Good morning – I would like to thank you all for supporting those people living with FASD in Australia. We sorely need more people on our database to ensure that we have the backing behind us to lobby, inform and educate. If you know of anyone interested in FASD please let them know to email me at elizabeth [at] rffada [dot] org so I can put their names on this list.
If anyone would like a free A3 copy of the poster below please let me know. Anne. 
Member news
We have over 500 organisations and individuals on our database supporting the rffada, FASD and those living with FASD
We are looking for parents and carers of people with FASD in the Ipswich area. If you would like to connect with other parents and carers in this area please return email me.
Thanks
Anne
rffada News
The Russell Family Fetal Alcohol Disorders Association (rffada) is a not-for-profit health promotion charity with no government funding dedicated to ensuring that individuals affected prenatally by alcohol have access to diagnostic services, support and multidisciplinary management planning in Australia and that carers and parents are supported with a “no blame no shame” ethos.
Terminology for use by professionals when discussing FASD and birth parents
The rffada has been asked to prepare a document which outlines the most appropriate language to use when discussing alcohol and pregnancy and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. When discussing pregnant women and alcohol consumption the most appropriate language is that which takes the blame from pregnant women and places it on alcohol. For example language which states, “when a pregnant woman consumes alcohol”, places a measure of blame on the pregnant woman. If we use language which focuses the listener and reader on the alcohol, “when alcohol is consumed while pregnant” we will have more acceptance of the fact that mothers and fathers are not to be blamed or shamed should they deliver a child or children with FASD. If we take steps to reduce the blame now, more birth mothers will feel confident in speaking up about the condition. Hundreds of books, tens of thousands of research and scholarly articles and untold public health reports have been generated in the last thirty years. Yet one voice has been mostly silent, the voice of the birth mothers themselves1. The rffada recommends this way of speaking about alcohol and pregnancy to all who have cause to discuss this condition and its implications.
FASD News
Babies Suffer When Pregnant Women Drink
It’s not just fetal alcohol syndrome that can occur when mothers continue to drink after finding out they are pregnant, it is a long list of many lesser, but negative consequences that can affect children into adulthood and sometimes for the rest of their lives.
FASD Prevention in Australia’s Ord Valley
Last week, an article called Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service’s fetal alcohol spectrum disorders program: Big steps, solid outcome was published in the Australian Indigenous Health Bulletin. The author, Penny Bridge, provides an overview of the program and reflects on successes and challenges as the first year draws to a close.
Experts differ on effects of alcohol in pregnancy
RONAN McGREEVY Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Early adversity and neural correlates of executive function: Implications for academic adjustment
Original Research Article
Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Available online 18 October 2011
Jennifer M. McDermott, Alissa Westerlund, Charles H. Zeanah, Charles A. Nelson, Nathan A. Fox
Original Research Article
Research in Developmental Disabilities, Volume 33, Issue 1, January-February 2012, Pages 32-38
Yona Lunsky, Jonny Elserafi
Dr. Phillip May on FASD Prevalence Rates
Dr. Philip May discusses his latest research with general population studies in schools to determine the prevalence of FASD. His research shows that FAS affects between two to seven per one thousand and the full spectrum of FASD affects between two to seven percent of entire school populations, which is substantially higher than previous estimates.
How Long Does an Addiction Last?
When families are dealing with a loved one who is locked into addiction they naturally want to know how long the insanity is going to last before the person decides to get help. The truth is, some alcoholics and addicts never do seek help, but for those who do, years can go by before they decide a change is needed.
Telegraph: Drinking during pregnancy ‘could increase epilepsy risk’
Calendar of Events
‘Growing Awareness’
2nd Tasmanian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention Conference
The Drug Education Network Inc, together with the Tasmanian Early Years Foundation and the Menzies Research Institute are hosting a conference on the importance of understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder across the lifespan and its prevention.
The Conference Objectives
- To raise awareness and contribute to the prevention of FASD
- To raise awareness of the need to work didactically with child and parent
- To build cross-sector responses to diagnosis and early interventions for those children who may be at risk of FASD
Highly respected speakers from North America, Tasmania and Interstate will present on a range of related subjects and approaches in the prevention of FASD. There will be keynote presentations, panels of speakers and break out workshops.
Diane Malbin 2 day training workshop.
Do you know anyone who would like to join the rffada as a supporter? Ask them to complete the attached form and return to elizabeth [at] rffada [dot] org.
The more people on our database the better we are able to lobby government
Take the poll on rffada.org and let us know whether FASD should be recognised as a disability by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.