Activities planned for International FASD Awareness Day

On the ninth day of the ninth month, committees around the world are hosting events to raise awareness for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Committees in North Battleford and Meadow Lake have activities planned for Sept. 9, both of which are free to attend.

The international awareness day is meant to put a spotlight on alcohol and the dangers of drinking during pregnancy. FASD is an invisible disability which Jennifer Willliamson, member of the FASD committee said may occur when a mother drinks.

“Because it’s a spectrum, symptoms can range in a wide variety,” Williamson said. “There are 10 different areas where children may experience problems. They may be cognitive, may have some physical issues or emotional, social. It varies for every child.”

Only 10 per cent of children born with FASD have facial differences. Williamson said 90 per cent of those affected appear unaffected and so quite often parents, teachers and friends are unable to detect and assist with special needs.

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She added FASD can’t be treated as it’s a lifelong disorder.

“We just provide supports and accommodations to help with some of the challenges that [the] student may experience,” she said.

The Meadow Lake committee aims to support families as a whole by hosting monthly information nights. Those living with FASD or others who know someone who is are invited to learn more about the disorder and socialize.

Beginning at 11 a.m., Sept. 9, residents from Meadow Lake and students from surrounding schools will meet at the oval track in Lions Park. From there, a couple of students will lead a walk around the track before being treated to juice and hot dogs free of charge.

In North Battleford, the FASD committee keeps busy throughout the year hosting workshops, holding colouring contests in the schools and partnering with other community groups.

On International FASD Day, the Battlefords committee is putting on a pancake breakfast at North West Regional College from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.

At 9:09 a.m., there will be one minute of silence to recognize FASD.

The ninth day of the ninth month and 9:09 a.m. represents nine months of pregnancy.

Colton Swiderski is meadowlakeNOW’s municipal affairs, crime and court, health and education reporter. He can be reached at cswiderski@jpbg.ca or tweet him @coltonswiderski.