Definition = 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.

(Source CANFASD. Canadian government)

There is no safe amount of alcohol to be consumed during pregnancy. The brain and the nervous system develop during the entire pregnancy.

Prevalence = FASD is recognized as one of the leading known causes of developmental disability in the western world. Compared with other common disabilities, at an estimated prevalence of 4% of the population.

* It is 2.5 time more common than Autism Spectrum disorder. 

* It is 28 time more common than Downs Syndrome.

The difficult part is that they look normal and talk normal so people’s expectations don’t match their ability.

(source: the prevalence of FASD Katherine Flannigan..Canada FASD Research Network, July 2018.)