Ontario failing FASD support: NAN

Friday January 6, 2012

Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) is asking the Ontario government to develop an integrated provincial strategy for prevention and support services to deal with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

FASD is an umbrella term describing the range of effects that can occur in an individual whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, behavioral, mental, and learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. “Countless children are falling through the cracks because of Ontario’s continued failure to fully address FASD,” NAN Deputy Grand Chief Terry Waboose said.

“This puts them at high risk for developmental disorders and severely impairs their chances to grow up to lead the full, happy and productive lives they so desperately deserve.”

NAN said Ontario is falling behind other provinces when it comes to FASD prevention and support, many of which have strategies and targeted mandates for FASD.

In 2006 Ontario cut the Northwestern Ontario FASD Diagnostic Clinic that provided services to many First Nation communities.

“Without assessments and proper services, many First Nation children are at very high risk for secondary disabilities that can severely impair their development. Lives are at risk and it is crucial that the government officially recognizes the crippling health and social impacts of this disorder and begins to work with First Nations to design and implement a strategic response,” Waboose said.