What is FASD?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a term used to describe the range of physical and/or mental disabilities that can result from prenatal exposure to alcohol. FASD is not a diagnosis. It is an umbrella term that encompasses these conditions:
- fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)
- partial FAS (pFAS) or fetal alcohol effects (FAE)
- alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND)
- alcohol-related birth defects
While FASD itself is not a diagnosis, its associated conditions (FAS, pFAS, etc.) are. There is no cure for FASD. Its effects last a lifetime.
How many Canadians have FASD?
As of 2004, there are no official statistics on the prevalence of FASD in Canada, only estimates. Because there is no comprehensive approach to diagnosing FASD-related conditions, it is difficult to gather data on the prevalence of FASD. Health Canada is taking steps to develop a system of diagnosis that would assist in data collection.
The rate of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is estimated at 9 per 1000 births.
Health Canada estimates that 9 in every 1000 babies born in Canada have FASD. This concurs with estimates from the United States of a combined rate of FAS and ARND of 9.1 per 1000 births.
What is FAS?
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) encompasses a range of physical and mental disabilities. It is caused by maternal consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. A child affected by FAS has growth deficiencies, non-typical facial features and deficits in general intellectual functioning.
These disabilities do not go away over time. A person with FAS will experience its effects throughout life.
How many people have FAS in Canada?
There is no comprehensive approach to diagnosing FAS in Canada – that is why there are only estimates of how many people actually have FAS. Health Canada is currently attempting to establish a standardized system of diagnosis across the country.
The rate of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is estimated to be 1 to 3 per 1000 births.
It is estimated that 1 to 3 babies per 1000 births is affected with FAS and that every day, one child with FAS is born in Canada.
Why is it important to know how many people have FAS or FASD?
Information about the pervasiveness of FAS and FASD is important in identifying the scope of prevention and intervention services needed by those affected by FAS or FASD or women who are at risk of having a child affected with FAS or FASD. For further information on alcohol use during pregnancy, please consult AADAC's Help Guide for Professionals or Women and Substance Use Information Series.
For more information, contact your local AADAC office, or call 1 (866) 33AADAC.
Download in PDF format:
Privacy Statement