FASD

Please note that the information may be triggering for some.  If you need immediate assistance, please call your local crisis services.  Please note that this article uses person-centred versus identity-centred language at the experts' request: the FASD Adult Leadership Commitee. 

Alcohol is a known teratogen, something that can affect prenatal development. Prenatal Alcohol Exposure can occur for various reasons including, but not limited to: not knowing one is pregnant, inaccurate information about the risks, addiction, and inadequate prenatal care.  

In Canada, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a diagnostic term that replaced other terms such as Fetal Alcohol Effects, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrom (pFAS), and Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental (ARND).

FASD is a spectrum, and every individual with FASD is unique and like everyone else, have areas of strength and challenge.  From the social model of disability, systems of racism, oppression, and ableism create barriers.  Empowering folx with FASD honours their intersectionality and where supports can remedy systemic barriers.

FASD is more common than previously reported.  It is estimated that the prevalence of FASD is approximately 4-5% of the general population across Canada and the United States.  

A common misconception is that FASD is associated with a specific social, ethnic, or cultural background, but the majority of people in Canada drink alcohol.

FASD is a whole-body diagnosis, and supports should focus on meeting sensory, communication, regulation, memory, neurology, and health-related needs.

Our goal is to help folx with FASD, and other neurodiversity understand the areas where they shine and navigate the areas where supports can help. 

The FASD Institute™ is committed to providing education and training through an FASD tailored lens.