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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, September 22, 2016 | 4 FASD linked to trouble with school, work, legal system by Melanie Cummings Special to the Beaver A brain that has difficulty making sound decisions from cradle to grave faces a litany of labels in life; from being the bad kid in school to the one standing before a criminal court judge in their adolescence and adulthood. Not only do people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) struggle in school and society, 60 per cent of them will have contact with the criminal justice system and are 19 times more likely to be incarcerated, says Kaitlyn McLachlan, a forensic psychiatrist with McMaster University. McLachlan delivered the sobering statistic Sept. 9, on International FASD Day, to about 50 Halton advocates working to alter that future for people with the incurable and lifelong disability. According to haltonfasd.ca, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is an umbrella term used to describe the brain damage caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Brain-based disorder This brain-based disorder is permanent and irreversible with varying symptoms. The effects can be neurological, behavioural and physical. FASD is the leading known cause of preventable disability among Canadians. Although individuals with FASD cannot be cured, they are able to still lead rewarding and successful lives. While between one and five per cent of the nation's population has been diagnosed with FASD, they represent a "staggering" onequarter of those incarcerated in this country, says McLachlan. "It's a pretty big problem." Part of her job involves explaining to the courts or a review board what got the convicted person with FASD into trouble. "But by the time people come to see me, we've really missed the boat," said McLachlan. Not enough resources She said there are not enough resources for women in communities at-risk to prevent FASD, which was finally recognized as a disability in 1973. Nor is there enough money spent on increasing awareness or resources and education, she added. In Halton, there's a move to change this. At Friday's celebration of International FASD Day, Roxanne Young, chair of the Halton FASD intervention group, introduced the 20 members of a region-wide resource team. These professionals from various local agencies, including police, schools, public health, mental health and addictions support, will work with individuals and families in the community dealing with FASD. They will also work on prevention and awareness. "We offer support, hope and understanding," added Young. "We want a community where people touched with FASD want to move to." For more information, visit Halton FASD's website at haltonfasd.ca. Kaitlyn McLachlan | submitted photo Won't Be Beat If you find a cheaper price, simply show us and we will match.* 2 88 177 NESTLÉ PURE LIFE NATURAL SPRING WATER eau 187 STRAWBERRIES product of U.S.A., no. 1 grade fraise LARGE GRADE A EGGS white, 18's ceufs SAve 1.61 24 X 500 ML 1 LB TRAY 1 77 LB BEST PRICE TURKEY GUARANTEE WE WILL AUTOMATICALLY MATCH OUR COMPETITOR'S ADVERTISED PER LB PRICE ON FROZEN UTILITY TURKEYS See store for details. $3.90 / KG FRESH CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS or THINGS BIG Pack!TM or Halal tray pack poulet SAve 1.02 LB Flyer prices effective from Friday, September 23 to Thursday, September 29, 2016. Ontario stores only. (excluding: Geraldton, Kenora & Thunder Bay Ontario) Impression Collection® doors have been magnificently engineered with an artfully molded wood-grain fiberglass surface concealing durable steel construction. Overhead Door (Hamilton-Burlington) Ltd. Impression Collection Check your local store for hours of operation. WON'T BE BEAT® program restricted to major supermarket competitors within these stores geographical trade area. Other conditions and restrictions apply, please see our distributed flyer or in store for details. We reserve the right to limit quantities. While quantities last. No rainchecks. We reserve the right to correct any unintentional error that may occur in copy or illustration. ®/TM Trademarks of Loblaws Inc. and others. All rights reserved, used with permission ©2016 Loblaws Inc. Colangelo's Showroom: 5450 HARVESTER RD. (West of Burloak) BURLINGTON Colangelo's NoFrills Van Spall's NoFrills 125 Cross 1395 Abbeywood Avenue Drive 905-333-1772 · www.overheaddoorburlington.ca OAkVille