Dispelling misconceptions about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Monday marked International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Day, and experts in the field say there is a lot the public doesn’t know about the disability.

One of those experts in Sault Ste. Marie wants to clear some common misconceptions about FASD, which affects more than 1.5 million Canadians.

Qeila Mbonihankuye works with dozens of Sault Ste. Marie youths who have FASD. She said many people are unaware of the disorder’s prevalence and confuse it with a less prevalent, but more commonly known disorder.

"There's a lot of misconception with autism, as well, because there's a lot of similarity to it," Mbonihankuye said.

"And that's why it's important to distinguish it so that we have proper support."

FASD commonly presents as memory issues, a short attention span, issues with communication, not understanding social cues and impulsivity.

The only locations to get diagnosed for the disability in the north are in Sudbury and Mbonihankuye said the process isn’t easy for kids.

Qeila Mbonihankuye works with dozens of Sault Ste. Marie youths who have FASD. She said many people are unaware of the disorder’s prevalence and confuse it with a less prevalent, but more commonly known disorder. (Photo from video)

"Imagine like just even you're finishing your whole week of school and then after you have to spend the weekend being tested … it's a lot," said Mbonihankuye, who is the Thrive Child Development Centre's FASD coordinator.

"And so that's why in many cases, kids do have FASD, but they're not able to complete the test because it's not well done for it to be easy for the kids."

Even with a diagnosis, children with FASD often aren’t covered for the treatment that will benefit them the most.

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"A lot of time, they don't qualify for support or, or even respite or an EA in school, which would be like the biggest need for them," Mbonihankuye said.

"They need that constant exterior brain. And then, with even with a diagnosis, there's still a lot of barriers here because this disability is not really known."

FASD activists and workers said they hope that teaching the public about the disability will lead to more funding for research and supports that will benefit those living with it.

Thrive Child Development Centre offers services regardless of diagnosis, but with FASD affecting four per cent of the population, they said diagnosis should be much easier to access.