In his keynote presentation at this year’s BCAPOP Conference, Myles Himmelreich will share life experiences on what it is like to live with FASD, a disability that is often stigmatized and misunderstood.  By giving personal examples of sensory issues, processing and executive functioning, Myles works towards creating change in the way individuals and society perceive and understand FASD. 

Myles was a co-lead of a ground-breaking study on the health and physical issues of adults living with FASD.  In his consultancy work and his work as a mentor to other youth and adults with FASD, he focuses both on shared struggles but also on the desire to succeed.

As well as the main conference, there will be a pre-conference session October 7-8 with Jan Ference, BeD, Ms in Counselling, IPMHF (Infant-Parent Mental Health Fellow), on The Neurobiology of Trauma and Attachment – Why Pregnancy is an Opportunity for Healing.  Jan served as Clinical Director of the NMT (neuro-muscular therapy) Canadian flagship agency, Hull Services, in Calgary, focusing on the implementation of NMT in an in-patient setting.  Since 2016 she has been leading a specialized, early intervention trauma team working intensely with women in the perinatal period who have opioid use challenges and facilitating community change.

The two-day workshop will “explore the neuroscience that is informing evidence-based practice for promoting attachment and helping to break the cycle of trauma and adversity”.  It will offer opportunity to explore the underlying mechanisms that drive challenging behaviour, stress, and anxiety that can arise during the perinatal period. 

The main conference will include a range of sessions and workshops, including:

• Trauma Informed Reproductive Care

• Exploring the Four Domains of Health & Wellness

• Sex Trade & Motherhood

• What’s New with the New Canada Food Guide

For more information about the conference and registration and accommodation details, go to: https://www.bcapop.ca/Annual-Conference-2019