Submitted by Amanda Race, MA, CRC, Tribal Vocational Rehabilitation Program Coordinator
September 9th is International Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Day. People world wide have set aside this day to commemorate the lives of those who experience the effects of alcohol consumed by their mother during pregnancy. These children and adults are at risk for minor and major learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and physical birth defects of the heart and other vital organs. Individuals who experience these difficulties are characterized by the diagnosis FAS (Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) or the term FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders).
Consider these FACTS about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)
- FASD is 100% preventable
- If you are pregnant or could get pregnant- don’t drink alcohol. No woman intends to injure her baby, but damage can be done before a woman knows that she is pregnant.
- FASD is the leading known cause of brain damage.
- The damage caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause problems with learning, behavioral control, language development, problem solving and judgment.
- Alcohol causes more damage to babies than any other drug.
- No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. The brain is the only organ that develops throughout the entire pregnancy, making it particularly vulnerable to alcohol.
- For the majority of those affected, FASD is an invisible birth defect.
- An individual with FASD may look their age, but may function intellectually and emotionally younger than their years.
- FASD is found in all socioeconomic groups and in all races.
- Wherever women drink, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum disorders exist.
- In 2020, an Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study found 25.9% or 1- in-4 youths had been exposed to alcohol in utero. Fact Sheet – FASD United
- FASD lasts a lifetime.
- The damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure is permanent, but individuals and families who receive proper evaluations and support are better able to develop strategies that will help them be more successful at home, in school and in the workplace. Individuals who are not appropriately evaluated and supported are at greater risk of dropping out of school, having employment problems, or being incarcerated. Early diagnosis and appropriately treated FASD enhances and supports individuals, families and society.
The Stone Soup Group will offer a training on September 21. Please check out the information & consider registering on their website at FASD into Action – Stone Soup Group . They can be reached at info@stonesoupgroup.org or by calling 907-561-3701. If you know a child or a family who may be struggling with the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure, what can you do? Encourage them to talk to their health care provider about their concern so that the individual can get appropriate evaluations.
The state of Alaska, Division of Behavioral Health oversees all matters FASD; please check out the state’s resources at Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) (alaska.gov) . You can contact them at HSS.DBH@alaska.gov . On September 9th, FASD Awareness Day, please share this information with your family, coworkers, and others who can help prevent Fetal Alcohol Related Birth Defects and who might provide information and support to individuals and families who are struggling with the results of prenatal alcohol exposure.
Fairbanks based contact information that can help in TCC service area:
Jenn Wagaman, MA
Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic Team Coordinator
Alaska Center for Children and Adults
Voice: 907-456-4003 x126
Fax: 907-456-6124
RESOURCES: