What is FASD?
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
FASD is the leading developmental disability in Canada. It affects 4% of Canadians. That's more than Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and Tourette's Syndrome combined.
About FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.
FASD is a whole-body disorder — it affects both the brain and the body.
Prevalence
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is 2.5 times more common than Autism, 19 times more common than Cerebral Palsy, 28 times more common than Down Syndrome, and 40 times more common than Tourette's Syndrome.
Prevention
No amount of alcohol use is known to be safe for a developing baby before birth.
It's never too late to say "No Thanks"
Each day with no alcohol can make a difference to the baby's development.