Hello, we’re here to help you.
The South Alberta FASD Network delivers FASD-informed services across the region. Funded agencies use a holistic, client-focused approach to work with their community partners in the delivery of culturally appropriate services to all residents.
Our Network is comprised of community agencies and organizations that deliver FASD-related supports and services. We provide:
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges and will need special supports to help them succeed with many different parts of their daily lives.
The Truth: You often can‘t tell if someone has FASD just by looking at them.
Less than 10% of people with prenatal alcohol exposure have visible facial differences, as there is only a short period of time during the pregnancy when alcohol affects facial features. That is why FASD may be viewed as an “invisible disability.”
The Truth: There is no known safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Experts recommend that the safest option is no alcohol at all.
ZERO alcohol is safest
But there are a number of reasons someone may drink during pregnancy, including:
- Not knowing the risks of drinking during pregnancy
- Not knowing they are pregnant
- Using alcohol to cope with trauma or violence
- Pressure from a partner
- Substance use challenges
Go alcohol-free if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or having unprotected sex.
The Truth: The brain damage associated with FASD makes it difficult if not impossible for individuals to control their behaviour. It is not a choice.
People with FASD may experience many challenges. Approximately 90% of people with FASD will experience mental health challenges at some point.
The Truth: FASD is a permanent, life-long disability that often creates greater challenges in adulthood, when its behavioural consequences become less acceptable.
FASD is a WHOLE BODY DISORDER; it affects both the brain and the body.
The Truth: The only known cause of FASD is a woman’s consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. However, expectant fathers can play a key role in prevention by supporting their partners in the decision not to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
There is no safe time, no safe kind,
and no safe amount of alcohol to consume during pregnancy.
In Alberta, FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) programs and services actively encourage that drinking no alcohol during pregnancy is best – no exposure equals no risk. These programs address prevention, awareness as well as supports for diagnosis/assessment and a variety of supports to individuals with FASD and their families.
Share Your Insights: Call to Alberta’s Caregivers & Educators
By Edmonton and area Fetal Alcohol Network Society on January 7, 2025 The Alberta FASD Service Networks are reaching out to caregivers and educators across the province to gather feedback
CanFASD 2024 Webinar Series
For the past four years, CanFASD has been running a webinar series to share knowledge and research about FASD with more people. In 2024, they hosted 12 webinars on various topics
Announcing the theme of Canada FASD Conference 2025!
By canfasdblog on Dec 04, 2024 07:00 am The theme of next year’s Canada FASD Conference will be Shaping the Future of FASD: From Evidence to Action! The conference planning
Holiday Gift Ideas for the FASD Community
By canfasdblog on Nov 27, 2024 07:00 am It’s that time of year again! The holiday season is upon us. A lot of you are wondering what to
Winter Wonders: Exploring Alcohol-Free Joy This Holiday Season
Winter is here, and with it comes the sparkle of holiday lights, the warmth of cozy gatherings, and the promise of new beginnings. As we embrace the festive
Supporting Birth Parents Raising Children with FASD
By Edmonton and area Fetal Alcohol Network Society on November 18, 2024 This webinar is for those who want to learn more about how to support birth parents
Articles from CanFASD
- Support for Bill S-253: FASD in Canada
- New Webinar Series: Alcohol Policy in Canada
- Advocating for Your Right to FASD Diagnosis and Housing: A Guide for Caregivers and Individuals with FASD
- Perinatal Substance Use – An Opportunity to Learn about Engaging, Collaborative Practice
- 2024 Year in Review
- Have a happy and healthy holiday season
- Improving Access to Treatment for Pregnant Women and New Mothers
- Reflections on Equity and Alcohol Use from BC’s Provincial Perinatal Substance Use Conference
- Connecting Internationally at the 7th European FASD Alliance Conference
- Everyone Plays a Part – Highlights of FASD Awareness Month 2024
