In recognition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month, Myles Himmelreich, Service Delivery Advisor and FASD Specialist at CLBC, speaks about the myths, misconceptions and stigmas surrounding FASD. Myles also shares why education and awareness are so important — both for individuals with FASD and for the people who support them.
What is the number one thing you wish people understood about FASD?
The biggest thing I encounter is the misinformation and stigma around FASD.
When I tell people I work with individuals with diverse abilities, they’re often open and curious. But when I mention that I specialize in FASD, their reaction can quickly turn negative — almost like a light switch. Sometimes people don’t know what it is, or they think they do but have it completely wrong.
For example, even kids in elementary school will say things like, “Oh, FASD — that’s the kid who can’t sit still,” or they’ll connect it only to “bad behavior.” These are stereotypes, not realities.
FASD can look a lot like other disabilities, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or autism. It affects how a person thinks, processes information, and experiences the world, which means that the supports they need may be different from what you expect. A big part of my job is re-educating people about what FASD really is.
There’s often blame directed at mothers. How do you address that?
This is one of the most important conversations we need to have. There is a huge amount of shame and blame placed on birth mothers — and it’s both unfair and harmful.
No mother intentionally drinks alcohol with the goal of harming their child. Think about it: no woman says, “I’ll drink today so my child can’t focus in school when they’re in grade six,” or “so they can’t keep a job at 17.” It doesn’t work like that.
Often, drinking happens before a woman even knows she’s pregnant. Imagine being a young adult, socially drinking at weddings, birthdays, or summer events, only to find out later you’re pregnant and already a couple months along. That’s a very common scenario.
We need to move away from blame and instead focus on what we can do now — how we can support the mother and the child, both during and after pregnancy.
Some people think FASD is mostly an Indigenous issue. What’s the truth?
That’s a harmful myth, and it’s simply not true.
Yes, you hear this stereotype because of assumptions around alcohol use and systemic racism. But research tells a different story. In fact, a study in Alberta showed that the highest rates of FASD were found among college-educated Caucasian women — women who were drinking socially without realizing they were pregnant.
FASD doesn’t discriminate. Alcohol affects everyone the same way, no matter their culture or background. Unfortunately, even in some diagnostic clinics, there’s bias. If a Caucasian child comes in, they might be assessed for autism, while an Indigenous child with similar traits might be assessed for FASD. That’s discrimination, and it can lead to children not getting the right supports.
There’s a lot of confusion about whether drinking in moderation is safe during pregnancy. What’s the current understanding?
This is a really common question. For years, there was a slogan in our field: “FASD is 100% preventable.”
We don’t use that language anymore, because we now understand that it’s more complex than that.
The truth is, we don’t know exactly how much alcohol, at exactly what point in pregnancy, causes exactly what effects. The only safe recommendation we can make is no alcohol at all during pregnancy — or stopping as soon as you find out you’re pregnant.
The problem is that outdated advice is still out there. Some healthcare professionals still say things like, “It’s okay to have a glass of wine — it will help you relax.”
When a doctor says that, people believe it because we trust professionals to know best. That’s why educating healthcare providers and medical students is so important — so the right message gets shared.
What are some other myths you encounter about FASD?
One of the most damaging myths is that individuals with FASD are aggressive or dangerous.
I’ll share a personal experience. When my partner and I were expecting our daughter, we were meeting with the doctor. When I mentioned that I have FASD, the doctor wrote it down and said, “I’ll note that you’re not aggressive, so other doctors will know it’s okay to come into the room.”
I was speechless. Imagine if I were a child hearing that said about me. I might grow up believing I am aggressive, simply because that’s what the doctor said. This shows how powerful — and harmful — misconceptions can be.
Another myth is that FASD is just about “behaviour.” In reality, it’s a whole-body diagnosis. It affects not just the brain, but also the body — bones, joints, tissues. In a study I co-authored, we found individuals with FASD experiencing conditions like osteoarthritis in their teens and twenties — ages when most doctors wouldn’t even think to look for it.
What message do you want people to take away when it comes to FASD?
We need to change the conversation. Instead of focusing on how to stop women from drinking during pregnancy, we should focus on supporting families and children.
There will always be alcohol, there will always be pregnancies, and there will always be FASD. So the question is: Now what?
How do we create systems where teachers, doctors, social workers, and families know how to support individuals with FASD? How do we ensure they have access to the right services and understanding?
When we shift the focus from blame to support, we reduce stigma and make a real difference in people’s lives.
What’s next for CLBC when it comes to FASD awareness and training?
When I first joined CLBC, I noticed there wasn’t a lot of up-to-date information or training available on FASD. That’s changing now.
We’re developing training for both staff and service providers, so everyone has a better understanding of FASD and how to support individuals effectively. It’s been amazing to see leadership fully onboard and excited to create positive change.
During FASD Awareness Month, seeing red lights on desks and posters in offices filled me with pride. It shows that CLBC is committed to raising awareness and challenging myths — from the inside out.
Final thought from Myles:
“Education is power. When we have the right information, we replace stigma and blame with understanding and support. That’s how we truly change lives.”
