Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
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Infographics

An infographic saying "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Trimester 1, weeks 1-13. Some of the most severe FASD problems occur when a mother drinks during the first trimester: Major organs develop: Brain, heart, lungs, kidney, liver, digestive system, and limbs. Facial features start forming, fingernails and eye irises develop. Trimester 2, weeks 13-26. During the second trimester, the following organs develop and can be affected by alcohol consumption: Ears, reproductive organs, lungs start to produce surfactant. Trimester 3, weeks 27-40. During the third trimester FASD may interfere with the development of the following organ systems: Nerve cell connections are being established, bones start hardening, digestive, respiratory, and nervous systems continue developing. Birth, in early life, a child with FASD may have the following symptoms: Low birth weight, Alcohol withdrawal symptoms including high pitched cry, jitters and seizures, sleep and sucking problems in infancy. Childhood, a child with FASD may struggle with the following: slower mental and physical development, poor physical condition, hyperactivity, difficulty learning and thinking, issues with daily living, reasoning, and judgement. Why take the risk?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. 9 in 1,000 of babies are born with Fetal Alcohol in the United States and Canada. 2-3% of elementary school children in the Greater Toronto Area are diagnosed with FASD. Typically diagnosed in children with: lower than average height and weight, abnormal facial features, central nervous system problems. Facial features including smooth ridge between the nose and upper lip. Sleep and suckling problems in newborns. Hearing and vision problems. Speech and language impairments. Kidney and bone dysfunction. Learning disabilities and short-term memory problems. No official diagnosis, but early diagnosis (before the age of 6) can be critical in improving the quality of life. Ways to help a child with FASD: provide a nurturing and stable home environment, utilize special education resources and social services, some medications, behavioral therapy, and parent training may help. Preventable by abstaining from alcohol while pregnant. "

Included here are some infographics created by students in Dr. Jibran Khokhar’s Medical Toxicology class at the University of Guelph.

An infographic that says "What someone with fetal alcohol syndrome disorder wants you to know. Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) affects approximately 1-3% of elementary school students across the Greater Toronto Area. This is Jenna's story. Daily Challenges: I struggle with waking up and eating most days. It can be really challenging to make friends, and I struggled with homework and testing during school. Because I physically look like everyone else I am often judged before people get to know me. According to my respite worker I am easily distracted, so it may take me a while to move onto the next task. Long term challenges: I really just want responsibility in every aspect of my life. I am so proud that I am able to drive, it is such a privilege that many other people with my diagnosis may not get. My long term memory is amazing but I sometimes struggle with my short term memory, this really affects my focus and learning capabilities. What do you wish people knew about FASD? I wish people would be respectful, we are trying really hard to be like everyone else and have the same independence. We are very empathetic and truly care about everyone, even though it might not always seem like it. We can be brutally honest in the moment but we always mean the best by it. We are people and deserve respect and kindness too, a diagnosis doesn't change that. A respite worker's point of view. One of the most important things for a respite worker to know is that they can't treat their work like a revolving door, it is far too often asked by the kids, 'How long will you be around? All the other workers left.' This can be a really challenging concept for individuals diagnosed with FASD and it is important to maintain schedules, a non-judgmental attitude, and unconditional support. People with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are like swiss cheese, they all have gaps in different areas."

An infographic that says "Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, 100% preventable. No level is safe".