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.
Why FASD is an essential diagnostic term: Response to the Lancet Article
October 31, 2024 The Canada FASD Research Network, CanFASD, feels compelled to make an official statement on the recent opinion published in the Lancet by Eliason et al.,
Cannabis Use during Pregnancy: An Update
By Edmonton and area Fetal Alcohol Network Society on 21 Oct 2024 Gerede A, Stavros S, Chatzakis C, Vavoulidis E, Papasozomenou P, Domali E, Nikolettos K, Oikonomou E,
8 Keys For Adults With FASD
A film by Dan Redfield for the Alaska Center for FASD. Seven adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders telling their stories, challenges, strengths, and strategies for success.
Helping With Drinking: Website Resource
Developed by the Canadian Research Initiative in Substance Misuse and BC Centre on Substance Use, this website offers information and resources for the public and for health care providers based on
The Alcohol Industry and Social Responsibility: Links to FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is directly linked to the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy.
Unmet Need For Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment in Reproductive-Age Females
Emphasis on pregnant and parenting populations in the United States: Findings from NSDUH 2015–2021
Articles from CanFASD
- Spotlight on a member jurisdiction: Manitoba’s FASD Strategy
- A FASD Story: Creating Space for Voices through Art Making
- Announcing the 2024 Dr. Sterling Clarren Research Award Recipient!
- “Igniting aspirations for future projects”: Canada FASD Conference
- New Brunswick study improving the path to referral for a FASD diagnosis for youth
- Connecting Internationally at the 7th European FASD Alliance Conference
- Everyone Plays a Part – Highlights of FASD Awareness Month 2024
- An Update on the Evidence: This years’ annotated bibliography of articles published in 2023 just released!
- Acting on the Influences on Alcohol Use in Pregnancy: The Need for a National Framework
- Evidencing child mental health supports, embedded in programming for mothers
