Province Needs Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Strategy

Over 130,000 people affected

TORONTO, Sept. 9 /CNW/ - To mark Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Awareness Day - the 9th day of the 9th month, the FASD Ontario Network of Expertise (FASD ONE) is releasing three research papers focused on the pressing issues identified by Ontario families and service providers. The papers cover topics of respite care, education, and effective practices.

It is estimated that over 130,000 children and adults in Ontario are affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. According to Health Canada, FASD is the most common developmental disability occurring approximately 1 out of every 100 births. In Canada, the economic impact is estimated to be $5.3 billion annually. Individuals with FASD are heavy users of taxpayer funder services and supports.

FASD is an umbrella term used to describe the range of physical, cognitive, learning and behavioral impairments that can occur in individual whose mother drank during pregnancy.

"The release of these research papers provides a blue-print for moving toward effective and meaningful services for children and families impacted by this disability", said Sheila Burns, Chair, FASD ONE. "We are seeking a commitment from the provincial government to develop a comprehensive, coordinated response that will address the serious issues detailed in these studies. FASD ONE is willing to contribute expertise but government leadership is required to make the necessary changes in programs and policies. Ontario is the only province without a government-lead action plan," Burns added.

Research indicates that early diagnosis and access to appropriate intervention mitigates mental health and addictions problems, school disruption, family breakdown, conflicts with the law, homelessness, and unemployment common in adolescence and adults with FASD. Today's research papers highlight the importance of effective services, which can stabilize families and improve academic and social success. A growing body of research maps out steps Ontario can take to improve outcomes and reduce the incidence rate of this preventable disability.

Ontario has few diagnostic or support services specific to FASD in spite of significant numbers of children and adults with the disability. Those with the disability fall through the cracks in the existing care system. They are streamed into services designed for other disabilities or disorders resulting in the ineffective use of scarce resources. Inappropriate academic and treatment planning contributes to high rates of mental illness, addictions and social marginalization among this vulnerable population. This province cannot afford to ignore this issue any longer.

To read and download the Respite, Education and Effective Services summaries and full reports, "Toward a Provincial Strategy" please visit www.fasdontario.ca

For further information:

Sheila Burns, Chair, FASD Ontario Network of Expertise
905-426-6453 [email protected]