September is #FASDMonth: Raising awareness about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

September is FASD Awareness Month in Canada, which is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder with the goal of improving prevention, diagnosis and support services.

The theme for this year’s FASD awareness month is Everyone Plays a Part, so let’s recognize and celebrate the talents, abilities and fortitude of people living with FASD and their families and communities.

Throughout the month of September, events are held across Canada and around the world in recognition of FASD Awareness Month and International FASD Day (September 9th).

What is FASD?

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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of people prenatally exposed to alcohol.

FASD affects the brain and 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 person with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges. Challenges can occur in the following areas of development:

- Physical – birth defects and motor skills
- Mental – cognitive, memory, decision making
- Behavioural – angry outbursts, trouble getting along in the world
- Learning – poor school performance, trouble with abstract thinking

Getting diagnosed early and having the right supports can improve outcomes.

Did you know?

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- FASD impacts approximately 4% of Canadians.
- FASD impacts more people in Canada than Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome combined.
- People with FASD are known for having a number of different strengths, including being friendly, likeable, affectionate, determined, hard-working, forgiving, non-judgemental and caring.
- 90% of people with FASD also experience mental health issues.
- The social and economic cost of FASD in Canada are estimated to be $1.8 billion annually.
- People with FASD achieve positive outcomes if their needs and challenges are addressed early on in life and they have access to supports that carry into adulthood.

For some great FASD FAQs please visit this CanFASD web page.