Upcoming events aim to increase awareness of FASD

By Gillian Slade on August 30, 2018.

Holding a coaster proclaiming "Mocktails for Mom" is Myrna Stark, network co-ordinator for FASD South East Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network Society. The group's annual awareness campaign about the dangers of consuming alcohol while pregnant takes place in the next few weeks.--NEWS PHOTO GILLIAN SLADE

gslade@medicinehatnews.com @MHNGillianSlade

No amount of alcohol consumed during pregnancy is safe — that is the message from FASD South East Alberta Fetal Alcohol Network Society.

Across Canada, four per cent of the population has Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, says network co-ordinator Myrna Stark, adding the country is leading the world in awareness and supports.

The organization will be at the Medicine Hat Mall on Sept. 8 serving “mocktails” and providing information.

Another event is scheduled for Sept. 14, where anyone can attend and here speakers discussing FASD behaviour challenges, a caregiver panel, FASD and the justice system and also a presentation about the supervised consumption site. To register to attend the free event, and for additional information go to seafan.ca. You can also email your registration to admin@seafan.ca.

Stark says the thinking used to be that FASD was limited to cognitive issues, but it goes beyond that, and often there are no physical, visible signs. The signs of fetal alcohol syndrome may not even be evident until early childhood. Those symptoms can include Attention Deficit Hyper-activity Disorder. Having an FASD diagnosis helps teachers determine strategies to help the student reach their potential.

“Every part of the body may have been affected during development,” said Stark.

In some cases the mother discloses that she consumed alcohol while pregnant but others choose not to reveal that because of the stigma attached to it, she said.

In other countries, FASD is probably under-diagnosed with less support and awareness available, said Stark.

There are a range of supports locally for FASD and services are accessible across southeast Alberta for both clients and caregivers. Last year, in the area, 311 clients were diagnosed with FASD. The needs of each person varies but in some cases supports are necessary throughout life, says Stark. About 28 assessments are done each year.

There is no recovery from FASD but the right supports can make a big difference in the life of the individual, says Stark.