David with FAS

David Vandenbrink seems like a healthy 21yearold bright and articulate young man There is little to suggest that while in his mothers womb he suffered permanent brain damage His condition fetal alcohol syndrome FAS went undiagnosed for the first 18 years of his life causing confusion anger and pain for both David and his nonIndigenous adoptive family Fetal alcohol syndrome is a term used to describe a set of symptoms seen in some children born to women who drank alcohol during pregnancy The damage can be subtle or severe resulting in a wide range of symptoms in the areas of slowed growth disfigurement and damage to the brain Associated behavioural problems include impulsiveness poor judgment and an inability to grasp the consequences of actions This personal story using video footage shot by David himself along with the experiences of members of his family is a hard look into the serious consequences of a littleknown but widespread health problem