What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a lifelong condition that can affect the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol before birth.
People with FASD experience differences in how they learn, communicate, remember information or manage emotions. The effects vary widely. Some people need a little support, while others need more help in daily life.
FASD is often not visible, but it can affect many areas of life, including school, work and relationships.
People with FASD also have many strengths. With the right supports and understanding environments, they can build skills and participate meaningfully in their communities.
How can FASD affect people?
FASD can affect different areas of development and functioning, including:
- learning and memory
- attention and concentration
- communication and language
- emotional regulation
- social skills
- planning and organization
- physical health or motor skills
Because these differences are related to brain and body development, individuals with FASD may need supports that help them learn and manage everyday tasks. Each person with FASD will have different strengths and areas of difficulty.
How is FASD diagnosed?
FASD is diagnosed through a holistic assessment by a team of health professionals.
This assessment looks at:
- prenatal alcohol exposure (drinking alcohol during pregnancy)
- brain functioning and development
- learning and behaviour
- physical health
- communication and social skills
Diagnosis can happen in childhood or adulthood, but FASD is underdiagnosed. And some people with FASD may go undiagnosed. A diagnosis can help individuals and families understand their needs and connect with appropriate supports.
What type of support is offered for people with FASD?
FASD is a disability, and with supports, people with FASD can see improvements in areas that may be more difficult for them.
Supports may include:
- educational supports
- speech-language or occupational therapy
- mental health care
- programs that help build daily living skills
- family or caregiver support
Structured, predictable environments and supportive relationships help people with FASD succeed.
FASD clinicians, FASD advocacy groups, people with FASD and people with family members with FASD continue to work to improve and develop new research into needed supports.
Where can I find services for people with FASD?
If you have FASD or a family member with FASD these resources can help you find information, news and services.
- FASD Community Resource Sheet PDF
- CANFASD Information for Families
- Rural FASD
- FASD Ontario
- Partners for Planning – P4P Planning Network
- Towards Health Outcomes 2.0
Where can I find help if I’m concerned about FASD?
If you are concerned about alcohol use during pregnancy or about a child’s development, speak with a health care provider or someone you trust. They can help you find information, assessment services and supports.
If I’m writing about or speaking with people with FASD or alcohol use in pregnancy, what language should I use?
- To learn how to refer to people with FASD and write respectfully about FASD, see CAMH’s Clear and Inclusive Writing Guidelines, Language Affecting People with FASD.
- Conversations about alcohol use in pregnancy should be supportive and non-judgmental, and focus on helping people access information, help and care.
- CanFASD also has language guides and resources that can help.