CLARION, Pa. (EYT) — The Clarion Drug Free Coalition discussed Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) during its September 23 meeting at the Forestry Bureau.

(Pictured above: Cari Harmon, treatment supervisor at Arc Manor, discusses Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders at the September 23 coalition meeting.)

Cari Harmon, the treatment supervisor at Arc Manor, took on the topic in relation to FASD Awareness Month. She covered subjects including FASD symptoms, screening processes, intervention techniques, and protective factors.

Types of FASD include:

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
• Alcohol Related Neurodevelopment Disorder
• Alcohol-Related Birth Defects

FASD is a lifelong disorder with symptoms that can last a lifetime. Symptoms include abnormal facial features, low body weight, hyperactive behavior, and learning disabilities.

Harmon warned that as many as one in 20 children in U.S. schools may have FASD that has been misdiagnosed as a different disorder such as ADHD.

Jill Northey, a prevention specialist with the Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission, noted that FASD is difficult to diagnose but is present within Clarion County.

Harmon discussed early intervention methods to help children with FASD, which include medication, behavioral/education therapy, and parent training. She also stated pregnant women or women trying to become pregnant should not use alcohol in any capacity.

“The most important part out of all of this that I learned is the more that you intervene with a child with FASD — the more that you make them feel loved and safe, the more they thrive. They thrive with compassion and love,” Harmon said.

Upcoming Events

• Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission will sponsor a “Reality Tour” on September 27, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Clarion County Jail. The “Reality Tour” is a family resource to start and continue conversations with youth about the risks and dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drug use.
• Primary Health Network and Adagio Health will host a free Women’s Health and Fitness event on September 29, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 30 Pinnacle Drive in Clarion.
• A “Stand Down: Veteran’s Appreciation Day” event will be held on September 30, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Clarion Mall parking lot. Clothing donations will be collected, and a Veterans’ Appreciation concert and fireworks will take place at 6:00 p.m.
• A free Teen Trends seminar will be held on October 24, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at Riverview Intermediate Unit. The event will cover positive communication with youth, social media safety, teen mental health, and more. The seminar is sponsored by Pa. Problem Gambling, Clarion Drug Free Coalition and Armstrong-Indiana-Clarion Drug and Alcohol Commission.
• Donna Oberlander will host her first annual a Veterans’ Expo on October 27, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Trinity Point Church of God.