Can point me in the direction of good info about the effects of FASD/FAS?

[MrsBW]

Hi

I want to look into the above - I can see a lot of info that scratches the surface in terms of effects (the stuff that is directed at birth mothers telling them why they shouldn't drink during pregnancy)

What I can't find much about is the more "adoption specific stuff" (for want of a better term), namely:

The signs and symptoms of FAS/FASD and if any of these are classed as defining characteristics.

What is considered at the 'mild' end of the spectrum of FASD - and what genuine FAS 'looks like'

Whether there are any tests that can be taken to confirm the presence or absence of FAS/FASD

The medium/long term prognosis/prognoses of people born with FASD

What symptoms may be helped with a particular type of parenting/support and which can't

Any personal experiences you would be willing to share (I'll also search the adoption topic)

Any links you can provide to help me learn more would be greatly appreciated

Thanks very much

[MrsBW]

Thread title should be 'Can anyone point me...'

[MrsBW]

What is considered at the 'mild' end of the spectrum of FASD - and what genuine FAS 'looks like'

Sorry, I've just reread this and realised it could cause offence (labelling mild FAS/FASD non genuine). That was not my intention

I've already learned FAS is the term used when there are particular facial features present and FAS isn't necessarily 'worse' than FASD.

As you can tell, I don't know much about this!

Any pointers welcome.

[Lilka]

There's a great set of factsheets I found which talks about symptoms, the different disorders and how to support a child to learn and encourage positive behaviour. It's a good starting point to find out more about it

www.fasaware.co.uk/attachments/article/9/infosheets.pdf

[MrsBW]

Lilka, that's brilliant, thank you.

[fasparent]

Try Talking Health Webb Forum UK FASD Support community's mainly Adoptive parents Grand parents use this., Also a closed community on face book with links too Health professionals within their admin. , again most are adoptive UK parents. as is www.FASaware.co.uk and has a list of all current UK FAS FASD Parent Support Groups.

[Moomoomie]

The FASDtrust is another very good organisation. It was founded by an adoptive family who.have two children with FASD.
They are beginning to do lots of study days for parents and professionals. My husband and I went to a study day through them last year.
As you say it is a spectrum, so children are affected in different ways.
If you want to know anything specific, pm me. we.have two children with FASD

[MrsBW]

Thank you all... I shall spend the next few days taking a look at all the info you've provided.

[fasparent]

The leading experts are Ministry of Health and Education British Columbia Canada . We used them for our children who are now adults both are OK working driving etc. Critical window for interventions are from age 0 too 7yrs. Ours still have their conditions but with the help of interventions has prevented many secondary problems. see www.fasdoutreach.ca. far advanced than anything in the UK mainly for parents and teachers, education and family partnerships is the key.