Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Definition:
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability with impacts on the brain and body of people who were prenatally exposed to alcohol. Each person with FASD has strengths and challenges and may need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives. (CanFASD, 2019)
FASD can cause a variety of challenges for individuals with:
- Learning
- Memory
- Attention
- Language
- Reasoning
- Behaviour
- Social skills
- Motor skills (Manitoba FASD Network, 2024).
Some of these challenges may be observed as difficulty understanding consequences, trouble keeping up with classroom learning, impulsivity, and difficulty with telling time and planning ahead, and communication/social difficulties (Manitoba FASD Network, 2024).
Coping Techniques:
- The right supports and resources can improve positive life outcomes for those living with FASD (Manitoba FASD Network, 2024)
- Understand the individual’s strengths and use them to shape how you approach challenges
- Maintain routine and structure and utilize visual cues and step-by-step direction
- Support the individual’s development of emotional self-regulation
- Work on transitions between activities and set up several reminders and cues
- Prioritize healthy sleep and exercise habits and change the home environment/schedule to support this
Helpful guide for parents with tips and more detailed examples (above tips pulled from this guide): https://www.gov.mb.ca/fs/fasd/pubs/fasd_caregivers.pdf
Helpful Facts:
- FASD is the most common neurodevelopmental disability, impacting approximately 4% of Canadians, which is more than those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome combined (CanFASD, 2024)
- Individuals with FASD are often known for personal strengths of determination, compassion, and friendliness (CanFASD, 2024)
- 90% of individuals with FASD will experience at least one mental health issue in their life (CanFASD, 2024).
- When individuals with FASD have the necessary tools and supports for their needs they can experience many positive life outcomes (CanFASD, 2024).
- You cannot tell if someone has FASD based on their appearance and there is no simple medical testing such as bloodwork. Diagnosis requires assessment from an interdisciplinary team of professionals (Manitoba FASD Network, 2024).
