On the ninth month, on the ninth day, at the ninth hour — we are to remember Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
The Owen Sound Fetal Alcohol Syndrome support group and the Children’s Aid Society of Grey County is holding a community drop in event today at the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market.
CAS family resource worker Judith Ferguson says it is very important to raise awareness of this syndrome – especially with the fact that in 2008 a survey found that here in Grey Bruce binge drinking had doubled since 2001.
Ferguson says the drop in event will draw awareness not only to women obtaining from alcohol during pregnancy but in how FAS affects infants and eventually adults.
Ferguson draws attention to FAS is actually brain damage and should be treated as such – children do not outgrow this syndrome.
Ferguson says it is often seen as ADHD at first – children not thriving as well as they should and these spill over into adulthood.
She says it is important we do not label those with FAS but rather understand the disorder.
Ferguson also says this is one syndrome that is totally preventable by a pregnant mom consuming no alcohol of any type at any time during pregnancy.
The drop in event runs from 9 AM until 2 PM at the Farmers Market.
Opening remarks will be made at 9:09 AM and will be followed with refreshments and local musicians performing.
