September is FASD Awareness month. Check your local area for events and get the word out.
What Is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term for a range of complex effects from Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE).
In Canada, diagnostic changes were made in December of 2015 and previously terms like FAS, pFAS, and ARND were used.
FASD is a brain-based, neuro-developmental disability, that impacts a person’s physical, social, emotional and cognitive functioning.
It is a permanent lifelong disability that is not curable. FASD It is the leading cause of developmental disability in the world, with recent research showing that up to eight percent of the general population are affected by FASD.
Canadian Stats
In Canada, it is estimated that for people born each year FASD is 2.5 times more common than Autism, 19 times more common than Cerebral Palsy, & 28 times more common than Down Syndrome.
Education, Awareness and Support
FASD occurs in all societies where alcohol is consumed and there is no stereotypical women who drinks during pregnancy.
A combination of Education, Awareness and Support are required to inform the public about the harmful effects of Alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and to reduce the stigma that surrounds birth mothers.
No Safe Amount
Alcohol is a teratogen that has the ability to cross the placenta during pregnancy.
The effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on a fetus, impedes the development of the brain and body throughout the entire pregnancy, causing both neurological and physical impairments.
There is no known safe time, or amount for alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Common Symptoms
There are over 400 comorbidities associated with FASD, with only approximately 10% of individuals having any visible physical attributes.
The most commonly seen symptoms of FASD are:
- Learning difficulties
- General delays in developmental & social skills
- Emotional Regulation (outbursts, meltdowns, etc.)
- Sensory Integration (sleep, eating, blunted pain responses, sensitivity to sound, light, texture, smell etc.)
- Impulsivity
- Poor adaptive functioning & life skills development
- Confabulation (commonly mistaken as lying)
- Ownership (commonly mistaken as stealing)
- Perseveration (getting stuck and unable to let go)
- Cause & Affect (inability to predict consequences or learn from experience)
The Impact Of FASD
Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will likely need additional and ongoing supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives.
Due to the lack of available diagnostic and support services many individuals are often misunderstood and/or misdiagnosed leading to undesirable outcomes.
For Individuals living with FASD and the people that care for them early diagnosis and ongoing support are key to a healthy outcome.
Due to the severe lack of Education and Supports for FASD much of the care falls to the caregivers.
Without the appropriate supports the impact on individuals living with FASD and the people that care for them can be devastating.
It can lead to mental health, addictions and even incarceration.
Raising Awareness
FASD Canada was formed to help raise awareness, share knowledge and support individuals and families living with FASD.
Our goal is to reduce stigma and blame, while educating the public about the harmful effects of consuming alcohol during pregnancy.
Together we can make a difference.
Charitable Organization
FASDCanada is a federally registered charity, run by a Board of Directors. The organization aims to help support, inform and educate people about the harmful effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. FASDCanada sustains their work through donations and fundraising.
Thank You For Your Donations
Your Donations Make A Difference
Please take the time to view our site.
We encourage you to learn as much as possible about FASD and to share what you have learned with others.
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or information you may have.
As a charitable organization we thank you in advance for any donation you may be able to make.
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