Article Contributed on: 5/7/2009 9:25:33 AM
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that simply says alcohol was consumed during pregnancy.Many other diagnosis tend to hang from that umbrella as many more signs/symptoms evolve through age.There are many (including medical professionals) who will say a small amount of alcohol is safe. Would they drink while pregnant? Would they play the odds that their child will be 100% okay? Why would you gamble with another life? The effects are permanent and do not discriminate socioeconomically. There are NO cures and the statistics are grim.
I know, I am an adoptive Mother of two children with FASD. We knew something was different at 18 months old with our son. But, it took another 9 1/2 years to have answers. Our son would come home from school and bang his head on a steel frame bed daily. He lined his trucks precisely and if one was moved, he fixed it.
Our daughter was 8 pounds at 8 months old when we adopted her. She had multiple ear infections, lacked muscle tone, speech issues, was delayed in developmental milestones and cried when she was held. She had difficulty in school and would come home daily, hide and cry.
Our children have amazing qualities: creativity, imagination, determination, kindness and generosity. But, their brains are like Swiss cheese from the alcohol. Therefore, they can remember and do things one day and the next is 180-degree change.
My husband and I are determined to not let our children fall to the devastating statistics. We have also have dedicated ourselves to educate others to the importance of abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy as well as helping others to get the help they need.No family should have this invisible disability, no family should feel ashamed. It is imperative that we educate and help Coloradans to seek and obtain the help they need without stigma! We owe the children of our state the opportunity to be contributing members of society, not a burden costing upwards of $2.5 million for a lifetime of assistance!
Please save an innocent life, talk to your doctor, your politicians, your neighbor, seek help and let others know: When you are pregnant, you don't drink alone!