What is 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 challenge 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.
Clinic
The Central Alberta FASD Clinic is for individuals ages 7 years and older who are experiencing difficulties that are suspected to be a result of prenatal exposure to alcohol.
Confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure is required prior to assessment and the clinic can assist with gathering the details of this information.
The Central Alberta FASD Clinic complies with The Canadian Guideline for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a guideline for diagnosis across the lifespan, 2015).
FASD is diagnosed by considering evidence from several criteria, including potential impact on the brain, in individuals exposed to alcohol during gestation. Not all individuals exposed to alcohol during gestation have FASD.
Referral
A referral is needed to access the clinic. Anyone may refer to clinic; however, signed consent from the individual and/or legal guardian(s) is required at time of referral.
To ensure that individuals are supported in completing the assessment process, we require them to have a designated representative, to assist them through the application and assessment process.
If an individual does not have any support people, please contact the Central Alberta FASD Network for supports and services.
FASD Clinic referral form: Central Alberta FASD Clinic Referral Form. June 2021