MCC responding to fetal alcohol disorders

Winnipeg, Man.

As the impact of fetal alcohol disorders becomes clearer, Mennonite Central Committee Canada is exploring ways to help.

Approximately 3 in every 1,000 births in North America are affected by fetal alcohol syndrome (from mothers ingesting alcohol while pregnant), while 30 to 50 infants per 1,000 have fetal alcohol effects, according to experts at a workshop organized by MCC Manitoba in March.

"Alcohol is a solvent. It can literally dissolve brain tissue and that can mean inconsistent growth in the brain of the unborn fetus," said Dorothy Schwab, a community liaison for alcohol and drug-exposed children at Health Sciences Centre.

"It affects everything from the ability to learn to knowing how to act appropriately in a social setting.... It is a permanent condition."

Primary disabilities--like slower cognitive processes, memory problems and the inability to understand consequences--are a direct result of damage to the brain by alcohol. Secondary disabilities--like poor self esteem, anxiety and aggression--result as individuals develop defensive behaviours to help them cope, says Schwab.

Children with a fetal alcohol disorders will always need someone to help them deal with daily life. There is no standard approach because of the wide range of symptoms.

MCC Canada has developed a pamphlet titled "Come Walk with Me--A Christian response to fetal alcohol-related disabilities" for church and community groups. MCC Manitoba is currently exploring program ideas related to fetal alcohol disorders.

Ike and Barb Brown (not their real names) have three adopted children. Given the struggles their family has dealt with, they suspect that two of their children have fetal alcohol effects.

"We have sought and received a tremendous amount of professional help but it wasn't what our kids needed," says Barb. "The years have been very difficult." Counsellors helped them establish consequences for their children's behaviour, but their children never "caught on."

Following continued incidents of theft and violence, their son moved into a foster home. Eventually their daughter was suspended from school and moved out as well.

"Our son looked like an 18-year-old but he had the comprehension of someone much younger than that. Our daughter wanted independence but she was unable to keep a job," says Barb.

Schwab says there is an increasing volume of material available as more parents share their stories. Intervention includes allowing the affected individual to be part of the process, adapting to individual need, providing concrete concepts and creating structure.--MC Canada release