Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a wide range of disabilities which may have been caused by the birth mother drinking alcohol while pregnant. There is no cure for FASD and this may impact the individual throughout their life. Commonly, children are born with FASD when the mother does not know that she is pregnant. 80% of children born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder are not raised by their biological parents. A person with FASD is 67% more likely to be a victim of sexual/physical abuse or domestic violence.

Some supports that people with FASD should have are:

  • Having a role model, to show the difference from right and wrong
  • Finding ways to help reduce stress, increase self-esteem, and teaching self-regulation strategies
  • Working in a structured and adapted environment
  • Having a schedule for each activity they’re doing during the day
  • Being able to play with fidget toys

“One in every one hundred Canadians, which is more than 380,000 people are currently living with this disability” 

CanFASD, 2015-2016, pg.5

Click on the image to the right to download the brochure titled: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) from The Sheltering Tree Child and Family Services

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder | Ontario Network of Expertise

FASD | ONE

When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don’t blame the lettuce. 

Thich Nhat Hanh