Newsletter - May 30, 2025
Celebrating Book Updates, Critical Resources, and Why They Matter
Hi everyone,
There’s something incredibly exciting about opening a box of books you’ve poured your heart into—especially when they’re the newly revised second editions of A Complicated and Beautiful Brain and Not Your Typical Parenting Guide. I’m thrilled to share that these updated versions are here, with expanded chapters, fresh insights, and important new content.
A Complicated and Beautiful Brain now includes updated statistics, current references, and updated QR code links to evidence-based articles. It continues to explore the lifelong impacts of prenatal alcohol exposure through a compassionate and practical lens—one that doesn’t pathologize, but rather validates and explains.
Not Your Typical Parenting Guide has nearly doubled in size. It now includes additional parenting strategies for those raising spirited, sensitive, strong-willed, and sometimes puzzling little people. It’s honest, gentle, and filled with “simple, but not easy” reminders. We start with nutrition and gut health, move into regulation through movement and nature, and explore everything from executive functioning challenges to caregiver fatigue and wellness. These chapters were written for real people doing the real work of loving and supporting children with complex needs.
One young reader recently wrote to me after finishing A Complicated and Beautiful Brain. She said:
“This book is truly incredible. I am a 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 my life, so I am very thankful. Thank you, Angela, for saving my complicated and beautiful brain and for giving me hope.”
That quote brought tears to my eyes and reminded me why this work matters so deeply.
I’m also currently reading a new professional resource by Dr. Maude Champagne titled Decoding Complex Behaviour in Brain-Based Disabilities: Understanding Aggression in the Home. This isn’t just a personal read—it’s a critical work-related resource. Every clinician working with families impacted by brain-based conditions should have this book on their shelf.
Dr. Champagne speaks boldly and compassionately about child-to-caregiver aggression, often misunderstood and underreported due to shame and fear. She offers language, validation, and practical insight that can change the way we support caregivers. Her work acknowledges the real risk, heartbreak, and resilience in these family systems, and I’m honoured to be collaborating with her on a support group for caregivers launching this fall.
Thank you for celebrating these updates with me. If you’re looking for tools that blend evidence, lived experience, and warmth—you’re in the right place.
The 3rd pic is just one small bookshelf that includes a few of the books that I appreciate. Although there are themes, many of them circling around the social issues and the 'helping role', there are also some books that certainly challenge assumptions and make me think and learn.. I am so grateful to be able to read and write, and to be have access to so many books..
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I’m honoured and excited to be speaking at the book launch “Broken Promises: The Battle to Find Help for Kids with Aggression”.
Although it’s often hidden, countless families experience the unrelenting stress of living with a child who displays extreme aggression. Due to limited mental health resources and the innumerable barriers families face, caregivers are left alone, and families are fractured. Tragically, these children may face poor educational outcomes, hospital, police and judicial system involvement, child welfare intervention, and youth homelessness, all due to lack of appropriate and timely supports.
Warmly,
Angela, and our team.