A Complicated & Beautiful Brain

2ND EDITION | PUBLISHED MAY 2025

A guide to understanding hidden Complex Neurodevelopmental disorders which are often directly linked to Prenatal Alcohol and Substance Exposures and what these conditions, and more specifically Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), look like across the lifespan.

French version coming soon!

Book Launch & Info Session

Join us on Wednesday, June 11th, from 12pm to 1pm EST as we celebrate the launch of the 2nd Edition and discuss the importance of bringing this vital information into more classrooms.

A Complicated & Beautiful Brain is an in-depth guide that helps the reader to identify and support individuals with complicated and often puzzling mental health and learning challenges that may be related to prenatal alcohol exposure. This book explores, in great detail, many case examples of what PAE effects look like across the lifespan with the goal of helping people feel better understood and supported.

Take a step towards furthering your understanding of the implications of PAE/FASD from a front line and family perspective, and discover hope and strategies that will help those affected to live their best lives.

What People Are Saying

“It’s a beautiful book that allows you to pursue further information. The book is practical… it gives you pathways to do something. I absolutely love this book. I think it’s one of the best books that has hit the market recently in respect to FASD.”

— Dr . Peter Choate

"Angela's depth of knowledge and warm, strength-based approach bring years of training and experience into a respectful space for people to grow and learn. This book will help caregivers and service providers create supportive environments for improving work and lives, leading to more positive outcomes."

— Tracy Grant, Founding member of FASD ELMO Network

“If only this book had existed when I was starting my FASD journey! Angela has put together the information in such a way that it is not only understandable, but very actionable. The way she includes instant access to resources in each chapter is brilliant.”

— Jeff Noble, Founder and CEO of FASD Success, Podcast Host of The FASD Success Show

 

"Finally, a book about FASD that will equip families, professionals, and front-line workers to better understand, appreciate and support individuals affected by prenatal exposure to alcohol. Angela has written a book that equips us with facts about FASD, including ways it can present itself across the lifespan and why we all need to care about this complex, lifelong medical disorder."

— Nancy Lockwood, FASD Consultant / Educator

"Loving your book... Such an honest, well researched and concise look at how FASD diagnosis impact those affected, their families, and those who provide service and support. Thank you!"

— Amarilis MacEachern Drouillard, RSSW and Educational Assistant

“Angela’s book summarized all the different things you have been hearing about FASD research and success for people with FASD all together in one place. Although FASD is not ‘fixable’, it is highly supportable when brain-based interventions and supports are started early in life and kept in place as needed for life. I would recommend this book.”

— Mary K. Cunningham, FASD Advocate
KWC FASD Consulting, Kitchener, ON

Teen with FASD 

“This book is truly incredible. I am a young teen with FASD and I felt that it was me coming out of the pages. Angela’s book has really changed my way of thinking and life so I am very thankful. So, thank you Angela, you saved my complicated and beautiful brain and gave me hope.” 

Get the Book

This book was written to enlighten and support anyone who is neurodiverse; anyone with complicated mental health issues, which often include the effects of PAE/FASD. It is also for anyone who loves and supports them.

Price: $35.00 CDN

Available for purchase through Amazon.

2nd Edition | Published May 2025

PURCHASE MULTIPLE PRINT COPIES

To purchase ten or more copies of A Complicated & Beautiful Brain in print, please complete the order form below. Discounted rates are available for schools and agencies looking to place large bulk orders.

Mental Health conditions and FASD is in all of our circles, so this book is written for all of us. It is up to all of us to support healthy pregnancies, healthy children, adults and families.

 

This book has been very helpful for:

  • Individuals, and family members

  • Policy makers re: social services and health care

  • Medical practitioners

  • Child and youth workers

  • Early childhood educators

  • Developmental service workers

  • Allied health professionals (ie. Social Workers, Psychotherapists, Speech and Language Pathologists, Occupational therapists, Recreational therapists, Physiotherapists)

  • Camp counsellors

  • Psychologists

  • Psychiatrists

  • Police officers and paramedics

  • and more