Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term used to describe the range of disabilities that result from prenatal alcohol exposure.  It is the leading known cause of developmental disability in Canada.  The medical diagnoses of FASD include:

• Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS);
• Partial FASD (pFAS); and
• Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).

You may find FASD sometimes referred to as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE) in older literature.

The Pan-Canadian FASD Initiative is a collaborative effort designed to ensure that everyone committed to action on FASD is working towards common goals.  The Initiative is reflected in the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD): A Framework for Action that was developed in consultation with organizations at the community, provincial, territorial and national levels.

The Public Health Agency of Canada works with the First Nations, Inuit and Aboriginal Health Branch (External link) of Health Canada and others in the Health Portfolio on FASD.

What information is available?

The Public Health Agency of Canada has developed this section to provide you with information on FASD and to let you know what we're doing about FASD.  You will also find a number of important resources about FASD prevention and intervention.

You may also be interested in:

• Healthy Pregnancy
• Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse (External link)
• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Prevention: Canadian Perspectives (2008)
• Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: Canadian guidelines for diagnosis
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (External link)
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) Center for Excellence (External link) (en anglais seulement)
• Let’s Talk FASD (External link)