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Dr. Claire Coles, Professor of Psychiatry at Emory University School of
Medicine, discusses the effects of FASD, including mathematics deficits and
arousal disregulation.  Dr. Coles stresses the importance of early intervention
and points out the ongoing problem of women drinking before they know they are
pregnant.

NOFAS to Host Congressional Briefing on FASD

NOFAS will host a Congressional Briefing on FASD on Wednesday, February 15 from
Noon – 1:30pm at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center in Washington, DC.  If you wish
to attend, please email montgomery@nofas.org <mailto:montgomery@nofas.org>  by
Monday, February 13.  There is still time for FASD advocates to urge their
United States Senators to co-sponsor upcoming FASD legislation!  Please see the
link above and take action by February 15.

FEATURES

Wonder Dog

How Iyal Winokur, a young man with FASD, was forever changed by his service dog,
Chancer.  Iyal is the son of Harvey and Donnie Winokur of Roswell, Georgia.
Article, New York Times Magazine, February 2, 2012

Eureka ranch gives children, many abandoned in Russia, second chance

The Ranch for Kids Project in Montana gives kids with FASD hope for the future.
Article, Missoulian, February 4, 2012

Sister Sleuth: Family Reunited With A Little Digging, Help Of Facebook

Three sisters, all prenatally exposed to alcohol and placed in the foster care
system, reunite after twenty-five years.
Article, East Oregonian, February 2, 2012

Pregnant women ‘ignoring alcohol warnings’

Despite new warnings on alcoholic beverage labels, pregnant women are continuing
to drink in Australia.
Article, WA Today, February 2, 2012

Is it safe to drink alcohol during pregnancy?

How FASD is affecting children in the Kimberley region of Australia.
Video/Article, ABC OPEN, January 31, 2012

FASD has affected my life in many ways.  I was born six weeks early and weighed three pounds, eleven ounces.  As a child, I never knew what it was but it was hard for me to make friends and I found myself feeling afraid of others.  School was very hard for me, especially math and English.  I couldn’t comprehend them.  I completed high school and tried college, but it didn’t go well.  Then I got a job.

Working was hard.  I didn’t know what I wanted to do and I went from job to job.  I couldn’t hold on to a job.  It was hard for me because I developed anxiety, depression and an eating disorder. I still deal with that today. I see a therapist often and take medication.  It’s still a struggle.

I do a lot of writing to express my feelings.  It helps me.  I also watch people very carefully to learn how to do certain things.  I tend to read everything twice to comprehend what I am reading.  For my anxiety, I avoid loud and crowded places.  I always surround myself with people that I feel comfortable and safe with.

I got involved with an organization called Al-Anon because I grew up in an alcoholic family. I do share my FASD story at the Al-Anon meetings.  I always tell myself if there is one young woman who is thinking about having a child and who is drinking, if I share my story and that one person hears me, it’s worth it.

I want people to know that there is hope.  I keep telling myself, if I can survive, others can too.  FASD comes with a lot of shame and challenges.  I always tell people to stop and think before taking that drink.  Pregnant women should remember that they are not drinking alone.

Read more interviews with those who are living everyday with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Click this link to read those interviews on NOFAS’s website.

Be sure to share your comments.

Family Profiled in February 5 New York Times Magazine Article

When the Winokur family brought home two seemingly healthy infants from Russia
in 1999, they could not have foreseen the journey in store for them. Their son,
Iyal, was eventually diagnosed with fetal alcohol syndrome, (FAS) the most
severe form of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Iyal found comfort,
support and a much-needed ally in an unlikely package—a fluffy, 80 pound golden
retriever and expertly trained certified service dog named Chancer. Their story
is the subject of his mother Donnie Kanter Winokur’s new book, Nuzzle – love
between a boy and his service dog and the family generously shared their story
and Iyal’s journey with The New York Times Magazine. The featured article will
appear in the Sunday, February 5th edition, so pick up your copy this weekend!

NOFAS

FASD Expert – Jennifer Thomas on Choline

Dr. Jennifer Thomas, a professor of psychiatry at San Diego State University,
has researched the positive effects on choline, an essential nutrient, on
individuals affected by FASD. The research, while still in its early stages, is
promising for the treatment of various behavioral symptoms of FASD.

Reminder: NOFAS Action Alert

NOFAS is asking FASD advocates to urge their United States Senators to
co-sponsor upcoming FASD legislation.  NOFAS is hosting a Congressional briefing
to draw attention to the legislation on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 on Capitol
Hill.  Please take action by February 15!

FEATURES

‘Barefoot Bandit’ Courtroom Drama Ends With 6-1/2 Year Sentence

Colton Harris-Moore, a young man with FASD, was recently sentenced to 6½ years
in prison for his crimes of theft and burglary.
Article/Video, ABC News, January 27, 2012

Proposed Child Abuse Bill

The state of West Virginia plans to propose a bill that will fine and imprison
women that give birth to children with fetal alcohol syndrome.
Article/Video, WDTV.com, January 27, 2012

Virginia to transform system of caring for developmentally disabled

After years of placing individuals with developmental disabilities in to large
institutions, Virginia will close all but one institution and move thousands in
to their own homes.
Article, The Washington Post, January 26, 2012

Colton Harris-Moore’s attorney says emails are examples of Fetal Alcohol
Syndrome behavior

Colton Harris-Moore, best known as the ‘Barefoot Bandit’, recently ridiculed
police via phone and email prior to his sentencing.  His attorneys and FASD
experts are saying that this behavior is a classic example of the behavior of
someone with FASD.
Article, MyNorthwest.com, January 25, 2012

Stricter Thinking on Alcohol During Pregnancy

NOFAS quoted in a recent article summarizing new research and specific risks of
prenatal alcohol exposure.
Article, Wall Street Journal, January 24, 2012

Should pregnant ladies drink even just one?

On a recent episode of “How I Met Your Mother” one character says that her
physician told her that it’s okay to have “just a little bit” of alcohol while
pregnant.  Experts warn that no amount of alcohol during pregnancy is safe.
Blog, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 24, 2012

Beating birth defects

Physicians in Mississippi warn pregnant mothers of the dangers of exposing their
unborn children to alcohol.
Article, ClarionLedger.com, January 23, 2012