1. Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask…
FASD 101
Everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask…

2. David Letterman used to do TOP 10 Things…

3. Question #10: What is some of the basic info around FASD?
Alcohol is the leading known cause of developmental disability in Canada
FASD is caused by Alcohol in Pregnancy – so wherever there is drinking in Pregnancy, there is FASD.
4% of people are estimated to have FASD
76,000 Albertans have FASD
FASD is not caused by a father drinking, his sperm and genes are affected by drinking. He has a social influence that impacts if his partner drinks

4. Question #9: What does FASD look like?

5. Question #8: Is there typical behaviors associated with FASD?
Every brain is different. In order to be responsive to the needs of all people with FASD, we have to understand a bit about how brains work. Let’s look at some of these brain functions….

6. Visual Memory Auditory Processing

7. Motor Skills

8. Question #7: What the heck is Executive Functioning?

9. Sequencing
V, I, B, G , Y, O, ____
____

10. Regulation

11. Planning…

13. Question #6: Why do people with FASD seem to have trouble telling the truth

14. There are many reasons for people to “confabulate”
An out of control Limbic System…
Or FIB…

15. Understanding time

16. How many hours in a day?
How many days in a week?
How many hours in a week?
How long does it take to blink?
5. How long does it take for an oyster to make a pearl?
6. How long is a horse pregnant?
7. How long does it take to have a shower?

17. Figuring out the complications of Money

18. Ownership

19. Generalizing information

20. Question #5: Are there some behaviors that no one talks about?
Fire Starting

21. Sexual Inappropriateness

22. Question #4: What about talking to women about pre natal alcohol use?
In relationship only
Ask a question that encourages conversation
Recognize the importance and give it the time it needs
Ask yourself if you are the right person
Remember you might only have this chance once

23. Question #3: Is there an age where things seem to get better for people with FASD?
It seems to depend on the person and their surroundings. Caregivers who have good support, good resources and good information are more likely to be able to help someone with FASD for a lot longer than those who don’t.

24. Question #2: Can bodies be affected by FASD too?
Anything that is developing when a teratogen is present can be affected. Myles and his research project have had some interesting findings… More ear infections, more hernias, more heart conditions, more hip and bone issues, earlier arthritis, decreased immune system, etc. Take a look at his study or find him on You Tube!

25. Question #1: Is there hope?
The most important thing is hope!!!
Thank you for being here!