What can the community do?
The most important role the community can play in preventing FASD, is in spreading awareness about the risks of alcohol exposure during pregnancy. Speak to friends and family about FASD and create an informed and supportive environment for pregnant mothers in your immediate circle. It has been shown countless times that anger and judgement do not help to change behaviour. Trying to scare someone into doing the right thing is also not effective. We can fight against FASD by creating loving and caring environments for expectant mothers.
What about those people already affected?
For many people, it is too late for prevention and there are children and adults who are already affected by FASD and will have to live with the consequences of alcohol exposure their whole lives. International FASD Day is also about recognising these individuals and their challenges.
What can we do for them? The most important thing is to forget all the scary stories and myths we have heard. Individuals with FASD are not criminals, they are not dangerous and they do have potential. All that they need is to be given the right support and a chance to flourish. If we treat individuals with FASD with care, empathy and support we can make their futures brighter.
How do I have a conversation about drinking during pregnancy?
Talking to someone about substance use, especially during pregnancy, can be a daunting task. Remember that a conversation like this is not an argument. Here are some tips about how to approach the conversation:
● Empathy – Substance use and health behaviours do not happen in a vacuum. Acknowledge the challenges faced by the person you are talking to. Do not judge them, rather try and understand where they are in their journey.
● Responsibility – Understand that people are responsible for their own decisions, and they need to grow at their own pace. Your role is to guide them and show them the possibilities held by a substance free pregnancy and a healthier baby.
● Positivity – Highlight all the good things the person is already doing. Just having a conversation is a big step. Show that you believe in them.
● Confidence – The most important thing is that the person must believe in themselves and their ability to make positive decisions. Let them know that even if there are setbacks you know that they can do it.
What can help an individual with FASD?
Not all persons with FASD are alike. There are many different challenges associated with alcohol exposure during pregnancy. There are however some general concepts that can assist children and adults with FASD.
● Empathy – Not all the damage caused by alcohol exposure in pregnancy is visible. Remember that the behaviour and problems that you see are most likely caused by brain damage, not disobedience. Understand that the person is doing their best while faced with a multitude of challenges. Give them time, give them patience and give them love.
● Structure and routine – The nature of the brain damage caused by alcohol makes it difficult for affected persons to deal with change and new situations. Making important aspects of daily life routine will help them become more independent. If every day’s activities are done in the same order, they will know what to expect.
● Keep it simple – When giving instructions or tasks, keep it short and simple. An individual with FASD cannot juggle many pieces of information at once. Determine what they can reliably manage and don’t exceed it.
● Repetition – People with FASD can learn and grow, but it will take time and repetition. When they forget, it is because they have problems forming new memories, not because they did not listen or do not want to co-operate. Be prepared to say the same thing over and over again. If you couple this with routine, eventually learning will happen.
Remember to give yourself credit for what you are doing. It is not easy to assist someone with FASD. You are making a difference, you are taking on a challenge and you do not need to be perfect.