Article re-posted from: Edmonton and Area Fetal Alcohol Network

HELPING CHILDREN WITH FASD AND THEIR FAMILIES

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in the Western world and yet it remains a highly misunderstood, multi-faceted brain and body disability that affects many people in our communities.

This lack of understanding about the complexities of FASD leads to blaming, shaming, stigma, discrimination and racism that causes harm to people with FASD and their families. It also leads to people with FASD getting almost no supports or services.

We all need to be more informed, understanding and supportive of children and youth with FASD and their families. This short, illustrated report follows RCY’s more detailed report Excluded, Increasing Understanding, Support and Inclusion for Children with FASD and their Families, released in April 2021.