According to information at Motherisk, a program at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, in Canada, the incidence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder is very high. Motherisk states that FASD is the leading cause of developmental and cognitive disabilities in Canada and possibly the United States as well. There are no doubts, alcohol can and does hurt the developing brain and body of an unborn baby. People born with brain damage may have FASD and there is no cure.
FASD Youth
One of the most common traits that FASD youth share is the inability to control their behavior, and in many cases, their anger. This puts them at high risk for not only harming themselves but others. Anne Woudstra, a youth worker in this field who works with many youth in the court system who are FASD. She says, “It's a sad reality that these at-risk youth are in need of intensive support and very few people are willing to understand that their struggles will never go away – they are forever.”
Other common problems FASD youth experience include:
- problems with thinking ahead and reasoning
- inability to learn from their experiences
- inability to comprehend consequences of their actions
- inability to practice good social skills
- problems with basic math skills (adding, subtracting and handling money)
- problems remembering things
Due to their disabilities, youth who have FASD may have special needs that require ongoing support and help for the entire life.
FASD and Other Health Problems
Some youth are afflicted with other health problems that are linked with their FASD. Mental health problems are common. Often, FASD youth are comorbid, which means they have two disorders or illnesses simultaneously.
Many FASD youth also have a drug or alcohol dependency, suffer from anxiety, panic disorder, ADHD as well as many other mental health issues. These youth are at extreme risk as many develop suicidal tendencies.
Other Alcohol-Related Birth Defects
Some youth are plagued with physical problems as a result of their mother drinking while pregnant. Some of these birth defects include:
- renal: aplastic/dysplastic/horseshoe kidneys
- occular: strabismis, refractive problems
- cardiac problems
- hearing: conductive/neurosensory or hearing loss
FASD Cost to Society
FASD youth are at extreme risk and the cost to provide services throughout their teen years and into adulthood adds up fast. According to a Motherisk Study in 2003, it's estimated that in Canada, it costs $1 million per person up to the age of 65. This includes medical costs, time in custody, court costs, damages to others and more.
Major Challenges
Keeping FASD youth safe is a major challenge. In order for youth to use services that are available, they must have a diagnosis and many physicians do not know how to diagnose. The lack of ongoing treatment, insufficient programs, and schools that are not tolerant or understanding of FASD students puts enormous pressure on these youth. When they break the law, they're treated the same as everyone else without any regard for being FASD.
Finding FASD Help
Youth who are suspected of having FASD need to be diagnosed. If the family doctor cannot help, then the local mental health center will be able to help. In Canada, Child and Family Services Authorities have resources to assist and the Lakeland Centre for FASD is valuable resource to find help.
Having an understanding about FASD youth is crucial in helping them attain a quality of life that many others, take for granted.
Sources:
Children's Aid Society of Toronto
Karen Stephenson - Karen has written for several newspapers and print media in addition to many online publications. She holds a B.A. in English and an ...
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