Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Presented by: Gina Iacobucci, Camilla Najgebauer, Lauren Vera, and Shannon Dowler

Who are we? We are 3 rd year Nursing Students from the University of Ottawa We are raising awareness on campus about the issue of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

What are FASD & FAS?? Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder describes a range of disabilities caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. Both are lifelong conditions that affect the individual, the family and the community. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the disabilities that falls under FASD. FAS is the disorder that includes the physical characteristics.

No one can predict which infants born to women who drink will be affected, nor can anyone predict how severe these effects will be.

Physical Characteristics of FAS short opening between eye lids Not all individuals with FAS will have all three characteristics thin upper lip flattened vertical grooves between nose and upper lip

Behavioural & Mental Characteristics of FASD Can include difficulties with: Decision making and judgment Understanding abstract concepts, such as: adding, subtracting, time management and handling money Understanding consequences of their actions Emotional stability Keeping a job Social interaction/forming friendships Sleeping

The cost of FASD annually to Canada of j those 1-21 yrs old is lkjflasd kjfkjlkj $344,208,000. FASD Statistics FASD affects approximately 1% of people living in Canada, that’s 300,000 people. In Canada, the incidence of FASD has been estimated to be 9 in 1000 live births.

Why should YOU care?? Young women between years have the highest rate of un-intended pregnancy. Binge drinkers (consuming 5 or more drinks in one night) are most likely to be less than 24 years and attending a post-secondary institution. + = U of O students are at risk for conceiving a child with FASD

For the Guys: Biological fathers cannot cause FASD However, it is known that women who are with partners who drink are more likely to themselves drink during pregnancy. A role for future fathers: support the woman’s choice not to drink during her pregnancy.

Prevention FASD is the leading cause of preventable birth defects. If you are planning a pregnancy, stop drinking before you get pregnant. Don’t wait for a positive opregnancy test!!

Sandy’s Law As of February 1, 2005, the Liquour License Act of Ontario requires alcohol serving and brewing facilities to post signs warning women that drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause FASD If you work in a bar/pub, please talk to us. We have copies of the poster you can take with you!!

Q: What is the safe amount of Alcohol that can be consumed during pregnancy? A: There is no safe amount!!!

FASD Awareness Day!! The first FASDay was celebrated on 9/9/99. September 9th This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of the ninth month of every year, the world will remember that during the nine months of pregnancy a woman should abstain from alcohol. fasday.com