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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Key Worker (FASD)
This program is funded by the Ministry for Children and Family Development and administered by the Campbell River and District Association for Community Living.
“Every person affected by FASD is unique and has his or her own strengths and challenges. When we understand how FASD affects the brain and influences behaviour, we can find strategies and create environments that best support children, youth and adults who are impacted by FASD.”
- What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
- Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a tem that describes a range of disabilities that may affect people whose mothers drank alcohol while they were pregnant. The diagnoses of FASD are:
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)
- partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS)
- alcohol-related neurodevelopment disorder (ARND),
- alcohol-related birth defects (ARBD)
- How does FASD happen?
- The only way someone can get FASD is if their mother drank alcohol when she was pregnant. Alcohol causes brain damage in the developing baby. THERE IS NO SAFE AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL DURING PREGNANCY. There is also no safe TIME to drink alcohol during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
- Can FASD be cured?
- Unfortunately, FASD cannot be cured. People live with FASD for their entire life. However, people with FASD can live healthy and successful lives with appropriate supports and services. Some examples include:
- educational supports
- knowledgeable families, friends, caregivers, and community professionals
- vocational training and employment programs
- structured environments, supportive accommodations and sometimes lifelong care.
People with FASD can find paid work or go to school but sometimes require assistance to be successful. An early diagnosis is very important to long term success.
- I think my child is affected by FASD; who can help me?
- The FASD Key Worker can help you.
Please call:Jenny McLeod at (250)-286-0391
- What can the FASD Key Worker do for my child and family?
- The FASD Key Worker can offer support such as:
- Provide information and advice about services and supports (education, social services, financial resources, recreation, health, etc.) And how to access them
- Provide strategies specific to your child and family’s needs
- Provide emotional support and organize Parent-to-Parent support
- Support families as they advocate for their needs, attend meetings at schools, court or other services
- Provide FASD training and education in the community
- Help identify and fill gaps in service for children, youth and families affected by FASD
FASD
Changing our way of thinking:
Trying differently, not harder
“One of the problems with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome isn’t the person with FASD. It’s with the people around them. We have to learn and understand about FASD so we can change who we are and they can understand.”
From parenting with FASD: Challenges, Strategies and Supports-UVIC School of Social Work
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