The Challenge of F.A.S.D.
 

 

F.A.S.D.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a term that describes the range of permanent disabilities which are a direct result of drinking during pregnancy. FASD is, largely, a result of damage to the frontal lobe - the decision making part of the brain. Even those with milder manifestations of FASD have serious problems in day to day life.

  • 81% need assisted living
  • 79% can't hold a job
  • 91% have mental health issues
  • 60% have disrupted school experience
  • 60% have trouble with the law
  • 45% have inappropriate sexual behavior between the ages of 2l-51
  • 32% have alcohol and drug problems
  • 72% are victims of violence
  • 50% experience confinement (for mental health issues, alcohol drug abuse, and incarceration)(3).
 
It's not all bad news. People who suffer from FASD can, many times, learn how to lead productive lives. But for those with less obvious signs of FASD, opportunities are scarce and expensive. That's why we started Know Him.

1) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statement "Preventing Alcohol-Exposed Pregnancies" July 2003, National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities. http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/fas/fasprev.htm.

2) JTO News Report "More Babies Born with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome" 4/9/2001 from report issued by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Public Health Education Information Sheet, March of Dimes, 1992, National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome 2001 fact sheet. http://www.nofas.org/faqs.aspx?ID=5.

3) Understanding the Occurrence of Secondary Disabilities in Clients with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects Ann Streissguth 1996

Portions of this article were originally published by Teresa Kellerman and are used by permission.