Association d'Aide aux Parents d'Enfants souffrant du Syndrome de l'Anti-Convulsivant

Description

APESAC, the Association d’Aide aux Parents d’Enfants souffrant du Syndrome de l’Anti-Convulsivant, is a French non-profit association under the 1901 law, recognized of general interest and accredited by the Ministry of Health. It was founded in 2011 by parents after realizing that fetal valproate syndrome was unknown to doctors and families, leaving children undiagnosed and unsupported. It came from exposure during pregnancy to antiepileptic drugs like Depakine, Depakote and Depamide.

The association says it now represents around 8000 victims of the syndrome in France. Its board includes a president, secretary, treasurer and community manager, supported by an epidemiologist who advises on research into the transgenerational impact of valproate and the toxicity of antiepileptic drugs taken during pregnancy.

APESAC works to make valproic acid embryofetopathy known to public authorities, health institutions, doctors and families. It informs families and women of childbearing age so they can make informed decisions. It helps diagnose affected children through specialized reference centers, listens to and supports families in distress by sharing experience and seeking solutions together, and works to extend monitoring to other anticonvulsant drugs.

It has regional representatives across France, publishes documentation such as a leaflet on Depakine, holds annual general meetings, and relies on membership fees and donations. It is based in Pollestres, in the Pyrénées-Orientales.