1. Liz Kulp — Recipient 2010 Canadian Starfish Award
Awarded for the courage to build awareness of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) – Liz, who was diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) as a young teen received this award for her book “The Braided Cord” In her book Liz provides valuable insight to help professionals and families understand this brain injury. For more information or to order go to www.amazon.com/Braided-Cord-Tough-Times-Out/dp/0984200711
2. Minnesota Organization for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS)
Launches new website including a video on the homepage showcasing the new and improved Virtual Family Center. www.mofas.org/about/
3. Under-reporting of foetal alcohol spectrum disorders: an analysis of hospital episode statistics in the UK
It would be expected that the North West and North East regions, known to have higher levels of alcohol harm would have higher levels of FASD-related conditions. However, this was not reflected in the incidence of such conditions, suggesting under-reporting. With incomplete datasets, intelligence systems are severely limited, hampering efforts to develop targeted interventions. Improvements to intelligence systems, practitioner awareness and screening are essential in tackling this.
Read the complete article here www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2431-11-14.pdf
4. FAS featured Prominently in WHO Global Status Report on Alcohol
From no mention at all in the 2000 Global Status Report to a paragraph in the 2004 report, we now have a major heading
Title: FAS and Pre-Term Birth Complications
Category Title: Major Disease and Injury Categories Causally Linked to Alcohol.
www.who.int/substance_abuse/publications/global_alcohol_report/msbgsruprofiles.pdf
5. Proceedings of an IHE Consensus Development Conference on: FASD – Across the Lifespan.
This publication is now available for free download Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): Across the Lifespan (246 pages) Hard copies of the book are available, and videos of the full conference are available at: http://www.fasd-cmc.alberta.ca/education-training/archived-sessions/categories/ihe-consensus-development-conference/
6. Screening Tool Kit for Children and Youth Identified and Potentially Affected by FASD.
The Toolkit can be accessed here:
7. New publications on Substance Using Women with FASD and FASD Prevention
These reports and the newsletter are based on findings from the Substance Using Women with FASD and FASD Prevention project, undertaken by researchers at the University of Victoria School of Social Work, in partnership with the BC Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, the Aurora Centre, the Canadian National Coalition of Experiential Women, PEERS Victoria, the FASD Community Circle, the Inter-Tribal Health Authority, and the Vancouver Island Health Authority. The project ran from 2008-2011 and was generously funded by the Victoria Foundation’s FASD Action Fund. Electronic version of these three reports and the newsletter are available through the University of Victoria, School of Social Work’s website: http://socialwork.uvic.ca/research/projects.htm
8. The European Birth Mother Support Network
This is a network of women who drank alcohol during pregnancy and may have a child or children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). It is a place where mothers can share their experience and support each other. Our goal is to educate, increase understanding and support for birth mothers and their families. For more information please visit www.eurobmsn.org
9. Beyers Faith Fund DVD (from South Africa)
The Beyers Faith Fund DVD tells the story of Tisha who has FAS. The Faith Fund is going to hold Tea Parties for mothers and daughters to learn about FASD and the dangers of drinking alcohol when thinking about having a baby or when pregnant.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY3P02FGJ_Q
10. Sam’s Bear: A children’s storybook that raises awareness of brain development and FASD
The National Indian and Inuit Community Health Representatives Organization has developed a picture book story for 5-8 year olds about substance use during pregnancy and brain development. It combines storytelling with science and includes a guide on brain development for caregivers and parents
http://fasdprevention.wordpress.com/2011/04/06/sams-bear/
11. Manitobans divided over planned FASD screening
OTTAWA and Manitoba are about to test a way to screen schoolchildren for FASD, but Manitobans appear split on the idea. According to a poll conducted by Probe Research for the Free Press, about 55 per cent of those surveyed support the idea of testing each school-aged child for possible fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Support is remarkably high among aboriginal people, said Probe’s Curtis Brown. About 48 per cent of aboriginal people strongly support a school screening program. That could be because FASD is widely seen as an aboriginal issue, even though it affects all groups. But many Manitobans are sceptical about school screening. One in five of those polled strongly opposed the idea. Full story
www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/manitobans-divided-over-planned-fasd-screening-119310604.html
12. New book — Alcohol, Drugs, and Medication in Pregnancy: the Outcome for the Child
This book documents the consequences of the exposure of infants to the influence of intrauterine chemicals. In setting out the evidence for these outcomes, the authors demonstrate that decisions about care and management can and should be made as early as possible. This should allow professionals to provide protective management and prevent the delays that are so often seen in this area of medical and social care.
www.researchandmarkets.com/research/331154/alcohol_drugs_and_medication_in_pregnancy_the