Unique tool released in Vancouver to help Canadians understand Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
The YWCA Metro Vancouver has come out with a ground-breaking online resource to help educate Canadians about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder.
The agency has created a 26-letter "dictionary" that uses a series of definitions and videos to teach people the basics of FASD and break down stereotypes.
According to the Centres for Disease Control, FASDs are a group of conditions that can occur in a person whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. The CDC says the effects can include physical problems, behavioural and learning issues or a mix of all the effects.
“Many people don’t talk openly about FASD or understand it,” Wanda Pelletier, FASD key worker with Vancouver’s YWCA Crabtree Corner Community Resource Centre, told CTV News. “This has led to stigma and shame for women, families and people with FASD.”
The CDC lists some of the conditions those impacted by FASD may have as poor co-ordination, hyperactive behaviour, difficulty with attention, poor memory, learning disabilities and difficulty in school.
“It’s about changing the language around FASD and pre-natal alcohol exposure,” said Pelletier. “Many kids are misunderstood.”
Pelletier said she’s seen great success stories when kids are assessed and given proper learning tools when they’re young. She worked with a boy who had trouble with his motor skills. He struggled with using a pencil in kindergarten and was still struggling to tie his shoes in Grade 6.
“He displayed significant delays in motor skills,” said Pelletier. “But because he got the support he needed, he’s learned to play various instruments and is now looking into becoming a computer designer.”
She said the dictionary can be used by whomever wants to learn and hopes it will contribute to more success stories.
Sept. 9 was International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day. The dictionary was released to coincide with that.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Blaine Higgs 'furious' over sexual education presentation
New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs has shared his anger on social media over a presentation in at least four high schools.
Grayson Murray's parents say the two-time PGA Tour winner died of suicide
Grayson Murray's parents said Sunday their 30-year-old son took his own life, just one day after he withdrew from a PGA Tour event.
The dreams of a 60-year-old beauty contestant come to an abrupt end in Argentina
A 60-year-old woman saw her dreams of becoming the oldest Miss Universe contestant in history melt away in a haze of sequins and selfies Saturday at Argentina’s annual beauty pageant.
2 died in plane crash near Squamish, B.C., police confirm
Two people died after a plane went down in a remote area near Squamish, B.C. on Friday, authorities have confirmed.
Kingston, Ont. tenants fed up with lack of action from landlord over broken floor tiles
Joel Felder and Misti Pitcher have been living in their apartment in Kingston, Ont. for over two years, but the past 12 months have been miserable.
Driver, 18, gets $3,000 ticket, 32 demerit points after speeding on Laval boulevard
A young driver received a hefty fine from Laval police after they say he was driving nearly 100 km/h over the posted speed limit.
Are you a loud snorer? You could have sleep apnea
You'll have a lot more energy throughout the day if you get a good night's sleep, but not everyone does due to a medical condition.
At least 15 dead after severe weather carves path of ruin across multiple U.S. states in the South
Powerful storms killed at least 15 people and left a wide trail of destruction Sunday across Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas during the latest deadly weather to strike the central U.S.
North Korea informs Japan of a plan to launch military spy satellite
North Korea has told Japan it plans to launch a satellite by early next week, an apparent effort to put its second military spy satellite into orbit.