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When the research on Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome-Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/E) was being
carried out for this issue of In Touch magazine, so many directions
could have been taken that it was difficult to choose which ‘road’
to take. FAS/E is so multi-faceted and complex, examining it
is like putting together a large puzzle with many interlocking
pieces where each one plays an equally important part in creating
a complete picture.
The magazine’s intent is
to introduce readers to some of these interlocking puzzle pieces
and begins with the article What is FAS/FAE? and gives
the current definition of FAS/E. With all of its primary and
secondary characteristics, readers are advised to note that there
are varying degrees of disabilities in both FAS and FAE. Therefore,
when reading the lengthy list of characteristics found in affected
individuals, perhaps only a few apply. Research consistently
gives the following message: Each person with alcohol-related
birth defects is different from the next person who is affected.
The articles "Diagnosis" and "Where
To Go For Diagnosis" are here mainly because it is such
an elusive area—such an air of mystery attached to it does
not serve parents or caregivers very well if they suspect that
their child may have FAS/E and are seeking an accurate and professional
diagnosis. Therefore, the purpose of the information and inclusion
of a list of diagnostic centres is to help demystify this area
for parents and caregivers.
The article "Some Thoughts on Preconceptual Health"
emanated from a dialogue that took place between the writer/researcher
and Wanda Gabriel, a Mohawk woman and Social Worker from Kanehsatake,
Quebec who is a regional representative (Ontario) for the Aboriginal
Healing Foundation. In the article, Wanda creates a link between
past Native societies and today, pondering such questions as
‘Why are our societies the way they are? Why do we have
such high rates of alcoholism and high rates of children with
learning disabilities?’ She also speaks about how, historically,
communal responsibilities towards a new growing life did not
allow a woman to abuse her body without intervention of family
and community.
Teenagers, at-risk young adults, and pregnant women were focused
on through articles such as Baby, You Really Ought To Think
It Over!, One Step Closer (to independence), Is
There Such a Thing as a Safe Amount of Alcohol? (to drink
when pregnant), and Sheway – An Oasis for Pregnant Women
in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. Finally, there are
listings of FAS Resources for those who are searching
for contact information on organizations that disseminate information
and offer support, videos on FAS/E, current books and helpful
Web addresses that can be contacted through the Internet.
Hopefully, this reading journey will shed light on Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome and its equally devastating counterpart, Fetal Alcohol
Effects.
Lylee Williams,
Researcher/Writer |
