Sask. man advocates for those living with FASD
What began as a journey of healing for Niall Schofield has turned into an advocacy mission to help people understand living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
“It’s really when I started embracing that I have FASD that I actually started to propel in success,” he said.
Schofield is among the four per cent of the Canadian population who lives with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Shana Mohr, the training manager for Saskatchewan’s Fetal Spectrum Disorder Network, said the rate of FASD is higher than the combined rates of autism, Down syndrome, Tourette syndrome and cerebral palsy.
“That being said, FASD is probably one of the most significantly under funded disabilities in Canada.”
Schofield believes more can be done to help better educate people about FASD.
“People’s perceptions of you change immediately when they find out you are affected by FASD. The stigma is very, very strong and unfortunately it takes lives.”
This reality is the inspiration behind the network’s newest campaign.
“When someone says ‘oh I have FASD’ often people’s first thought is to go to something negative,” said Mohr.
“They are not recognizing all their strengths and all the positive qualities that they bring to the world.”
Schofield was featured in the advertisement showcasing his clothing line Douglas Bird.
“I took the trauma and all the things I have overcome and then I put the message into my clothing.”
Schofield is also the president of the Diamond BMX club in Warman and there are plans to create a state of the art indoor BMX facility in Saskatoon.
He started riding when he was seven, he said.
“My older brother raced and so did all his friends and the track was local. I just loved it.”
Schofield hopes his story will inspire others living with FASD.
“My last word would be to not give up hope and to always focus on your dreams.”
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.