Inuvik (Dec 05/03) - "FAS is not only a women's issue but a community issue," said Francene Ross, a social development officer, at Ingamo Hall Monday.

Unfortunately, not many in the community turned out to hear what Ross had to say during the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Workshop, which she hosted.

"It just breaks my spirit to see so few people here because it's such an important issue."

Only five people attended the workshop, in which Ross explained the forms FASD takes, the learning and behaviour problems associated with the disability and strategies that work best in fostering development among those afflicted.

FASD comprises a series of disabilities caused by consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. While FASD damage is permanent, the affliction is 100 per cent preventable.

Signs of the disease first appear as physical abnormalities and as the child grows older, cognitive behaviour and learning disabilities become apparent.

Hyperactivity, difficulties solving simple problems and poor practical reasoning are just a few of several developmental problems FASD children have as they reach maturity.

Ross says that if not properly checked, these can have detrimental social consequences.

According to statistics, more than 50 per cent of males and 70 per cent of females with FASD will have alcohol and drug problems. Eighty-two per cent will not be able to live independently and 70 per cent will have problems with employment.

Ross, who learned firsthand about the disability from fostering a nine-year-old child suffering from FASD in 1993, says that the key to preventing it is education.

"I couldn't understand why this child was having so many difficulties learning," she said. "Later it was determined he had FASD."

Ross says that while medical and psychological examinations can determine which children suffer from FASD, a positive diagnosis can only be made if the mother admits to drinking during her pregnancy.

For this reason, the stigma needs to be removed so children can be properly diagnosed and their needs catered to.

Bob Orr, a counsellor at Turning Point attended the workshop. While he was not willing to comment as to how many of his clients suffered from FAS, he did say the workshop was informative.