Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the umbrella term used to describe the range of harm that may result from prenatal exposure to alcohol. These concerns can include health, physical, developmental, intellectual and social challenges.

The term FASD includes the diagnostic categories of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), partial FAS (pFAS), Alcohol-Related Neuro-Developmental Disorder (ARND) and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD) (Chudley et al, 2005).

Incidence of FASD

• FASD currently affects an estimated 300,000 Canadians, approximately 1% of the population¹.

• In Canada, it is estimated that 9 in every 1,000 infants are born with FASD each year¹.

• In some Aboriginal communities the rate can be as high as every 1 in 5².

FASD is the leading cause of developmental and cognitive disabilities among Canadian children³.

The effects of FASD, an entirely preventable disorder, are life-long. FASD has immense emotional and financial costs for the individual, family, community and society. People living with FASD often require help with tasks such as handling money, social interaction, and holding employment¹.

See the Links page for other information about FASD.

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¹ Health Canada. It’s Your Health – Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. 7 Dec 2006 www.hc-sc.gc.ca/iyh-vsv/diseases-maladies/fasd-etcaf_e.html

² First Nations and Inuit Health. Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects. 8 Mar 2005 www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fnih-spni/famil/preg-gros/intro_e.html

³ Public Health Agency of Canada. Summary Report: National Thematic Workshop on FASD. 2006 www.nationalframework-cadrenational.ca/uploads/files/TWS_FASD/
FASD_PHAC_EN_mar29_30_06.pdf