Understanding FASD: While preventable, those who suffer need compassion

By None on September 16, 2017.

jappel@medicinehatnews.com @MHNJeremyAppel

Tammy Herbet, the parent and caregiver representative of the South East Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network, says fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is wholly avoidable, but it’s important to understand the behaviour of those who suffer from it.

Herbet herself has a child with FASD, who she said can often be quite volatile.

“He gets that way mostly because he’s not being heard or understood, or doesn’t have the words to communicate what he’s actually feeling,” she explained at the group’s conference on Friday. “That’s the only way he knows how to get the attention he needs in order to help you understand what’s going on.”

There are both biological and sociological factors contributing to the behaviour of people with FASD, she said.

“He’s been expected to be in Grade 6, when in fact his brain doesn’t necessarily work (that way). He can do Grade 6 work. He talk like he’s in Grade 6. He looks like he’s in Grade 6. But, relationally, he’s much younger,” said Herbet.

“It’s like this young kid trying to fit in those older kid’s world and that’s hard, because there’s a lot of misunderstanding that happens because of that.”

Network co-ordinator Myrna Stark said that since FASD exists on a spectrum, everybody has their own set of symptoms.

“It manifests itself in many different ways,” she said. “No two are exactly alike.”

The conference’s theme was supporting inclusivity for those who have FASD.

“How can we find work together as a community to support individuals that are dealing with differences (who) have maybe been excluded before,” she asked rhetorically.

“How can we provide support (and) help them to find success through inclusion? That’s what our whole topic is today … Inclusion in the workplace, in the schools, on sports teams, anything like that.”

Stark stressed that those striving toward inclusion must keep the individual nature of FASD in mind.

“Everybody deserves success in life,” she said. “One individual’s success will be different from another person’s and how they go about achieving it.”

About four per cent of the world’s population suffers from FASD, Stark added.

Through raising awareness, the network hopes to one day eradicate FASD, Herbet said.

“It’s completely preventable,” noted Herbet. “We need to keep raising awareness so people know and understand that when alcohol is consumed a baby can be injured.”

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