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CFEC key worker offers help, support

International FASD Awareness Day celebrated on Sept. 9

By Shawna Price

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FASD) is the leading cause of mental impairment in Canada and the industrialized nations of the world.

It is a major root cause of numerous social disorders, including homelessness, depression and criminality. People with FASD also are at high risk of learning disabilities, early school dropout, juvenile delinquency, drug addiction and alcoholism, mental illness, child and spousal abuse, unemployment and poverty.

FASD is the most common form of preventable brain damage to infants in the Western world. The brain damage is physical, irreversible and results in lifelong challenges in learning, behaviour, employment and socialization.

On the ninth minute of the ninth hour of the ninth day of the ninth month, we are asking the world to remember that during the nine months of pregnancy, a woman and her baby should remain alcohol free. No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.

Children with FASD have poor memories, cannot foresee consequences, have difficulty making choices and have challenges socializing with peers. Below are some tips.

 

Making decisions

Routine is important. Do the same things the same way each day. Repetition will help your child develop a good life skill.

Keep your explanations short and use the same words each time.

Use visual cues or hints when you can.

Offer only two choices at a time. Try to cut down on things that are a distraction, as it's hard for them to think straight when a lot is going on.

Point out good decisions and good choices made by your child.

 

Making friends

Find games and activities that are safe and supervised to help your child build social skills.

Don’t expect your child will have a large group of friends. One or two close friends will help your child stay safe.

Children with FASD usually feel best in places they know and in situations they can predict. Avoid large sleepovers and parties.

Repeatedly teach them the social skills of listening, taking turns, not talking when others are and taking an interest in other people by asking them questions.

Children don’t notice they are different. Even though we know they are less mature than their peers, if they are happy the way they are, then that’s where they are at and that’s great.

As the FASD key worker at the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC), I support children with the knowledge there is no magic way to make it go away. I teach them ways to live with their disorder and build a happy life around it.

For more information on FASD and services that are available for children and parents, please call me at the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre at 250-395-5155.

Shawna Price is the CFEC's FASD key worker.