FASD Deutschland e.V. is the first German non-profit volunteer organisation to join the global Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network.
The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower symbol helps to increase awareness of non-visible disabilities and fosters a more empathetic and understanding society, that helps individuals who feel overwhelmed and not supported.
The organisation aims to improve the lives of individuals with FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) and help reduce the number of alcohol-exposed pregnancies.
FASD is the umbrella term used to describe a pattern of congenital disabilities related to alcohol exposure before birth. That can result in impairments of a physical, cognitive or behavioural nature. There is no cure for FASD. Children born with FASD become adults with FASD.
Numerous factors make diagnosis difficult. Not everyone displays the same symptoms or conditions. Some may be apparent at birth; others are not identified or recognised as being symptomatic of FASD until later in life - if at all. FASD is still not well-known, even within the healthcare system, among service providers, etc. Evaluation and diagnosis involve an interdisciplinary team and take time, making this process expensive. Experts working in the field of FASD frequently refer to this disorder as an "invisible disability" as it is often totally "missed" or incorrectly diagnosed.
"In our experience, "being invisible" gives rise to the greatest challenges facing those whose lives are affected by FASD. If we can't see something, it doesn't exist for us. We are generally not aware of individuals who live with an invisible disability or condition and struggle in everyday situations that others take in their stride.
Undoubtedly, this applies to all disabilities or conditions that are not obvious at a glance, not just to FASD.""We are proud to be the first volunteer organisation in Germany to become an official member of the global Sunflower community! We join an ever-growing list of global Sunflower members across all sectors, including airlines and airports such as the Berlin Brandenburg Airport BER and Hamburg Airport in Germany."
Bespoke Sunflower lanyards are available from them, including a cardholder and an FASD card printed in German. Learn more about FASD Deutschland by visiting their website: FASD Deutschland or Contact: [email protected]