Letter to the Editor

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the leading developmental disability in Canada. It affects one in every 20 school aged children. This makes FASD more prevalent than Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy and Downs Syndrome combined.

The actual number of children with FASD may be even higher given that it is often overlooked or misdiagnosed, giving it the term ‘invisible disability’

I have been working with individuals and families affected by disabilities for almost 20 years. I have seen the supports and awareness around other disabilities, and often wondered if we are doing enough to be proactive about awareness and supports to limit the adverse affects of FASD.

FASD is a diagnostic term; it describes the lifelong impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol, and/or while nursing. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living and need support with one or all of the following: motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential.

Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.

In Canada, the yearly financial cost has been estimated at about $9.4 billion, most of which falls within criminal justice: the police, the courts, the correctional, and victim services.
There are probably few, if any diseases or disabilities with such broad consequences in humanitarian, social, and economic terms as FASD.

It can affect the whole body including a range of deficiencies from lifelong brain trauma and disabling physical conditions. Its burden can not only be seen in health care but also stretches into many other sectors of society, such as the educational, social, and legal systems for which the economic implications are huge.

I am organizing a Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 9, at Baker Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that will showcase over 20 local groups that offer wellness information ranging from birth to adulthood.

This event is open to everyone and free of charge. Anyone wanting to increase their personal wellness, or the well-being of another will learn more about wholistic and alternative supports available within the community.

Dawn Mueller, FASD Keyworker,

Cranbrook

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