Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Presented by Gina Iacobucci, Camilla
Najgebauer, Lauren Vera, and Shannon Dowler
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Who are we?

• We are 3rd year Nursing Students from the
  University of Ottawa

• We are raising awareness on campus about the
  issue of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

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What are FASD FAS??

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder describes a range
  of disabilities caused by prenatal exposure to
  alcohol.

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome is one of the disabilities
  that falls under FASD. FAS is the disorder that
  includes the physical characteristics.

• Both are lifelong conditions that affect the
  individual, the family and the community.

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No one can predict which infants born to women
who drink will be affected, nor can anyone
predict how severe these effects will be.
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Physical Characteristics of FAS
short opening between eye lids
flattened vertical grooves between nose and
upper lip
thin upper lip
Not all individuals with FASD will have all three
characteristics
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Behavioural Mental Characteristics of FASD

• Can include difficulties with

• Decision making and judgment

• Understanding abstract concepts, such as adding,
  subtracting, time management and handling money

• Understanding consequences of their actions

• Emotional stability

• Keeping a job

• Social interaction/forming friendships

• Sleeping

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FASD Statistics

• FASD affects approximately 1 of people living in
  Canada, thats 300,000 people.

• In Canada, the incidence of FASD has been
  estimated to be 9 in 1000 live births.

• The cost of FASD annually to Canada of
  j those 1-21 yrs old is
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  344,208,000.

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Why should YOU care??
Binge drinkers (consuming 5 or more drinks in one
night) are most likely to be less than 24 years
and attending a post-secondary institution.

• Young women between 18-24 years have the
  highest rate of un-intended pregnancy.

University/college students are at risk for
conceiving a child with FASD
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For the Guys

• Biological fathers cannot cause FASD

• However, it is known that women who are with
  partners who drink are more likely to themselves
  drink during pregnancy.

• A role for future fathers support the womans
  choice not to drink during her pregnancy.

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Prevention

• FASD is the leading cause of preventable birth
  defects.

• If you are planning a pregnancy, stop drinking
  before you get pregnant.

• Dont wait for a positive
• opregnancy test!!

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Sandys Law

• As of February 1, 2005, the Liquour License Act
  of Ontario requires alcohol serving and brewing
  facilities to post signs warning women that
  drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause FASD

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Q What is the safe amount of Alcohol that can be
consumed during pregnancy?

• A There is no safe amount!!!

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FASD Awareness Day!!

• The first FASDay was celebrated on 9/9/99. 

• This day was chosen so that on the ninth day of
  the ninth month of every year, the world will
  remember that during the nine months of pregnancy
  a woman should abstain from alcohol.

• fasday.com

September 9th
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• Thank you!