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.
SOME AREAS OF FUNCTIONING THAT MAY BE AFFECTED INCLUDE:
- Academic
- Focus and Attention
- Thinking and Reasoning
- Communication
- Memory
- Executive Functioning
- Sensory
- Living and Social Skills (Social Adaptive)
- Brain Structure
IF LEFT UNSUPPORTED, THESE CHALLENGES MAY LEAD TO:
- Difficulty with Education and Employment
- Difficulty with Daily Life Skills
- Health and Addiction Problem
- Impulsive Behavior
- Homelessness
- Problems with the Law
- Mental Health Issues
- Social Difficulties
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.
RESOURCES:
- CanFASD | Interdisciplinary research network with collaborators, researchers and partners across the nation
- KnowFASD | Get to know FASD across the lifespan and learn about interventions
- ThinkFASD | For those having unprotected sex and using alcohol, for people trying to get pregnant and using alcohol and for people that are pregnant and using alcohol
- Prevention Conversation | Let’s talk…about alcohol and pregnancy
- Get Real Lab| Let’s get real…about sex and drinking
NETWORK RESOURCES
- FASD & Sexual Health | Resource for caregivers and professionals
- FASD Q&A | Question & Answer
- Discussing Diagnosis | For caregivers and supports
