"Each year we bring our fifth graders to experience the Adventure Learning Center's alpine tower, giant swing, and team building exercises. They always come back energized, proud, and united! I believe it is one of the best field trips for kids! The staff is always positive, encouraging and totally dedicated to the kids. "

— 5th Grade Counselor, New Hanover County Schools

International FASD Awareness Day – September 9, 2015

FASD_Awareness_Day

September 9th is International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Awareness Day. FASD Awareness day is the ninth day of the ninth month as a way to remind everyone that during the nine month of pregnancy a woman should not consume alcohol.

According to the National Organization for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum, NOFAS, an estimated 40,000 babies are born each year with FASDs, which can result in birth defects, intellectual or learning disabilities, behavior problems, and trouble learning life skills. FASDs are completely preventable if a woman does not drink during pregnancy. Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the placenta and the umbilical cord. When a woman drinks alcohol so does her baby, so there is no known safe amount or type of alcohol to drink during pregnancy.

FASD: What Everyone Should Know – General Information about FASD

FASD Identification – How to recognize FASD and guidelines for screening.

FASD Prevention – Strategies for reducing alcohol use during pregnancy and challenges for FASD prevention.

FASD: What School Systems Should Know About Affected Students

FASD: What the Justice System Should Know About Affected Individuals

FASD: What Young People Should Know

For more information please visit NOFAS.