At fasdNL, we educate, network, and share resources - to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities affected by FASD across Newfoundland and Labrador. By promoting accurate and credible information, fasdNL is focused on increasing the awareness of FASD and related issues among individuals, families and communities. We believe that such awareness efforts will assist in the prevention of FASD, as well as increase supports for those affected by FASD.
fasdNL leads a multi-year FASD project in Atlantic Canada funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC). Follow our project hashtag #FASDAtlantic for updates!
What is FASD?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol and affects approximately 4% of Canadians. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD may experience some degree of challenges in their daily living and may need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, or social skills to reach their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.
Stigma experienced by people who consumed alcohol during pregnancy has made getting support, diagnoses or assessments more challenging. Many pregnancies among the general population in Canada are unplanned, meaning people in the early stages of their pregnancies - not knowing they are pregnant - may consume alcohol and unknowingly impact the fetus.