GM Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Network
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorders (FASD) results when prenatal alcohol exposure affects the developing brain and body. FASD is a spectrum. Each person with FASD is affected differently. It is often considered a ‘hidden disability’ and is 100% preventable.
The Greater Manchester FASD network exists to:
Increase awareness and learning about FASD amongst voluntary and community organisations in Greater Manchester
Support community groups and voluntary organisations to mark FASD awareness month in September by delivering events and awareness raising initiatives
Support the response in Greater Manchester to the recently published NICE clinical guidelines on FASD
Develop resources to support parents, carers, and VCSE organisations, enabling better support for families with FASD, and information for communities about the risks of alcohol use during pregnancy in a non-judgemental and supportive way
Want to get involved in the Network?
The Network is seeking new members who:
- Are parents or carers of people with FASD (diagnosed or suspected).
- Are voluntary or community organisations based in Greater Manchester who work with young people and families affected by FASD.
- Are voluntary or community organisations based in Greater Manchester who deliver work related to alcohol exposure during pregnancy.
If you’d like to find out more about the network, or find out about upcoming events, please Susan McGrail via her website.
Resources
Things that I wish I’d known about FASD
An online booklet for families, friends, and workers to answer some of the questions we thought might be helpful.
We hope you will find it useful!
Lunchtime Learning
View the lunchtime learning session for parents and professionals to learn about FASD and the criminal justice system.
View the E-book to find out more about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD). The book features parent and carer experiences of caring for children with FASD to support positive change.
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental condition with lifelong cognitive, emotional and behavioural challenges. In addition to effects on the brain, FASD is a full-body diagnosis that can include more than 400 known conditions.
The National Organisation for FASD has lots of handy resources on its website, including how to spot FASD and getting a diagnosis.
FASD and Me
The Me & My FASD website is for young people with FASD.
It has information about FASD and things that can help.
It was created in the UK working with a very experienced team including medical professionals, teachers, parents and most importantly an advisory team of adults and young people with FASD.
#Drymester
#Drymester exists to inspire and support you to go alcohol-free when pregnant or planning a pregnancy. There’s lots of different advice out there.
Their message is simple and based on the facts – when it comes to alcohol, there’s no safe time and no safe amount to drink during pregnancy.
Prevent FASD
Prevent FASD has information about the risks of drinking while pregnant and advice about what to do if you have had some drinks before you knew you were pregnant.
FASD and the law
People with FASD can be classed as vulnerable within the criminal justice system.
National FASD has created a card that can be printed out and carried by people with FASD.