Description

Unlock deeper insight into a critically overlooked issue affecting youth across systems. Join us for the next Juvenile Community of Practice session as we shine a spotlight on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)—a condition that remains vastly underdiagnosed despite being more prevalent than autism, Down syndrome, and cerebral palsy combined.

This dynamic session will empower professionals with the knowledge and confidence to better recognize, understand, and respond to FASD in adolescents with sexually harmful behaviors.

What you’ll gain:

• A clear understanding of FASD and its true prevalence, including its impact within the population of youth displaying harmful sexual behaviors.
• Insight into why youth with an FASD diagnosis are at increased risk for engaging in sexually harmful behaviors—and what that means for practice.
• A deeper look at the complexities of FASD, from barriers to diagnosis to the long-term considerations that shape effective intervention.
  
  

After a concise, high-impact introduction, participants will be invited into an interactive “Ask Me Anything” segment—your chance to engage directly, ask questions, share clinical experiences, and get real-time guidance on challenging cases.

Uzma Naseem is a UK-qualified lawyer and doctoral researcher whose work focuses on how individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) interact with the criminal justice system, particularly as suspects or victims in cases involving sexual offences. As an adopter and caregiver with 17 years of lived experience parenting a child with FASD, Autism, and ADHD, Uzma brings both professional insight and personal understanding to her research and advocacy.

Her work explores the risk and protective factors influencing justice-system involvement for individuals with FASD, aiming to inform more effective strategies, interventions, and supports across all stages of system engagement.