International fetal alcohol spectrum awareness day is Sept. 9.
On Friday the NorWest Community Health Centres invited people to the Italian cultural centre for the 14th annual international FASD Training Event.
A variety of organizations and front-line workers, such as foster parents and social workers, were invited to listen to talks by some major leaders in FASD research. FASD Co-ordinator, Maureen Parkes, said it's important to provide proper education.
Kim Barthel is an Occupational Therapist and Neurobiologist who has studied FASD. She was invited to speak about how relationships with parents and communities can help the developing brain of children suffering from FASD.
It is estimated that about 130,000 people in Ontario are diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. There are many more who remain undiagnosed.
(Thunder Bay Television)
