About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is the term used to describe the range of effects caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy. These effects may include physical, mental, behavioural and/or learning disabilities with possible lifelong implications. Health Canada estimates that approximately 9 in every 1,000 infants are born with FASD.
Some children with FASD have physical disabilities, but many of the effects are not visible and may include problems with learning, memory, attention, problem solving, behaviour, vision and hearing. They may not understand social situations and their behaviour is often interpreted as problematic, rather than a symptom of an underlying condition.
Children with FASD do best when their individual strengths are recognized and built upon in a supportive environment adapted to meet their needs.
Through partnerships between government, health authorities, school districts and community organizations, many community-based initiatives are occurring throughout British Columbia in the areas of prevention, assessment and diagnosis and support.
In this section you will find info on prevention, assessment & diagnosis, and family support as well as other helpful information.
Top