Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Why Address Prevention of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?
FASD describes the range of disabilities to the unborn baby caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. The diagnoses under the FASD umbrella include: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS); Partial FAS (pFAS); Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND); and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD).
For more information relating to diagnosis, please visit the Public Health Agency of Canada web page at:
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/fasd-etcaf/cdnguidelines_e.html
In March 2005, the paper Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Canadian Guidelines for Diagnosis, was published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ March 1, 2005; 172 (5 suppl). Please see the CMAJ web site for the full text, abstract and PDF attachment http://www.cmaj.ca (search - FASD) or click here for pdf. version.
- FASD is the leading cause of developmental disability among Canadian children. Individuals with FASD have a combination of mental and physical disabilities. The brain damage can cause learning and behavioural difficulties. (FASD Fact Sheet)
- FASD is a life-long disability that is preventable. In Canada the incidence of FASD is estimated at 1 to 9 in 1000 live births. FASD is a complex public health and social issue. The costs of FASD annually to Canada are profound. Depending on the severity and geographical setting, to support persons from birth to age 21 living with FASD, it costs Canadians approximately $344,208,000 annually.* For more information, please visit Motherisk webpage at: www.motherisk.org and * Stade, B., Ungar, W.J., Stevens, B., Beyene, J., Koren, G. (2006). The Burden of Prenatal Exposure to Alcohol: Measurement of Cost. JFAS Int. 2006; 4:e5.
- The impact of alcohol varies with the amount, timing and frequency of alcohol consumed and depends on risk factors such as genetics, overall health, poly-drug use and nutrition of mother.
- During pregnancy there is: No Safe kind of alcohol; No Safe amount of alcohol; No Safe time to drink alcohol. For the most recent campaign, please click here to watch the FASD Take Action Roo Commercial.
- September 9th is FASD Awareness Day. For more information, see our FASD Awareness Day Planning and Reporting Guide.
For more information on FASD refer to our booklet FASD: A RESOURCE FOR PROFESSIONALS 
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FASD Media Campaigns
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Saskatchewan FASD Speakers Bureau
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