “I don’t know any children with FASD!” But it’s very likely that you do.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) are frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed—in reality, they are twice as common as autism. Those with FASD often experience invisible brain injuries, typically making traditional parenting, teaching, and therapeutic approaches ineffective.

It is essential for anyone in contact with this population—whether in caregiving, education, healthcare, or social services—to understand:

• The root causes of learning and behavioral challenges
• The strategies that are more effective for these neurobehavioral differences

Who can attend?

• Illinois caregivers
• Illinois professionals who serve children and adults (including those in education, social services, mental health, medical, juvenile & adult justice systems, etc.)

Dates

October 16-17, 2025
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM CST

Location

Attend IN-PERSON:

Erikson Institute
451 N La Salle Dr
Chicago, IL 60654

Or attend in Springfield on October 14

Or ONLINE (day 1 only):

We’ll send you a Zoom link upon registration!

Schedule*

Day 1

A dynamic training for foundational knowledge about FASD risk factors, diagnoses, and interventions

Day 2

An interactive workshop to develop actionable strategies for better supporting individuals with FASD across the state of Illinois

(Day 2 is IN-PERSON ONLY. Day 1 attendance is required to attend day 2.)

*Lunch not provided.

Continuing Education

Earn up to 11 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)!

Presenter

Barb Clark

Barb Clark is the CEO and founder of FASD Mosaic and head coach of the international FASD Caregiver Kickstart program. A parent of five adult children, Barb draws from her lived experience raising kids with prenatal exposure to alcohol, drugs, and trauma—including her own diagnosis of FASD in 2025.

Barb blends humor, honesty, and practical strategies to help caregivers and professionals rethink traditional approaches to challenging behaviors. She is a nationally recognized trainer specializing in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), with a focus on behaviors such as raging, lying, and stealing.

A graduate of the University of Minnesota in Youth Development, Barb has trained a wide range of professionals—from social workers and therapists to medical providers and law enforcement—equipping them with tools to better support individuals impacted by prenatal substance exposure.

Barb is deeply committed to systems change and passionate about empowering others to create more compassionate, effective responses. Her first book, Raising Kids and Teens with FASD: Advice and Strategies to Help Your Family Thrive, will be published on October 21, 2025.

This free event is funded through a private family foundation and sponsored by Illinois DCFS.