This talk is part of the ALLways Learning Series, which invites ALL members and members of our local community to join us for a free, casual lecture each Friday during the academic year (formerly Lunchtime Learning Series).

Abstract: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder ( FASD) , also known as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) and Prenatal Substance Exposure (PSE), occurs when a person is exposed to alcohol during gestation.

Sadly, FASD is a highly misdiagnosed condition. It is conservatively estimated that 4-5% of the population has FASD. It is more prevalent than Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Muscular Dystrophy combined. Unfortunately, the stigma and shame associated with this disorder makes it not only misdiagnosed , but often underdiagnosed.

Not all infants exposed to alcohol in utero will have overt FASD features or pregnancy complications. The risk of FASD increases with the amount consumed, the frequency of consumption, and the longer duration of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, particularly binge drinking.

Local residents, Shelley and Martin Fleckenstein know all too well about this devastating diagnosis. Their adopted daughter, Clare, was born to an alcoholic and she has been diagnosed with FASD. Shelley and Martin have navigated a very challenging road in parenting Clare, trying to support her in every way. Together, they have faced many challenges, trials and tribulations, and continue to do so.

Shelley is a Wolfville native, and she lives here in her hometown with Martin, and their adopted son, Ben. She will be sharing with you her heartfelt message based on her first-hand experience. Shelley and Dr. McInerney will provide an overview of FASD. You will learn how it is caused, variables affecting expression, how it affects people, and how it is diagnosed and managed.

Biographies: Shelley Fleckenstein is a Healthcare practitioner (a retired Physiotherapist), and she is very active in this community, volunteering in many organizations and sitting on several Boards including our own Acadia Board of Governors and Senate. One of her greatest passions is educating the public on FASD and she is one of four founding members of Fetal Alcohol Nova Scotia (FANS) which is an FASD advocacy group developed in 2023.

Joining Shelley will be Halifax-based Neuro Psychologist, Dr. Robert McInerney. Over the past 25 years, Dr. McInerney has worked in several major hospitals and community settings in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Nova Scotia. He now works full-time in his private clinic where he specializes in the assessment and diagnosis of complex neurological and medical conditions. Dr. McInerney focused on FASD during his Doctoral degree and has completed hundreds of diagnostic assessments with people of all ages.