Children living in the child welfare system (i.e. foster care, group homes) are known to experience more adverse outcomes compared to children who live with their biological parents or adoptive/other family members. Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) are also predisposed to adverse experiences. However, these adverse experiences may be more common for those with FASD living within the child welfare system.
Looking for Artists with FASD!
We’re looking for Canadian artists with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to participate in our annual art competition!
What’s New in FASD Research: September 2020
How health care providers communicate with women about alcohol use during pregnancy is very important for FASD prevention. The authors of this study evaluated 61 midwives in a southwestern U.S. state to understand how their personal alcohol use compared to their professional recommendations about alcohol consumption during pregnancy
Article Summary #4: Characterizing adverse prenatal and postnatal experiences
Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is known to cause negative outcomes for individuals exposed. However, the majority of people with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) are also exposed to other prenatal or postnatal factors that may negatively impact their physical and mental health, including exposure to other substances, toxic stress, lack of resources, abuse, and neglect. These factors can interact with one another, leading to unexpected or cumulative negative effects on health outcomes.
October Webinar Update
We are taking a short hiatus from our CanFASD Webinar Series for the month of October as we prepare for the many amazing virtual conferences that we will be attending.
Article Summary #3: Forty Years of Assessing the Effects of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
Early life assessment of neurodevelopment and behaviour (NDB) can facilitate timely and meaningful intervention for young children at risk of negative outcomes. In the current study, researchers reviewed the literature to examine what has been learned over the last forty years about NDB difficulties in children with PAE in the first 2 years of life.
Next Steps for FASD Awareness
Despite the changes a global pandemic brings, people all across Canada banded together to celebrate FASD Awareness Month. From socially distanced awareness walks to viral videos and everything in between, the FASD community has found some very creative ways to raise awareness.
Experts publish the first medication guidelines for people with FASD
Many individuals with FASD are prescribed a large number of medications at the same time, which can cause harmful side effects. A medication algorithm can help address this problem.
What FASD is: a caregiver’s perspective
When asked to write this blog on what FASD means to me, I struggled. FASD is a complicated disability with many challenging aspects. I finally decided that, in my experience, FASD to this point has meant missed opportunities.
What FASD Awareness means to CanFASD
Raising awareness of FASD in Canada can help us to overcome stigma and stereotypes and improve supports and services to address FASD.