Community services combat FASD

Pregnant women should pick root beer over beer and caesar salads over bloody caesars in order to reduce the instances of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), according to Jasper Community Services.

Community services held an open house on Sept. 9 to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day. On top of the open house, liquor stores in town distributed brown paper bags with FASD messages, asking pregnant woman – and those trying to get pregnant – to avoid alcohol.

FASD includes a variety of symptoms, according to Anna DeClercq, youth and teen outreach worker, which can range from slight changes to facial dimorphism, severe behavioural problems and even stillbirth.

Lynda Shore, prenatal and preschool outreach worker, said the effects can be seen as a loss of potential, as FASD affects so many behaviours.

“There is a train of thought that ADHD may soon be a thing of the past, as it could be a misdiagnosis of FASD,” Shore said.

While not common in town, Shore said the effects of FASD have been seen in Jasper. She said those trying to get pregnant don’t know they’re pregnant for weeks, and may still be drinking well after conception, which affects the fetus.

“Even if you’re trying to get pregnant, you shouldn’t be drinking,” Shore said.

DeClercq said there is a level of resistance with FASD as parents are fearful of admitting they drank while pregnant. Community services is attempting to use positive messages to reduce the stigma, as they want parents to come forward, so they can receive the support they need for their children.

Pregnant woman and those trying to get pregnant should avoid alcohol in order to reduce the instances of FASD, Shore said.

Community services has launched information campaigns in schools to spread the message, and A&W and local liquor stores have co-operated with the campaign.