Blog - Page 25 of 64

FASD Advocates Criticize SNL for Inappropriate Sketch

canfasdblogJanuary 19, 2022CanFASD AnnouncementsLeave a Comment

CanFASD Statement January 19, 2022 On January 15, 2022, NBC’s Saturday Night Live broadcast an inappropriate skit about alcohol-exposed pregnancies. Positioned as a comedy, this sketch poked fun at a teenage boy for his hygiene and social behaviour, before revealing he was prenatally exposed to alcohol. This is ableism. Prenatal alcohol exposure can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), a lifelong disability impacting the brain and body. “Jokes” like this contribute to negative stereotypes and persistent stigma around FASD. This stigma negatively impacts people with FASD, their families, and people who are pregnant and using substances, making it harder to get much-needed funding and support. This stigma can also lead to feelings of shame and contribute to social isolation. Drinking during pregnancy is not a punchline. FASD is not a joke. Advocating for our community can feel like an uphill battle, especially at times like this. It is disheartening when a popular media outlet further perpetuates negative stigma, stereotypes, and misinformation that causes harm to our community. Everyone has a responsibility to learn about FASD, so that dehumanizing and traumatizing content like this is not broadcast to millions of viewers worldwide. This event highlights the need for a National FASD Strategy to further raise awareness and understanding of Canada’s leading developmental disability.

Unfortunately, not all news we get to share is good news. Over the weekend, NBC’s Saturday Night Live published an inappropriate sketch featuring a character with prenatal alcohol exposure.

New Webinar: Optimizing Employment Opportunities and Outcomes

canfasdblogJanuary 12, 2022Conferences and EventsLeave a Comment

Optimizing Employment Opportunities and Outcomes for People with FASD with Lisa Murphy, Blair Charters, Aamena Kapasi, and host, Darren Joslin. Free CanFASD Webinar on January 28, 2022.

Article Summary #13: Prenatal Alcohol and Preschool Child Stress

canfasdblogJanuary 5, 2022UncategorizedLeave a Comment

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The purpose of this German study was to examine EtG and basal cortisol activity (baseline stress) in preschoolers aged 6-9 years to determine if EtG could be an effective biomarker of PAE.

Article Summary #11: PAE and Developmental Programming of Mental Illness

canfasdblogJanuary 3, 2022Article SummariesLeave a Comment

There have been numerous research studies examining the impacts of high-dose alcohol consumption during pregnancy on postnatal development. However, there are not many studies on low and early dose effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the offspring’s mental health.

Article Summary #10: Self-Regulation and Emotional Reactivity in Infants with Prenatal Exposure

canfasdblogJanuary 2, 2022Article SummariesLeave a Comment

Over the last 13 years, there has been a 127% increase in opioid use disorders during pregnancy. However, developmental challenges associated with prenatal substance exposure have been under-explored, with no prior studies examining the combined effects of opioids and alcohol use during pregnancy.

Meet Our 2021 Art Competition Winner!

canfasdblogDecember 22, 2021CanFASD AnnouncementsLeave a Comment

CanFASD has run an art competition every year since 2016 to showcase the creativity of Canadians with FASD. We accept paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, and everything in between.

Article Summary #9: Dog-Assisted Therapy for Children and Adolescents with FASD

canfasdblogDecember 15, 2021Article SummariesLeave a Comment

Dog Assisted Therapy (DAT) has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression and improve social skills in individuals with physical and mental challenges. It has also been shown to be an effective strategy for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, like Autism Spectrum Disorder and ADHD. However, until now, there have been no studies on the impact of DAT in children and adolescents with FASD.

Health Canada Updates their FASD Page

canfasdblogDecember 8, 2021NewsLeave a Comment

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Last month, Health Canada released their new information page on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This update is a huge step forward towards increased consistency, reduced confusion, and improved understanding of FASD in Canada.

Celebrating the International Day of People with Disabilities

canfasdblogDecember 3, 2021Holidays and EventsLeave a Comment

Man in a suit with a beard is sitting, working on his laptop. He turns to smile to someone behind the camera.

December 3rd is recognized as the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. First established in 1992, this awareness day promote the rights and well-beings of people with increases awareness of the experiences of individuals with disabilities through a political, social, economic, and cultural lens.

12 Days of Mocktails is Back

canfasdblogDecember 1, 2021Conferences and EventsLeave a Comment

Throughout the month of December, we will be ringing in the holiday season with our annual #12DaysofMocktails campaign to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).