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Welcome to the fasdNL Diagnostic Network
Seeking a diagnosis for FASD in Newfoundland and Labrador can be a difficult and timely process. Given these challenges, fasdNL has developed a diagnostic network for the assessment and diagnosis of FASD throughout Newfoundland and Labrador, to strengthen provincial health capacities and minimize waitlists.
For individuals and professionals seeking an FASD assessment: We provide access to a network of trained professionals for FASD assessments in Newfoundland and Labrador through professional or self-referrals.
For individuals and professionals seeking an FASD assessment: We provide access to a network of trained professionals for FASD assessments in Newfoundland and Labrador through professional or self-referrals.
How the Network Works
Diagnosing FASD often requires a team of professionals, including psychologists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physicians, social workers, and FASD coordinators. Getting all these professionals together can be difficult. fasdNL will act as the bridge between people seeking a diagnosis and in-network professionals who can assess for FASD. fasdNL will handle compiling the unofficial 'team' of professionals involved in an assessment, and determine how to proceed based on the information provided, records, past assessments/diagnoses and results.
For People Seeking Assessments |
For Professionals |
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When seeking an assessment for FASD, you will first be asked to complete an inquiry form to determine if an FASD assessment is appropriate and/or the right step.
We will ask if you have evidence of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE), which is when a baby is exposed to alcohol while developing in utero. This may come from a live birth record, foster/adoption records, or a direct statement from the birth parent or from trusted family members who witnessed alcohol being consumed by the birth parent. Individuals can self-refer for an assessment, or professionals/parents/caregivers can refer an individual by emailing [email protected] with a completed inquiry form (see below). The inquiry will then be reviewed to determine if an FASD assessment is appropriate. You may be contacted for more information during this time. Please allow at least 2-3 business days for processing after submitting an inquiry. |
Are you interested in assessing for FASD in your practice? We train healthcare professionals involved in the diagnostic process on how to assess for FASD. We have trained physicians, psychologists, speech language pathologists and occupational therapists on how to assess for and diagnose FASD. Following training, professionals agree to join our diagnostic network database, where they could be called upon to assess for FASD, depending on location, inclusion/exclusion criteria, and wait lists, etc. All in-network professionals get access to a clinician toolkit and resources. After 1 year, you can renew your membership or choose to have your name removed from the list.
Interested in joining? Email [email protected] to inquire about our next training! |
We are only equipped to handle inquiries and assessments for FASD within Newfoundland and Labrador at this time. We do not accept inquiries for assessments for other developmental disabilities (like autism, for example).
Submitting an Inquiry
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The first step is to complete an Inquiry Form (click to download), which will help us determine if an assessment for FASD is appropriate. Please include any questions or concerns you may have in the email. Complete the "Inquiry Form" and email it to [email protected].
Please keep in mind that when pursuing an assessment, wait times vary. Professionals are likely to have wait times for appointments. Our hope is to expand capacities by increasing the number of people trained in assessing for FASD and navigating the system to shorten wait times.
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How is FASD Diagnosed?
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FASD is diagnosed using a team approach, including psychologists, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, physicians, social workers and/or FASD coordinators.
To assess for FASD, professionals complete a neurodevelopmental assessment, physical exams, and search for evidence of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE). |
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A diagnosis of FASD is determined using evidence of pervasive brain dysfunction or impairment and confirmation of prenatal alcohol exposure, and/or the presence of sentinel facial features.
Less than 10% of everyone diagnosed with FASD have the "face of FASD", or sentinel facial features. Most people with FASD do not have facial markers. The signs and symptoms of FASD are often mistaken for other conditions, like ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it difficult to diagnose and prone to misdiagnosis.
Less than 10% of everyone diagnosed with FASD have the "face of FASD", or sentinel facial features. Most people with FASD do not have facial markers. The signs and symptoms of FASD are often mistaken for other conditions, like ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, making it difficult to diagnose and prone to misdiagnosis.
Why Pursue a Diagnosis?
FASD is a diagnosis that explains the how of underlying symptoms and behaviours. From the examination of the diagnostic domains affected by FASD, we can then understand why symptoms (i.e., behaviours) are the way they are.
Early and accurate diagnosis is key to improving lifelong outcomes. Many people are not able to get access to supports that would greatly improve their life without a formal diagnosis. Once you have a formal diagnosis, funding can become available, as well as greater formal supports!
Early and accurate diagnosis is key to improving lifelong outcomes. Many people are not able to get access to supports that would greatly improve their life without a formal diagnosis. Once you have a formal diagnosis, funding can become available, as well as greater formal supports!
Training for FASD Assessment & Diagnosis
fasdNL offers customized training on assessing for/diagnosing FASD for Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists and Physicians. After taking the training, you are committing to be part of our Diagnostic Network for the next calendar year, meaning we may contact you for an FASD assessment(s) at some point. After 1 year, you can renew your membership or choose to have your name removed from the list. If you or your organization are interested in being trained on how to assess for/diagnose FASD, please email [email protected] for more information, or complete the form below.
Asynchronous Training
Are you interested in other, non-diagnostic FASD training? Check out our online, asynchronous course options! These include: FASD 101, FASD 101 for Social Workers (Accredited), FASD Prevention & Conversations About Alcohol (English & French), FASD 101 & The Justice System and Money Spending & Financial Planning for Neurodivergent Individuals. Click the photo for offerings!
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FASD Assessment & Diagnostic Options in NL
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*Click to download.*
Public Health OptionsJaneway Child Development Team
Eligibility for assessment:
Email- [email protected] Telephone- 709-777-4003 Website- https://cwhp.easternhealth.ca/wp-content/plugins/download-attachments/includes/download.php?id=2179 Labrador-Grenfell - FASD Diagnostic Team
Eligibility for assessment:
Email- [email protected] Website- https://www.lghealth.ca/your-health/programs-and-services/mha/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-fasd/ |
Private PracticeNeuroSpark Psychology
Eligibility for assessment:
For more information: Dr. Tanya Lentz, R. Psych. Email- [email protected] Telephone- 709-368-7802 Website- https://www.neurosparkpsychology.com Health Education Services Inc.
Heather Paul, R. Psych. Eligibility for assessment:
Email- [email protected] Telephone- 709-786-1722 Fax- 709-786-1705 |