Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD, is traumatic brain injury to a fetus that happens when a woman drinks alcohol during her pregnancy.
• Alcohol Related Neurodevelopment Disorders (ARND) affect one in 100 babies in North America, making alcohol the leading cause of brain damage today.
• Although many people with FASD have mental retardation, most have an IQ in the normal range. It is estimated that half of the people in the criminal justice system suffer from FASD. FASD is also a major cause of homelessness.
• More Facts>>

Tammy Atkinson, parent of FASD child, 2008:

At 16 months old, Schylar came to our home.  He was classified as ‘Developmentally Delayed.’  The next years would prove to be full of challenges, many tears of sadness, many tears of frustration, many tears of joy, and also much happiness - learning and meeting many wonderful people along the way who would share their experiences, suggestions and medical advise.

At 16 months, Schylar had just begun to walk. He did not know he had a voice, had not experienced sunshine, rain, wind or snow.  We had to teach him how to eat solids as he had often been left in his crib with just a bottle and a diaper on.

Within 2-3 months he learned the alphabet and numbers, and soon after that could spell his name.  We soon found out that his intelligence would actually go against him with the diagnosis.

This is just a little window of information to help you know Schylar a little better and to know of our passion, drive and heartfelt desire to give Schylar all the opportunities and experiences in life that he is so deserving of.
Listed below are the diagnoses we have been working with as a family, with friends and experts to help Schylar overcome:

1. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.  Schylar exhibits behaviors of what is called "body memories." If he gets extremely angry or upset he says he needs glue to glue his arms or legs back on. 
2. Anxiety.  This is displayed with anger and aggression towards the object or person he feels is involved in this feeling at the time.
3. AD/HD, combined-type.  Body and mind going 100 miles a minute!!!!  ALL THE TIME!!!!
4. PICA.  Eating of non-edible items.  Schylar will pick up things off the ground and put in his mouth.  We have found everything from glass and rocks to small objects/items in his mouth.  In the first year he was with us, he would eat his diaper and mattress.  He went through two-crib size mattresses.
5. OCD.  He has an uncontrollable need to pull strings, lint off Afghans, etc.  He also eats these along with his socks he tears apart. Schylar also has an uncontrollable need to chew his toes and finger nails to the point of bleeding.
6. Learning disorders. 
7. Residual affects from physical abuse and neglect of a child.
8. Poor play and social skills.
9. Autism: Asbergers/PDD kind.
10. Full F.A.S.D. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum.

As parents we will not let these obstacles limit Schylar’s abilities or give him excuses to give up. Rather, we will expect more out of Schylar. But as parents, we need to learn to accept the reality of what he can do.  Our biggest fear and concern is that Schylar will be labeled as  defiant and mean due to his actions and behaviors.  As a couple, we often remind each other (in code) "D.N.D. (Damage Not Defiance)."  We have been told that the frontal lobe of his brain is severely affected by FASD, along with the cerebellum.  Schylar also has frequent memory lapses. 

So please remember: No amount of alcohol is safe during pregnancy. This is the one birth defect that is 100% preventable.

For more information contact the National Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.