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Peel Children's Centre
Peel FASD Clinical Service asks everyone to help prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Mississauga – September 9, 2009 is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day when people around the world shine a spotlight on this devastating disorder that affects 1 in 100 babies.
“Of all the substances of abuse (including cocaine, heroin and marijuana), alcohol produces by far the most serious neurobehavioral effects in the fetus” (Institute of Medicine Report to the U.S. Congress, 1996).
FASD describes the range of health, developmental, intellectual and social concerns that may result from prenatal exposure to alcohol. While most affected children appear to have little or no physical damage, the damage to their brains can affect learning and memory. They may appear to understand a concept one day but seem to have no knowledge of it the following day. This creates frustration for the affected individuals and everyone interacting with them.
There is no cure for FASD. However, with early diagnosis and effective intervention, parents and service providers are better equipped to manage the effects of FASD, leading to greater prospects for life success for children with this disorder.
There is no known safe amount of alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy; no alcohol is best. Family members and friends can help by providing encouragement, offering non-alcoholic drinks and abstaining from drinking around pregnant women.
On September 9th, please take a moment to think about the families who are struggling with FASD. Encourage the pregnant women in your life to avoid alcohol. This might be the best gift you can give to their unborn children. For information or support, go to the following websites: www.peelregion.ca/health/fasd, www.fasworld.com, or contact Cheryl Neave, the Peel FASD Coordinator, at Peel Children's Centre, 905-795-3530.
Since its establishment in February 2005, the Peel FASD Steering Committee, which includes representatives from Associated Youth Services of Peel, Credit Valley Hospital, ErinoakKids, Infant and Child Development Services Peel, Peel Children’s Aid, Peel Children’s Centre, Peel Public Health and Dr. Angelo Simone, has collaborated to develop a virtual diagnostic team. Partners have also provided in-kind staff member service time to diagnose children as part of the Peel FASD Clinical Service, which is an initiative of Success By Six Peel.
Funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation is helping to enhance the provision of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) services for children aged birth to 6 years in Peel and increase awareness of the disorder within the community. The Ontario Trillium Foundation is an agency of the Government of Ontario. The Foundation allocates grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts and culture, environment, human and social services, and sports and recreation sectors. For more information, please visit www.trilliumfoundation.org.
Information: Mora Thompson, Manager, Corporate Communications & Development
Peel Children’s Centre
905-795-3507
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