Moment to Moment: Teens Growing Up With FASDs

Gr 10 Up—Current research shows that between two and five percent of babies born are affected by fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD). Not only are they hindered by cognitive, developmental, and emotional delays, but their facial features also mark them as having some form of the syndrome, making socialization doubly challenging. This extremely well-done video intersperses considerable scientific and legal data about the effects on those with the disorder and very moving vignettes of four teens and their foster families who have stuck with them through very stressful and demanding situations. The love and courage of these adults is awe inspiring. Three girls and one boy are filmed extensively interacting with their families, as well as talking about their understanding of the way their disorder places roadblocks in front of them as they progress through adolescence and into adulthood. There is an impressive amount of information, such as how binge drinking is more dangerous than daily drinking, that alcohol consumption in the third trimester is hazardous, and that one of the biggest challenges for FASD teens involves long-term memory loss. Dr. Ira J. Chasnoff spells things out, as do all the other commentators, in ways that, while scientific, are easy for the target audience to understand. This is an excellent film for training, awareness, and initiating discussion, and it should be seriously considered by all health, school, and public libraries. It has the potential to reach kids and change their behavior.—John R. Clark, Hartland Public Library, ME