Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a term used to describe the full range of permanent birth defects caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol. FASD is caused when alcohol in a pregnant woman's bloodstream circulates to the fetus by crossing the placenta. There, the alcohol interferes with the ability of the fetus to receive sufficient oxygen and nourishment for normal cell development in the brain and other body organs. Prenatal exposure to alcohol can cause intellectual deficits and learning disabilities; hyperactivity; attention and/or memory deficits; inability to manage anger; difficulties with problem solving; and prenatal and postnatal growth deficiencies.
FASD is not a diagnostic term. There are three diagnoses that your child may receive. These include Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (PFAS) and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).
From: LET'S TALK FASD: Parenting Driven Strategies in Caring for Children FASD, VON Canada, 2006.
Information for caregivers :
Quebec
Syndrome d'Alcoolisation Fœtale Effets Relatifs à l'Alcool (SAFERA)
Syndrome d'Alcoolisation Fœtale Effets Relatifs à l'Alcool est l'organisme canadien francophone de prévention du SAF et des autre anomalies congénitales causes par l'exposition prénatale à l'alcool et aux drogues. FAS/FAE resource information in French. Contact: SAFERA, 845 Chemin du Bord de l'eau St-Henri QU, G0R 3E0; Phone (418) 882-2488 or Email: info@safera.qc.ca