Common Misconceptions:
There are many common misconceptions about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and Fetal Alcohol Effects:
- That Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder means mental retardation
- That the behavior problems associated with FASD and FAE are all the result of poor parenting or a bad environment
- That children will outgrow it as they get older
- That to admit kids are brain damaged is to give up on them
- That diagnosing them will brand them for life
- That they are unmotivated when they don't keep appointments or act in a way others consider responsible
- That one agency can solve any or all of the problems alone
- That this problem will be solved with existing knowledge
- That the problem will go away
- That their mothers had an easy choice not to drink during pregnacy and through callousness or indifference permanently damaged their children. SOURCE: University of Washington
It's about time that we started to clear up these misconceptions through education. What follows is a list of facts:
Fetal Alcohol Facts:
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is the leading birth defect diagnosis
- The disease affects one per cent of people living in Canada
- No amount of alcohol in pregnancy has been established as safe for the fetus
- Since 1973, it has been known that alcohol in pregnancy impedes fetal brain development, affecting intelligence, learning skills and behavior.
- The life span of individuals with the disease will cost Canadian taxpayers about $600 billion, about the same as the national debt.
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder can't be cured, they live with it their entire lives.
- Individuals with fetal alcohol disorders often have learning problems, are hyperactive and impulsive with a short attention span. They also have difficulty in following directions and have poor social skills. SOURCES: University of Washington,
Public Health Agency of Canada
"There is no known safe level of alcohol that can be consumed while pregnant!"
Testimonials
"Elaine has demonstrated her expertise in FASD, and her excellent ability to work with families."
Dr. Brenda Stade, FASD Diagnostic Clinic, St. Mike's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario.
"You had my full attention throughout the entire presentation...Keep up the great work. You are making a difference."
Paula, FASD Awareness committee member
"I was mesmerized by the wealth of knowledge and its accuracy"
Cynthia, FASD Awareness committee member
"Your caring heart and ceaseless energy has brought comfort to many. Thank you for your work on behalf of our clients."
Member of the addiction team at Community Counselling Centre, North Bay, ON
"You are a pioneer in this field and your pursuits have not gone unnoticed."
Addiction Team Supervisor at Community Counselling Centre
"You had my fully attention throughout the entire presentation. Keep up the great work. You are making a difference."
FASD Awareness Committee Member
"The presentation was a real eye-opener and a must for all. I thought I knew what FASD was, but I didn't... Thanks for enlightening me."
Student at Nipissing University
"Very touching facts. I gave my 110% attention all to you. I would like to join with you on spreading the message to people."
Rheal, Father attending Family Enrichment Program
"Elaine's presentation show she knows what she is talking about. We would do well to understand people with major life problems, rather than judge."
Marie Robbins, President, International Training in Communication
"The personal comments add so much to the presentation"
Heather, FASD Committee Member
"Very powerful...touches people at a different level"
Monica
"I got a lot of information I needed to know"
Marion, Student-Family Enrichment program
"Excellent presentation-very powerful and informative"
Nadine, Parent attending Family Enrichment Program
"You have a passion for your subject and it comes through in your excellent presentation. Your message is compelling and important. You are a wonderful 'voice' for all unborn babies."
Geraldine Lightfoot, D.C., Motivational Speaker, Author of : "If It Isn't One Thing, It's Another" and "Life Is Incredible!"
F.A.S.D. Links
For further information about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, you may use the following links:
www.fasworld.com
FAS world Canada
www.motherisk.org
Alcohol and Substance Abuse in Pregnancy Helpline
www.acbr.com/fas
FASlink Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Information, Support & Communications Link
www.fasflight.com
FASFlight began as an idea born in the hearts of an RN and her husband (with FASD) who do not want to see any more children, teenagers, and adults struggle with birth defects caused by exposure to alcohol when their mothers drank during pregnancy! FASFlight works to educate the public on the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant.
www.region6fasd.ca
To download an excellent booklet entitled "FASD Strategies not Solutions" go to this site and click on Resources. The booklet offers suggestions on how to effectively discipline your child with FASD as well as giving many different strategies. The hints for Corrections Staff could be beneficial to families whose FASD survivor is in trouble with the law.
www.cccnip.com
Although not specifically trained in FASD issues, the Community Counselling Centre of Nipissing, has been part of a multi-district planning and coordinating committee, FASD North for the past four years. They are extremely interested in crime prevention and have been working together with the National Crime Prevention Centre to increase awareness of FASD and to improve accessibility to support programs and services.
www.fasdjustice.on.ca
* The FASD Ontario Justice Committee has developed this website with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada, as a resource for justice system professionals and others who are grappling to understand FASD. It is hoped that this website will put case law, legal resources, background information, and practical tips close at hand. Also, it will offer strategies for dealing with the unique problems presented by offenders,victims and witnesses with FASD in compassionate, fair and effective ways.* This website is a Canadian resource. However, at this point intime, the community resources listed on the site are mainly Ontarioresources, since it is developed by FASD Ontario Justice Committee members.In time and with input from the users of the site, the list will be expanded
For information on an FASD Family Support Group please contact the community counseling Centre 705-472-6515 ext. #259 and speak to the FASD coordinator. The FASD Support Group meets once per month and is attended by birth moms, adoptive parents, guardian, and FASD survivors.