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About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Building on Strengths A Provincial Plan for British Columbia 2008 - 2018 The Ministry of Children and Family Development in collaboration with other provincial ministries, and in consultation with families, service providers, and clinical experts has developed a ten year plan: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder: Building on Strengths. For additional information and to download the plan click here. Click here to read the news release. March 27, 2008

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.

	Related MCFD Sections: For more info on related services and programs, please visit: Child Care Child and Youth Mental Health Children & Youth with Special Needs Early Childhood Development Provincial Services for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing