Brandon Sun - PRINT EDITION
JILLIAN AUSTIN/BRANDON SUN Enlarge Image
Participants in the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day make their way along Kirkcaldy Drive on Friday.
People living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder are very capable of becoming intelligent, strong and talented individuals.
That is one of the main messages that came out of FASD Awareness Day in Brandon yesterday.
"Just because you have FASD doesn’t mean that you’re not intelligent," said Kim Akins, co-chair of the Brandon Interagency FAS/FAE committee.
"It’s a disability and it’s nothing to do with intelligence or capability or potential."
More than 30 people turned out to the Riverbank Discovery Centre for the event, which included a workshop, networking lunch and an awareness walk.
FASD is a neurological disability caused by a mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Alcohol causes brain damage in the developing baby.
Those living with the disorder often face lifelong challenges, which include behavioural, emotional and intellectual issues.
"Individuals with FASD do face a variety of challenges, specific to that disability," she said. "Some of it’s got to do a lot with just keeping their world organized, specifically things like issues with memory, being able to keep things in short-term memory."
Rodney Jones, FASD diagnostic co-ordinator, said another challenge facing people with FASD is dealing with social situations.
"One of the challenges they might have is … reading the social cues accurately in their lives and responding in a way that a lot of people might think is socially inappropriate," Jones said.
"So for them they might seem a little more out there with some of their behaviours or just kind of not getting into the social groove of things, and for them it’s simply that they’re trying to maybe understand what is the social context, what’s going on."
Akins said with appropriate support, those with FASD can lead successful and productive lives.
"So the biggest misconception I would like to get rid of is just that it’s a lifelong sentence, because it’s not," Akins said.
"It’s a disability, it’s a challenge that individuals and their supports have to recognize and work with, but it’s certainly not a life sentence. The possibility is there for them to be the best people they can be."
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, an estimated 300,000 Canadians are living with FASD.
Elilah Knott took part in the awareness walk, in hopes of learning more about the disorder.
"I work with children and sometimes there are kids that are affected by it," Knott said. "I want to learn their stories and the challenges they face."
The Brandon Interagency FAS/FAE Committee has been in the community for roughly 13 years.
The organization offers support for people dealing with FASD, provide education and create a venue for networking.
For more information, email brandonfasd@mymts.net.
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition September 8, 2012
We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high. If you thought it was well written, do the same. If it doesn’t meet your standards, mark it accordingly.
You can also register and/or login to the site and join the conversation by leaving a comment.
Rate it yourself by rolling over the stars and clicking when you reach your desired rating. We want you to tell us what you think of our articles. If the story moves you, compels you to act or tells you something you didn’t know, mark it high.
The Brandon Sun does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. Comments are moderated before publication. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
People living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder are very capable of becoming intelligent, strong and talented individuals.
That is one of the main messages that came out of FASD Awareness Day in Brandon yesterday.
Already subscribed? Login to view full article.
Not yet a subscriber? Click Here to Signup
People living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder are very capable of becoming intelligent, strong and talented individuals.
That is one of the main messages that came out of FASD Awareness Day in Brandon yesterday.
A subscription to the Brandon Sun Newspaper is required to view this article. Please update your user information if you are already a newspaper subscriber.
Most Popular
Sort by: Newest to Oldest | Oldest to Newest | Most Popular 0 Comments
You can comment on most stories on brandonsun.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.