7th Annual WML Academic Symposium

Time: 11:30 AM
Rm 303
Presenter(s): Taylor Mckaig
Title: Critical Analysis of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Developed under the guidance of Dr. Dean Farmer , Communication Studies

Prenatal exposure to alcohol is a considerable public health issue for several reasons; one of the most significant reasons being that FAS is one of the primary non-genetic causes of mental retardation. Diagnosis of FASDs are inclusive of the following hallmarks: (1) Facial aberrations (small head circumference, thin upper lip, low nasal bridge), (2) neurological impairments that affect learning and cognition abilities, and (3) behavioral abnormalities. FASDs are said to have no predispositions against ethnicity, race, or socioeconomic status; however, the prevalence and affects of FASDs is much more amplified in marginalized communities. Social detriments inevitability cause FASDs to not be disorders of equal opportunity. The frequency of FASDs in marginalized communities cannot be separated from neither the circumstance in which worsens the condition, nor the stigma that inevitably hinders the improvement of the disorder. In order to understand the implications alcohol has on society and the treatment of this particular issue, we need to discuss (a) the discourse of public opinion about FASDs (b)Who it affects the most and why, and (c) how hegemonic practices (stigma) legitimize FASDs as a public health concern. Making observable changes calls for an alteration of what FASDs mean and stigma it carries. Essentially, this can be deduced to altering an assigned identity. It is through the use of narrative discourse that we can yet improve this rather serious public health issue.