What is FASD

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder or FASD “is a disability resulting from prenatal exposure to alcohol,” (Public Health Agency Canada, 2005).


When a woman is pregnant everything she eats and drinks goes to the baby.  Alcohol crosses easily into the baby's body from the mom.  When Alcohol is in the baby's system the baby gets less oxygen and fewer nutrients.  Oxygen and nutrients are important for the baby's brain and for the baby to grow.  Alcohol damages the baby's growth.

 Individuals with FASD have:

- Slowed growth, they are shorter and smaller than other people
- Some facial characteristics, have smaller eyes and a smaller lips
- Learn differently than other people

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php 

http://www.asantecentre.org/adults-youth/whatFASD.html

FASD Awareness Day

SEPTEMBER 9th

The first FASDay was celebrated on 9/9/99. Every year on September 9th, International FASD Awareness Day is observed. This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of the year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol.   Proclamations are issued in countries, states, provinces, and towns all around the world.  Bells are rung at 9:09 a.m. in every time zone from New Zealand to Alaska.  People all around the world gather for events to raise awareness about the dangers of drinking during pregnancy and the plight of individuals and families who struggle with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).   Anytime is a good time to raise awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD).  

http://fasday.com/

Egg and Alcohol Test

Iceberg Model on FASD

Pictures taken from Google Images, sewn together by Hannah Lumbre.

Personal Stories

Here are YouTube videos from people with FASD and their families. Watch and listen to their stories and how the disorder affects their everyday lives.

Sick Kids

 

The Hospital for Sick Children created a program called Motherisk where expectant moms can access information about all health hazards that they need to know and be aware of during pregnancy. Some health topics include Nutrition, Breastfeeding and Drugs, Cancer during pregnancy, and FASD. Motherisk have counselors and Helpline numbers available to women who require more information, support and guidance.

For more information, visit their website at: MOTHERISK

The Canadian Foundation on Fetal Alcohol Research

The Canadian Foundation on Fetal Alcohol Research (CFFAR), is an independent, non-profit foundation created to promote interest and fund research related to the short and long-term bio-medical, psychological and social effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and the prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).

The mandate of the Foundation is:

• to increase awareness about fetal alcohol effects and facilitate prevention of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and its consequences;
• to promote and disseminate new knowledge related to FASD through quality research 

For more information, visit their website at: FASD FOUNDATION

FAS World

FASD shall be recognized as Canada’s most common, most expensive, yet most preventable mental disorder

FASworld Canada (National Alliance for FASD) is a coalition of individuals and support groups across Canada who are dedicated to the elimination of FASD and supporting the parents and caregivers who strive to provide appropriate assistance to those who struggle with the various disabilities inherent in FASD.

For more information, visit their website at: FAS WORLD

Children's Aid Society of Toronto

"Alcohol and pregnancy don't mix..."

The Children's Aid Society of Toronto is a member of the Toronto FASD Coordinating Network.

On September 9th. Children's Aid had their 13th Annual Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder at 9:09 a.m. for a 99 second “Pregnant Pause” at Union Station.

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For more information, visit their website at: CHILDREN'S AID SOCIETY