Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders National/International Awareness Day
Very useful UK information at http://www.fasaware.co.uk/
Every year on the 09.09. an International group of Foster/Adoptiv/Biological parents and Professionals belonging to FASworld, hold International FAS Day. On this day events are held throughout the world in 11 different time zones helping to create awareness for this preventable tragedy. Country´s taking part include:- U.S.A. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Germany, Sweden and Austria among others.
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is the biggest cause of non-genetic mental handicap in the western world and the only one that is 100% preventable. Approximately 2200 children are born each year in Germany with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. The number of children born each year without the physical anomilies but with mental retardation and behavioural problems is offically calculated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 a year in Germany alone.
WHAT IS FAS/E?
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects is the name given to a variety of damage caused to a baby when the mother drinks alcohol during pregnancy.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS/SYMPTOMS OF FAS/E?
Babies are too small, underweight, have slack muscle tone, typical facial anomolies include:- Thin upper lip, low nasal bridge, fold on inner eyelid, flat midface, short nose, indistinct Philtrum ( The ridge between upper lip and nose is barely visable) Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects also causes:- Permanent brain damage from mental retardation through to severe mental handicaps. Microcephalie, Speech impediments, Hyperactivity, Heart and Eye disorders, Genital deformities, behavioural problems (Autismus, agressiveness, impaired social skills) and more…….
BUT SURELY YOU HAVE TO BE AN ALCOHOLIC TO HAVE A CHILD LIKE THIS?
This attitude is dangerous! “Normal” everyday drinking and binge drinking can also cause damage. In Germany between 10,000-15,000 babies are damaged this way every year. (Löser 1999)
HOW MUCH IS A PREGNANT WOMAN ALLOWED TO DRINK?
No amount of alcohol has ever been proven to be safe for a developing child. (Löser 1999)This means that the only truly safe amount is NONE!
WHAT SORT OF FUTURE CAN THESE CHILDREN EXPECT?
Even children with a “mild” Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Effects are unable to persue “Normal” schooling.(See Secondary Disabilities)
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP?
You could, for instance, write to the German Ministry of Health, asking why there are no warnings on Alcoholic beverages here in Germany. Even though Germany is one of the worlds top Alcohol consuming countries. Or to your own if your country doesn´t have such warnings. You could also write to the European Parlament supporting FASworld Germanys private petition for warnings on drinks.(See FASworld News) You could also join FASworld and help us raise FAS awareness.