Hear experts from across the country discuss what we know about the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Canada.

A study conducted at the University of Wisconsin – Madison shows that among rats prenatally exposed to alcohol, those whose mothers had adequate levels of iron had better FASD outcomes than those whose mothers were iron-deficient without anemia.  If the study can be applied to humans, this means that even if a woman has consumed alcohol during her pregnancy, she can ameliorate the effects of the alcohol by keeping her iron levels in a healthy range.  To read this article, click here.

Research Article, PLOS One, October, 2012

A study conducted through the NIH has released recommendations for physicians in the best ways to deliver a diagnosis of FASD.  The recommendations are situational, and the authors have stated that the next step will be to create standardized guidelines for physicians regarding the communication of this diagnosis.  To read the abstract for this report (Research Article, PubMed, October, 2012), click here.

Trauma and the value of empathy, patience and cultural competency were the major themes at the post-conference symposium held on Sept. 14 as part of the FASDLive 2012: Expanding our Vision conference.

Because prenatal drinking is the number one cause of brain damage and neurodevelopmental disorders in Canada, prevention is often emphasized as “the cure.” However, alcohol abuse of mothers is rarely discussed in terms of the symptom it is: of a larger issue this behavior actually represents.

Several speakers emphasized that approaching FASD treatment and programming with trauma-informed practice provides service providers set of appropriate expectations and tools to handle FASD cases sensitively.

This video was developed by youth for the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute's Youth Action for Prevention Project. This group of young people wrote, filmed, acted, and created the music for this video.

Swim BC invites interested children and young adults to become involved in their competitive swimming program. Swim BC has been an integrated, inclusive sport for over 15 years and has Para-swimming as part of their Provincial program at all levels.

Swim BC currently has athletes with various disabilities participating in their programs. Physically, visually and intellectually disabled swimmers have all been part of their swimming community since full integration in 1993 and they view people with disabilities as athletes first, people second and a person with a disability third. The development of an active healthy lifestyle is their goal for all athletes.

Wallet-sized cards have been used in many areas of North America to help alert police officers and medical professionals when they are working with a person who has been diagnosed with an FASD or is suspected of living with FASD. Often, professionals are unable to recognize when a person has an invisible disability, particularly in stressful crisis situations.

To address some of these concerns in BC, a working committee was established for the Vancouver and Fraser Regions to develop a pocket card for use in this region. The pilot phase of the FASD Pocket Cards is now ready for implementation! Cards will be available to those eligible through a restricted list of agencies that have experience working with individuals with FASD. Four different cards are available which are specifically worded for various individuals.

 The 29th annual Sign of Hope campaign - one of the city’s oldest charity fundraisers - kicked off Tuesday in Edmonton.

This year’s campaign is focusing on local teens suffering from Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).  According to officials, there are 36,000 people in Alberta living with FASD and 450 children are born with it every year in Alberta.  Officials say the program is always full, and currently is maintaining a long waitlist of youth hoping to join.

Anyone interested in donating to the campaign can visit www.signofhope.ab.ca or call 780-439-HOPE.

A new POPFASD eLearning video highlights Anne Fuller and Roxanne Hughes as they discuss the British Columbia Ministry of Children and Families' Key Worker Program.