As the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. For hundreds of individuals and families affected by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in the northeast region of Minnesota, a new door has opened. It is at Duluth Children’s, which recently began offering FASD evaluations in the Pediatric Department of SMDC Medical Center’s First Street Building.
Getting a good assessment and diagnosis is key in finding the right support for persons with FASD and can help prevent secondary disabilities later in life. Recently, access to FASD diagnostic services were severely threatened when the Fetal Alcohol Diagnostic Program (FADP), located in Duluth, closed.
The Minnesota Organization on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (MOFAS) wanted to ensure that access to consistent, accurate diagnostic services in this area would continue for the many families impacted by this often invisible disability. MOFAS and FADP worked diligently with SMDC’s Pediatric Department to add space in their schedule for two FASD evaluations each month, and to train their staff. Due to the complexity of FASD, a diagnosis usually requires a team effort. At Duluth Children’s, they have a team of pediatric clinicians who specialize in neurobehavioral development, occupational therapy and speech language pathology, that work together to perform FASD evaluations.
Referrals are now being taken for children age 6 months through 18 years, and can be scheduled by calling 218-786-3198.
MOFAS was founded in 1998 by former First Lady, Susan Carlson, and is the only statewide source for information, resources and support on FASD. The mission of MOFAS is to eliminate disability caused by alcohol consumption during pregnancy and to improve the life for those living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders throughout Minnesota. For more information contact MOFAS at 651-917-2370 or toll-free 1-866-90-MOFAS; 1885 University Avenue, Suite 395, St. Paul, MN 55104; www.mofas.org.