FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER DAY

AS we observe International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Day on September 9 with the Foundation for Alcohol Related Research (FARR), this day reminds us of the harm caused when a foetus (unborn baby) is exposed to alcohol.

The teratogenic (toxic) effect of alcohol causes permanent, irreversible damage to the developing cells of the unborn baby. Since the baby’s brain starts developing soon after conception, the brain of the foetus is especially vulnerable to the damaging effects of alcohol. For this reason, children with FASD are born with permanent brain damage. However, it is important to note that any other organ of the unborn baby can also be affected. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) is the most severe form of FASD, but there are a variety of other conditions as well.

Further risks associated with alcohol exposure includes miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight and even cot death.

Due to high prevalence rates in South Africa, FASD is a public health concern in many communities, but unfortunately very little, if any, education is given to students in the health, education and social work sectors. To successfully prevent this condition, it is essential to raise awareness in the general public. Professionals should receive the necessary training and skills to diagnose and manage FASD and to implement awareness and prevention strategies.

The first International FASD Day was held on September 9, 1999. Around the world, scores of people meet on September 9, at 9am, to share a FASD prevention message and wear the FASD Awareness Knot.

Members of the public who are interested in raising awareness regarding FASD are requested to share the prevention message with small groups of friends/colleagues or other community members in doing the following:

• Meet on September 9, at 9am

• Hand out FASD knots, if available (order from FARR) • Share a short FASD prevention message

• 9.08am: Observe one minute of silence to think about individuals affected by FASD and their family/caregivers, as well as how one can go about sharing this message with friends and family;

• 9.09am: Break the silence by ringing a bell (or bells, eg. church, school or hand bells), thereby calling people to take action in creating awareness about FASD, especially regarding the importance of alcohol-free pregnancies;

• Encourage participants to wear the FASD knot for the day and to share the message with at least nine other people.

The number nine is a reminder of the importance of nine alcohol-free pregnancy months. Research has shown that even small amounts of alcohol can cause prenatal damage and FASD. The message for International FASD Day is therefore: “No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy.”

FASD Awareness Knot

The knot consists of a white rope tied in a specific way, known as the reef knot or the fisherman’s knot. The knot is worn on your chest to raise awareness about FASD.