News
Stay up-to-date on FASD
We’re sharing industry news, articles, community involvement, and more.
News
Stay up-to-date on FASD
We’re sharing industry news, articles, community involvement, and more.
Invited to the Table
by Dorothy Fenwick There is a table, and it is a rather large one. With chairs neatly arranged about it. With name cards properly placed, and pads of
Canada Disability Benefit Applications Open
Applications for the new Canada Disability Benefit (CDB) open today - Friday, June 20, 2025. This benefit is a step forward in supporting the financial security of persons
The Dangers of Online Trends: FASD and Celebrity Speculation
By canfasdblog on May 21, 2025 05:00 am The internet has made it easier than ever to share information, but it has also fueled a troubling trend. Over
FASD and the Legal System: Why Training Matters
By canfasdblog on Apr 23, 2025 05:00 am Recent headlines have underscored the need for more FASD training and understanding at all levels of the criminal legal system.
Alcohol & Breastfeeding
By Edmonton and area Fetal Alcohol Network Society on 29 Jan 2025 This issue paper, Alcohol and Breastfeeding, explores the potential effects of alcohol consumption during lactation on
Children’s Book: Teach the children in your life all about FASD!
If you are the parent of a child with FASD, you probably know that many children's books fail to represent the diverse experiences that children with FASD have.
What is trauma-informed practice?
By canfasdblog on Jan 22, 2025 06:00 am Frontline providers play a crucial role in supporting individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). If you are frontline worker
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
Poster Presentation on Preconception Approaches
7th European FASD Alliance Conference in Madrid By canfasdblog on Nov 13, 2024 06:00 am Ella Huber was a recipient of a CanFASD Travel Award for the 7th
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
Foetal Alcohol Syndrome
There is growing recognition that how much men drink before conception plays a role in foetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Activities in and Around Home and Community This Summer
Here are some activities that can keep children with FASD busy in and around their homes and communities.
Acting on the Influences on Alcohol Use in Pregnancy
The Need for a National Framework. Retreived from Girls, Women, Alcohol, and Prevention: Perspectives on FASD Prevention
Value of Hearing First Hand Experiences
“Getting to hear first-hand experiences from people with FASD was invaluable”
The Prevalence of Alcohol Use During Pregnancy in Canada
CanFASD recently released a new issue paper titled, The Prevalence of Alcohol Use During Pregnancy in Canada. Below is a short summary.
Mocktail Recipes
Mocktail (non-alcoholic) recipe guide! Support an alcohol free pregnancy.
Mocktails For Me: Come Together 2023
Come together as a community this Christmas season. Support an alcohol free pregnancy.
New Resource on FASD and Mental Health
We hope that this resource guide will help mental health professionals engage in reflection, increased their knowledge of FASD, and allowed people to feel more comfortable supporting people with FASD.
Supporting Alcohol-Free Pregnancies and Reducing Stigma
As FASD Day approaches on September 9th, it is essential to recognize the importance of supporting women and gender diverse pregnant individuals and persons planning pregnancies in their journey towards alcohol-free pregnancies.
Attention All Educators: The WRaP 2.0 FASD Coaching Partnership Project
WRaP 2.0 FASD Coaching Partnership Project, a comprehensive service delivery model designed to enhance your capacity in meeting the unique needs of students with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
Substance Use in Youth with FASD
Substance use by individuals with FASD is becoming an increasing concern. Data from the National FASD Database shows that nearly half of individuals with FASD are using substances with alcohol and cannabis being the most common.
Preparing for Back To School: Strategies for Caregivers
Hey there caregiving superheroes! It’s that time of the year again, when chaos and excitement collide: the back-to-school season! 🎒✏️
Nurturing Social Skills in Youth with FASD
Strategies for Caregivers: Nurturing Social Skills in Youth with FASD. Social skills play a crucial role in our everyday interactions and relationships, contributing to our overall well-being.
Promoting Healthy Hygiene in Youth with FASD
Hygiene Strategies for Caregivers. Maintaining good hygiene is an essential aspect of daily self-care that contributes to a person's overall health and well-being.
Drink Less Is Better
Drinking less is better. We now know that even a small amount of alcohol can be damaging to health.
What’s Happening in FASD Research?
There’s a lot on the go right now in the realm of FASD research. Many studies are looking for people to share their ideas and experiences.
What is a Wraparound Program?
This info sheet is one of 12 two-pagers that highlights key findings and promising practices from the Co-Creating Evidence (CCE) study
Substance Use in Youth with FASD
Are you a youth (12-24) with FASD who has had treatment for substance use? Are you a caregiver of a youth (12-24) with FASD who has supported this youth in their substance use treatment? We want to talk to you!
Build a Better Foundation in FASD
CanFASD has nine different online learning courses available to improve professional and community understanding of FASD. Our courses are categorized by level of experience.
Top FASD Articles of 2022
A group of CanFASD staff members, Research Leads, and members of our Family Advisory Committee selects the articles. The group chooses research that aligns best with CanFASD’s areas of focus and that is generalizable to Canadians, can influence policy or practice, is ground-breaking or newsworthy, and is scientifically rigorous.
Role of Men in FASD
When it comes to FASD prevention, awareness and management, men play a vital role. Whether as partners supporting an alcohol-free pregnancy, or as fathers raising children with FASD, mentors to young people, or peers and role models, men are important in many arenas. Watch live panel event
Smoking During Pregnancy: Outcomes in School-Age Children
Association of maternal smoking during pregnancy with neurophysiological and adhd-related outcomes in school-aged children
Celebrating Strengths in FASD
Its Neurodiversity Celebration Week! We had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Katy Flannigan to talk about a new study we’re doing on strengths in adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Here are a few highlights from that conversation.
Course: Substance Use Treatment and FASD
The course shares evidence-based knowledge and best practices on how to support individuals with FASD with substance use treatment.
Tell Us A Story
The struggle is real and so is success. FASD Family Life and ReThink FASD want to hear from YOU!
CanFASD Welcomes Updated Guidance on Alcohol Use
Drinking less is better. We now know that even a small amount of alcohol can be damaging to health.
Neurodevelopmental Disability Navigator Toolkit
Families of children with autism, cerebral palsy, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder now have access to a free online resource called the Neurodevelopmental Disability Navigator Toolkit.
FASD Online Learning Opportunities
In total over 30,000 people have taken our online courses, which is incredible. Here are a few course updates to share with you.
Thinking About Pregnancy? A Booklet To Reflect On Alcohol Use Before You Are Pregnant
This booklet is offered as a tool for people who are planning a pregnancy to make decisions about alcohol.
Drinking Alcohol While Pregnant
Less than 1 drink per week can cause ‘significant’ changes in the brains of fetuses
Preparing for and Avoiding Behaviors During Holidays
Article re-posted from: Prevention Conversation blog Hark, the Holidays Approacheth! (Preparing for and Avoiding Behaviors During Holidays) The holidays can be a tough time for a lot of people,
Hands, Not Hurdles
This short, illustrated report follows RCY’s more detailed report Excluded, Increasing Understanding, Support and Inclusion for Children with FASD and their Families
Drinking During Pregnancy Changes Baby’s Brain Structure
Pregnant women who drink small-to-moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy risk altering their baby’s brain structure and delaying brain development.
Join our Family Advisory Committee
Looking for caregivers in Alberta to join an advisory committee. Advise on research priorities for families impacted by FASD.
“YOU DON’T WANT TO DRINK? WHAT ARE YOU, PREGNANT?!”
PORTRAYALS OF ALCOHOL AND SUBSTANCE USE DURING PREGNANCY ON TELEVISION
CCSA Updates Canada’s Low Risk Drinking Guidelines
Since being published in 2011, there has been substantial new research on alcohol use and the physical, mental, and social effects.
CCSA: Understanding Substance Use
This first education module explains the spectrum of substance use, problematic substance use and substance use disorder, strategies for reducing harm, and how to build resilience. The module
A Caregiver’s Guide To FASD Diagnosis
Article reposted from: canfasd blog CanFASD Research and Publications This guide is intended for caregivers (birth parents, kinship caregivers, foster parents, or adoptive parents) of children who were prenatally
Issue Paper: Psychotherapy for Individuals with FASD
Article reposted from: canfasd blog August 17, 2022 CanFASD Research and Publications Issue: Many people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience mental health challenges at some point
FASD Resource: I am a Caregiver
Welcome to the “I am a Caregiver” resource guide for those providing care to a person with FASD. This guide was developed by CanFASD as a way for
FASD: A Whole-Body Diagnosis
This webinar is led by world-renowned motivational speaker, trainer and peer mentor Myles Himmelreich. He will speak about his lived experience and research conducted by FASD peer mentors
Tips for Caregivers
The Saskatchewan FASD Network has created several resources to help people learn about FASD and create strategies to support individuals with this disability. One gem is their ‘Tips
CanFASD Annual Report 21/22
The CanFASD 2021/2022 Annual Report is now available to view
Caregiver Experiences
Highlight Successes and Strengths in People with FASD
Ask Me Anything About FASD with Jeff Noble
FASD podcast, Ask Me Anything Show with Jeff Noble
CCSA: Cannabis use during Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Clearing the smoke on cannabis. Cannabis Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding.
Why it is Important to Include the Voice of Families in Research
From age 4 to 8, children become increasingly aware about normative situations for adults to consume alcohol
Caregiver Handouts: Games & Activities
Caregiver resources for infants to adolescents. Prepared by HCDC Pediatrics
Optimizing Employment Opportunities and Outcomes for People with FASD
Policy Webinar Report, Prepared by CanFASD & Canada Northwest FASD Partnership
Get Topic-Specific Information on FASD from Our Past Webinars
We wanted to take this opportunity to share the recordings of some of our most popular past webinars so you can continue to stay up to date on the most recent FASD information.
Human Trafficking and FASD
From December 13th to 24th CanFASD be releasing a new mocktail recipe every day.
Mocktails For Me Campaign
Why are you keeping you Holiday Spirits alcohol-free for? Check out the provincial Mocktails For Me campaign!
12 Days of Mocktails is Back
From December 13th to 24th CanFASD be releasing a new mocktail recipe every day.
Alcohol-Free Holiday Season
Mocktails For Me. Support pregnant women in an alcohol free pregnancy.
Coffee Fundraiser
In partnership with Cupper’s Coffee & Tea House we are excited to introduce the unique SOUTH ALBERTA FASD NETWORK Whole Bean and Ground Coffee.
Policing and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
March 15, 2021 By Peter Wigand Published by Blue Line : blueline.ca | Link to article Policing is evolving at a rapid pace and officers must stay updated
Articles from CanFASD
Visit the CanFASD site for more content.
- Canada FASD Conference 2025: Key Learnings about FASD Prevention
- Canada launches its first plain language standard – why it matters for everyone, including people with FASD
- Meet the winner of our 2025 Art Competition!
- CanFASD calls for urgent action to reform mental health care in federal corrections
- Removing barriers: an FASD-informed approach to substance use treatment
- New Webinar Series: FASD Housing Solutions
- What’s New in FASD Prevention Research? Highlights from the Annotated Bibliography of Articles Published in 2024
- The Sober Curiosity movement and FASD prevention – How might they align?
- The Power of Networking: The Prevention Network Action Team (pNAT) on FASD Prevention from a Women’s Health Determinants Perspective
- International Action on Prevention of FASD – A Seat at the Table
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.
