“People with FAS are not disabled by choice any more than someone with Downs is disabled by choice.” Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and fetal alcohol effected (FAE) children suffer permanent, lifelong, irreversible effects from their mother's drinking during pregnancy. While 50% of those afflicted will be noticeably mentally handicapped, the rest are able to get by, apparently blending in with society. But adults who were exposed to high levels of alcohol in utero are often not just like everyone else: due to nerve damage in the brain and central nervous system, these individuals often lack critical thinking skills, sound judgment, and control over impulses (and can be easily led, and misled). FAS: When the Children Grow Up offers a documentary profile of two attractive, seemingly ordinary young people: C.J., whose birth mother drank throughout her pregnancy and came into the delivery room drunk, and Mark, who has been in and out of prison, a behavioral pattern that is especially painful to his adopted father, who is a retired corrections officer. Looking at how best to deal with special adults like C.J. and Mark, the Canadians are taking a proactive approach by creating group homes rather than the reactive response of sending people to prison. Unfortunately, we're a long way from such an enlightened approach here in the U.S. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (R. Reagan)
FAS: When the Children Grow Up
(2002) 40 min. VHS: $29.99 ($79 w/PPR). Knowledge Network (dist. by Magic Lantern Communications). Color cover. Volume 19, Issue 6
FAS: When the Children Grow Up
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