Jumpstart Psychology

22/06/2026

Today's post is something for you!

One of the questions I'm often asked is why do kids/people with FASD and other complex neurodivergence (particularly autism) struggle so much with empathy?

Of course, there are brain-based reasons underlying these difficulties, and I have made a video to explain them!

I am notorious for making my videos too long, so this one has a built-in short version (only 2 minutes) as well as the full explanation (10 minutes).

Please check it out and share it with your networks if you find it helpful!

If you have a question or topic you would like me to make a resource about, please let me know, and you might find your topic the star of my next video!

Learn about the brain domains, skills and abilities underlying empa...

24/06/2024

A recent Canadian study found that up to 98% of individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders are NOT diagnosed or misdiagnosed! Australia is no better! A major obstacle to diagnosis and treatment is health and allied health professionals' lack of awareness and training. If you still need to be trained the self-paced, online training in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders for health and allied health professionals is now available from FASD Training Australia!

This course includes 8 hours of active CPD on FASD, ranging from identification and diagnosis to intervention. It includes videos, practice exercises, readings, and quizzes, which will provide you with essential foundational training to get you started supporting individuals and families impacted by FASD.

You will leave with valuable practical skills and tools, such as the Ability wheel, which will help you support individuals with complex neurodiversity with greater understanding and confidence. Access to the learning materials for up to 12 months! For more information

With Dr Vanessa Spiller, Clinical Psychologist, FASD Educator, Author, and Parent to a young adult with complex neurodiversities.

08/04/2024

My new ebook, "Mind the Gaps", is now available. Learn how to condense complex assessment reports for children with FASD, autism, ADHD, ID, and trauma + into a simple visual format that schools and the NDIS have time to read and understand! Use it to design individualised and effective brain-based supports and accommodations and justify requests for funding https://www.fasdtrainingaustralia.com/Mind-the-Gaps-book

06/04/2024

I have just released my newest ebook! Designed to address a key issue when supporting people with complex neurodiversities - information overload! This book is not just focused on FASD, rather it can be used with any clients with complex presentations - Autism, ADHD, ODD, Intellectual Disability etc. Learn how to use the “Ability wheel” and “Levels of Functioning” to succinctly explain strengths and weaknesses and identify where support and accommodations are needed. These can be used for school IEP’s and NDIS. Includes printable templates you can complete for your clients/children.

https://www.fasdtrainingaustralia.com/Mind-the-Gaps-book

13/09/2023

https://www.jumpstartpsychology.com/FASD-Training-Brisbane-2021.html

Have you completed training in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) yet? Most professionals have completed basic training in autism but without training in identifying and supporting individuals with FASD, you may be missing a hidden disability, up to 2.5 x more prevalent than autism. With unique presentations and support needs across the lifespan, training in FASD is essential to improving outcomes for people impacted by prenatal alcohol exposure.

I will be running a live, face-to-face, full-day training in Brisbane on Tuesday 21st November and an online version on Wednesday 29th November.

Further face-to-face training in other states and regions will also be available in from late January 2024. Also coming next year – FASD Master Classes!

For more information and to register follow the link! Let me know if you have any questions!

27/04/2023

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5_sAgVcYGI

Check out my newest video which combines an old resource with a new twist - in this 20 min video I will discuss the ability wheel and how you can use this in combination with the "levels of functioning" concept to explain to teachers and other people supporting your kids, what kind of supports they need, where and when.

I hope you find it helpful but as always please send me your feedback on anyways that it can be improved!! And if you like it please share!

Explore how the concept of "levels of functioning" can be used to explain the support needs of people with FASD.

19/10/2022

Hey all, just released a new video resource!! It explores the brain-based reasons why, tasks we consider “simple” such as getting out of bed, are so challenging for a kids with FASD and what we can do to better support them. Hope you find it helpful and let me know your thoughts as usual!!

This video outlines the everyday skills and abilities that we often take for granted such as getting out of bed and getting ready for the day. For people wit...

05/02/2022

Exciting news! The new and improved FASD online training program for parents and carers has just been launched for 2022!!! Now web-based there are over 30 modules full of videos, readings, reflections and quizzes to consolidate your learning! Best of all join the drop in discussion groups monthly to connect with other parents and carers!! We would love you to join us as we tackle this parenting journey together! More information and join from

Online training and resources for parenting your young person with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)!