FASD

Please note that the information may be triggering for some. If you need immediate assistance, please call your local crisis services.    Please note that this article uses person-centred versus identity-centred language at the experts' request: The FASD Adult Leadership Committee. 

Alcohol is a known teratogen, something that can affect prenatal development.  Prenatal Alcohol Exposure can occur for various reasons including, but not limited to: not knowing you are pregnant, inaccurate information about the risks, and inadequate prenatal care.  

In Canada, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term that replaced other terms such as Fetal Alcohol Effects, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrom (pFAS), and Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental (ARND).

All individuals with FASD are unique and, like everyone else, have areas of strength and challenge.  From the social model of disability, systems of racism, oppression, and ableism create barriers to  access.  Empowering individuals with FASD requires honouring intersectionality and removing systemic barriers. 

FASD is more common than previously estimated.  It is estimated that it affects 4-5% of the general population across Canada and the United States.  

A common misconception is that FASD is associated with social, ethnic, or cultural background, but the majority of people in Canada drink alcohol. 

FASD is a whole-body diagnosis, and supports should focus on meeting sensory, communication, regulation, memory, neurology, and health-related needs. 

Our goal is to help those with FASD and other neurodiversity understand the areas where they shine and navigate the areas where support can help.  We believe that FASD is a part of an individual's life; it is not who they are. 

FASD Counselling and Consulting offers BC's only FASD-tailored play therapy and expressive arts services.