FASD Awareness Day September 9th

On the ninth day of the ninth month communities around the world raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and its impact on children, families and communities.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of disabilities and diagnoses in children and adults that result from drinking alcohol during pregnancy. It is estimated that in Canada, more than 3,000 babies a year are born with FASD and about 300,000 people are currently living with it. Prevention, identification and intervention efforts are key to improving this situation.

A large number of pregnancies are unplanned, meaning that a large number of women in the early stages of their pregnancies – not knowing they are pregnant – may use alcohol and unknowingly cause damage. Canada's Low Risk Alcohol Drinking Guidelines state “if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant or are breastfeeding, the safest choice is no alcohol at all.”

Those who live with FASD may have mild to severe problems with their health. They may have delays in their development, intellectual problems and problems in their social lives. There is no cure for FASD. People live with FASD for their entire lives, so early intervention is key to minimizing the disabilities associated with it. Diagnosis and an effective management plan for ongoing supports can help prevent people with FASD from developing secondary disabilities such as mental health problems, dropping out of school, trouble with the law, chronic unemployment, alcohol and drug problems and homelessness.

Despite their disabilities, people with FASD have many positive qualities and can enjoy very successful lives.

Event Centre funding

City may hire lobbyist for event centre money

10h ago

International honours

Raiders' Kubiesa to represent Czechia at IIHF U18 Men's World Championship

13h ago

Learn the signs

How often should you change your brakes?

17h ago

The FASD Support Network of Saskatchewan offers information, education and support for families living with FASD. Contact them at www.skfasnetwork.ca or 1-866-673-3276. The following information from their website is compelling information we all need to be aware of.

Many community members wonder why women use alcohol while pregnant. A common response from the public is anger or judgment. Some people assume that a woman who drinks does not care about her pregnancy or the developmental changes of the fetus. This is not true or helpful. Alcohol use during pregnancy, whether early on or in the later stages, does not indicate a diminished concern or care for her pregnancy.

The reasons for alcohol use during pregnancy are complex and varied:
• Many women use alcohol to ease the pain of physical, emotional or sexual violence experienced in their lives.
• Some women have an addiction to alcohol and need help to stop drinking or to reduce drinking.
• Women with children find it more difficult to access treatment due to childcare concerns.
• Some partners do not help women to have a healthy pregnancy and may even encourage drinking.
• Women may drink alcohol very early in their pregnancy before they know they are pregnant. When they know of their pregnancy, they limit their drinking or do not use alcohol at all.
• Women who themselves have FASD may struggle to have a safe and healthy pregnancy. They are at risk of having children exposed to alcohol while in the womb.
• There are women who hear misleading or inaccurate messages about alcohol use. If women are not fully informed or do not fully understand the risks of prenatal alcohol exposure, they may have alcohol exposed pregnancies.

The vision of the Prince Albert Early Childhood Council is that all children in Prince Albert and area enjoy a good start in life.

Our local FASD Awareness and Prevention Committee is part of the Early Childhood Council. For more information on the Early Childhood Council contact Donna at 763-0760.