September is Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month and Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership wants to remind people that alcohol exposure during pregnancy is the cause of FASD which is a lifelong, ‘hidden disability’ that affects 1 in 20 children born in Scotland.
International FASD Awareness Day (Friday 09 September 2022) is held every year on the ninth day of the ninth month to signify nine months of pregnancy and the importance of the critical stages of development throughout pregnancy.
FASD is largely under reported due to the stigma associated with women drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and therefore more children are likely to be affected than is known about.
Evidence shows that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause birth defects and developmental disorders in a developing baby including brain damage.
Children and adults affected by FASD can experience a variety of learning difficulties and behavioural problems, which can be symptoms of this complex condition. People affected by FASD may be impulsive and have less control over their behaviours due to the toxic effects of alcohol on the developing brain during pregnancy. These actions are outwith their control.
FASD is a spectrum condition which affects people differently. No two people with FASD will be affected in the same way, each facing different challenges and with different needs, but also having different strengths. This is why an FASD diagnosis is so important.
Supporting and empowering individuals to learn about their disability can help them to manage how it affects them. The journey to diagnosis is however a complex one and for some people it can take many years. Current diagnostic tools for assessment have limitations. There is some reliance on identifying particular facial features of a baby with FAS (Foetal Alcohol Syndrome), however over 90% of children affected by FASD do not have these facial features.
Fiona Mitchellhill, Lead Nurse, Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership, said: “Aberdeen City Health & Social Care Partnership wants everyone to know that FASD is everyone’s business – partners, friends, family members and professionals – women need to be supported to help them make the positive choice to abstain from alcohol during pregnancy. FASD is preventable and we want our future parents to be well informed and clear on the lifelong disability their children could face if they choose to ignore these crucial messages.”
Tracy Davis, Child Health Commissioner, NHS Grampian said: “Prevention is always best, but when that is not possible, mums must feel safe and supported when disclosing any alcohol consumption during their pregnancy without fear of judgement or stigma.”
Eileen Calder, Director and Founder of FASD Scotland said: “Everyone; professionals and families can play a constructive role in awareness raising and preventing foetal alcohol harm. It is vital we reach prospective mothers and their partners earlier and without judgement, they need to be provided with factual information and practical guidance along with any support needed to help avoid alcohol exposure during pregnancy. This condition is common in Scotland, it is one disability that with an understanding we can prevent.”
ACHSCP has created a social media campaign #FASDABZ to help raise awareness throughout September and beyond. Hashtags #FASDmonthUK #FASDUKPledge #TheTimeIsNow #BeAware will also be used across social media.
To get more information on FASD go to Home - National FASD
Go to International FASD Day - National FASD to find out how you can get involved in awareness raising and prevention of FASD.
