Victims of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder have symptoms that ‘aren’t always physical’

Marnie Van Vlymen, manager of the Infant and Child Health Team, said a pilot diagnostic clinic is ongoing and there is “a diagnostic team of community members.”

Van Vlymen briefly spoke about the project during a presentation of an overview of her department’s activities at a meeting of the health board Wednesday.

She said victims of FASD may have symptoms “that aren’t always physical.”

Even if no physical symptoms are present, victims can suffer from a variety of problems, including learning difficulties, problems with memory, and problems socializing and expressing emotions.

But having a diagnosis is key to providing treatment. Van Vlymen said, “Once they have a diagnosis, that child has more service options.”

She said: “There are very few diagnostic clinics in Ontario,” and she stressed the one in CK is a pilot project only.

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Chatham-Kent Public Health
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