In advance of the first Australasian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) conference in Brisbane this week (Nov 19-20, 2013), Crikey has posted an interview with advice for journalists covering FASD from Associate Professor Jane Latimer from the George Institute for Global Health. It’s worth checking out as this advice is relevant for pretty much everyone who talks about or thinks about or writes about FASD.
The tips include:
- Use neutral language when referring to families living with FASD.
- Provide consistent messaging about alcohol consumption during pregnancy with reference to national guidelines.
- Avoid language such as ‘bingeing’, ‘boozing’, ‘drunks’ or ‘alcoholics’, which implies only heavy drinking is harmful to the fetus.
- Avoid portraying FASD as an Indigenous issue. FASD can occur wherever pregnant women consume alcohol.
- Include links to further information on FASD or services for women in media reports.
Check out the full article Some timely tips for journalists and others reporting on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (Melissa Sweet, November 18, 2013).
Girls, Women, Alcohol, and Pregnancy 
Reblogged this on FASD Prevention Conversation.
Reblogged this on Edmonton and area Fetal Alcohol Network Society.