“Like ripples in a stream, one drop of information can create waves of knowledge regarding prenatal alcohol use.”

Georgiana Wilton on FASD – Great Lakes Regional FASD Training Center

Dr. Georgiana Wilton is the Project Director for the Great Lakes Regional FASD Training Center and an Associate Scientist in the Department of Family Medicine at  the University of Wisconsin. Dr. Wilton discusses the intensive training program at the RTC and the challenges experienced in the “FASD field” including a lack of diagnostic capacity and mixed messages in the news media concerning the risk of alcohol during pregnancy.

FEATURES

Research

Fetal alcohol exposure affects brain structure in children- Recently published research by Lewis et al. shows statistically significant thinning of the corpus callosum in the brains of children prenatally exposed to alcohol compared with children not prenatally exposed to alcohol. The thinning of the corpus callosum is strongly associated with psychological problems in children. Scientists who authored the research are quick to point out that the evidence linking the correlation between the two variables (alcohol consumption and IQ) is strong, but causation is yet to be determined.
Article, NewsMedical, November, 2012

Key Findings: Public Perception of Birth Defects Terminology- The term ‘birth defects’ is still the preferred language when describing “conditions present at birth that affect the structure or function of the body”.  This research indicates that although approximately 20% of respondents found the term “birth defects” offensive, it is still preferred over the terms “special needs” , “birth conditions”, and “birth disorders”.
‘Key Findings’ Fact Sheet, Centers for Disease Control, November, 2012

Pregnant women: Just don’t drink, study suggests- Even a few drinks a week by an expectant mother can lead to reductions in a child’s IQ if the child has certain genetic variations impairing their ability to break down alcohol.
Article, Los Angeles Times, November, 2012

FASD & the Community

NOFAS National Resource Directory- If you are in need of FASD resources, please visit the NOFAS National Resource Directory and click on your state’s page. Listed on your state’s resource page are contacts for diagnostic services, parent resources, support group listings, and other FASD related resources.
Contact NOFAS if you are an FASD organization wishing to add or revise your information in the NOFAS National Resource Directory. You can send an email to vansant@nofas.org

Seven alcohol myths, smashed- Dr. Mehment Oz and Michael Roizen debunk the myths regarding alcohol consumption and your health, including the risks of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Article, The Examiner, November, 2012

Why I’ll Never Believe A Study About Alcohol And Pregnancy- No more studies needed? Some bloggers and op-ed authors give advice without consulting empirical evidence, contradicting science and facts regarding alcohol use during pregnancy, like this blog arguing that “there may not be any reason for pregnant women to panic about light drinking”. Disregarding research and advising women to “go with their gut” may send out conflicting and misleading messages regarding alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
Blog, Mommyish, November, 2012

Specialized Treatment and Care for Pregnant Women with Substance Abuse Problems and their Children in Haga, Gothenburg, Sweden- A holistic approach to supporting women in stopping substance use during pregnancy (and to remain abstinent following pregnancy) and to minimize harm to the fetus shows itself to be successful in a European country.
Research more into the program and learn about the women participants’ attitudes regarding  the multidisciplinary treatment program.
Article, Girls, Women, Alcohol, and Pregnancy, November, 2012

The Invisible Disability: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders- An overview of FASD, including: diagnostic criteria, characteristics associated with the spectrum disorder, and practical strategies for individuals and adults living with FASD.
Family Forum, Forever-Families, November, 2012

KIWI Crate-Featured on Good Morning America and the Today Show, Kiwi Crate is a monthly subscription service, targeted to kids ages 3-7. They deliver a box to your child each month that’s designed around a certain theme (think Dinosaurs, Garden, Superheroes, Space.)  In each box are 2-3 carefully designed and kid-tested projects, which cover a range of developmental areas and subjects, including art, science, and imaginative play.  All the materials and inspiration to encourage creativity and curiosity are included – great for children with developmental disabilities.
Activity Service, Kiwi Crate, November, 2012

Events

2013 5th International Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder- The number of women who consume alcohol and drugs at levels which are considered unhealthy has risen and a significant number continue to do so during pregnancy. Join together to discuss the expansion of connecting research and understanding as it relates to FASD.
Conference, February 27th-March 2nd, 2012