About Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can seriously harm an unborn baby.

 

A Snapshot of FASD in Canada

 

Approximately 174,000 Albertans are currently impacted by FASD.

It is estimated that 9 in every 1,000 babies are born with FASD in Canada.

Total cost in Canada  $9.7 billion/year; In Alberta: Long-term economic cost of $130-400 million/year

As approximately 60% of pregnancies are unplanned, the risk of prenatal exposure to alcohol is significant. Though almost 90% of Albertans were aware of FASD, 9% of Alberta women reported drinking during their last pregnancy.

Researchers currently suggest that at least 4% of individuals in Canada have FASD This translates to more than 1.5 million people; In Alberta, estimates are 1-4% in the general population

49% of Alberta women reported drinking some alcohol during pregnancy, including before they realized they were pregnant.

Statistics via the Alberta Government


What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

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.


How does FASD affect people?

Individuals with FASD may require extensive support and services related to health, mental health, social services, education and training, justice, addictions, and family supports throughout their lives.

People with FASD are resilient and have many strengths. The effects of FASD may become more pronounced in an individual’s life into adulthood. There may be an increase in obstacles that creates difficulties from holding a steady job to drug and alcohol abuse through to crime and homelessness.

A balanced approach in working with people with FASD that incorporates supports or adaptations is important.

Young girl

Why is identifying FASD so important?

FASD is a medical diagnosis.

Between 2008 and 2014, 1,081 people accessed assessment and diagnosis services in Alberta.

By 2017, it is estimated that Albertans will access approximately 900 assessment and diagnosis services per year.

Effective diagnosis has become essential but also problematic, because the wide spectrum of cognitive disabilities witnessed makes it difficult to pinpoint a profile specific to FASD.

An early diagnosis not only better prepares the child and their family for difficulties in transitioning to young adulthood, but it also helps them qualify for appropriate supports and benefits. This translates into increased independence and fewer employment problems as an adult.

Early diagnosis can help build self-esteem within the child by increasing accessibility to appropriate school programs, counselling services and specialized community programs aimed at dealing with the challenges of living with FASD.

 


Education is not enough!

Prevention is the key!

The prevention conversation needs to shift from a woman’s substance use to how best to support a woman to have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.

Prevention means being conscious how a woman and her family manage choices and decisions around pregnancy and wellness. People thinking about getting pregnant are encouraged to talk to a healthcare provider or ask for more information about support and services in their community.

Prevention also means being conscious of how social expectations impact women’s health. Some women need support, care, and treatment to help them stop drinking during pregnancy. Walk with her!

For each prevented case of FASD, Albertans save about $800,000

 


Please help spread the word!

The better we understand the impacts of FASD, the more likely we are to prevent it.

Check out the  hashtag #FASDAwarenessDay  for more resources about FASD!

Learn more about Bissell’s Fetal Alcohol Spectrum of Services

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