The UK has the fourth highest level of prenatal alcohol use in the world, but no estimates existed from a population-based study on how many people may have FASD. Considered to be a relatively ‘hidden disability’ It is thought to be under-diagnosed with only one specialist clinic in England. So What is FASD ? Why do we know so little about it ? Is it preventable ? These questions and more are answered in this new film ‘FASD The Hidden Disability – VIAM TV'
On International FASD Awareness Day (9 September 2021) Sheffield Children Safeguarding Children Partnership hosted a FASD conference.
FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) is a neurological condition that affects people throughout their life. The condition is entirely preventable. A clear message throughout the conference was No amount of alcohol at any stage of pregnancy is safe for your baby
The conference took attendees on the FASD journey, prevention, diagnosis, and support for those affected by FASD, with a range of respected speakers including the All-Party Parliamentary Group for FASD and the formal launch of the DHSC FASD needs assessment - www.gov.uk/government/publications/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-health-needs-assessment/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-health-needs-assessment
Feedback included:
‘Inspiring from all’
‘Excellent, comprehensive, informative, emotional and challenging’
‘The presenters and speaker were brilliant in getting the information out to us. A good array of speaker made this conference a worthwhile attend’
‘Excellent day. I thought I had a reasonable understanding, I was wrong. Learnt so much that can be applied to practice. Have a list of actions to progress’
‘Excellent conference, really informative and eye opening its been one of the best training courses i have attended for a long time’
‘EVERY medic, social worker, teacher, adopter, parent, prospective parent, teenager, therapist, MP, judge, prison officer should know about this.’
‘Really powerful presentations. Holistic view from scientists and practitioners and parents and young people who have FASD’
‘Using information to destigmatise mothers who have had a drink during pregnancy without the full knowledge and without any intention to harm their baby. This will hopefully lead to removing barriers of professionals asking the question and of parents to answering the question’
‘It was really great to hear directly from young people and families living with FASD’
Introduction: Greg Fell and Joanna Buckard
Dr Raja Mukherjee
Dr Cassie Jackson
Lindsey Todd and Nathaniel
All Party Parliamentary Group on FASD
Jan and Rossi Griffin
Róisín Reynolds & Rachael Nielsen
Sandra Butcher
Kanika Grover & Debbie Reid
Aliy Brown
FASD Makes Me animation: co-developed with input, advice, feedback and ideas from young people with FASD, their siblings and parents/carers from the FASD Hub Scotland community. The animation has been designed so it is appealing to young people aged around 8-14, but also contains information and facts that are relevant for all to know about FASD. You can find out more about FASD Hub Scotland by visiting www.fasdhub.scot.
FASD conference biographies
The Drymester Campaign is to increase public awareness around the harm that can be caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy.