Prima

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

An umbrella term encompassing the full spectrum of fetal alcohol pathology

Canadian Guidelines for Diagnosis of FASD, published in the CMJ, Canadian Medical Journal,
delineate diagnostic criteria for 3 conditions that can result from prenatal exposure to alcohol

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)

> Growth Deficiency

> Facial dysmorphology - 3 key facial features
   - Small Papebral Fissures
   - Smooth Flat Phyltrum
   - Thin upper lip

> Central Nervous System abnormalities - impairment in
   3 neurodevelopmental domains

> Confirmed or suspected prenatal alcohol exposure

Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (PFAS)

> Facial dysmorphology-Two or more of key facial features above

> Central Nervous System abnormalities - Impairment in
3 neurodevelopmental domains

> Confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure

Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)

> Central Nervous System abnormalities - Impairment in
3 neurodevelopmental domains

> Confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure

NOTE: These diagnoses require exclusion of similar disorders of different etiology.

> FASD is now recognized to be one of the leading known causes of birth defects and cognitive delay. Researchers estimate
   that 1% of the population in North America is affected.

> Recent research indicates that heavy preconception drinking by the father or mother may have an adverse epigentetic affect
   on the development of their offspring

> FASD is a multifactorial condition. Maternal risk factors for FASD include trauma, nutritional deprivation, smoking, drug use,
   maternal age, and a binge drinking pattern. Associated social factors include poverty, unemployment, cultural dislocation,
   sexual abuse and low levels of literacy and educational attainment.

> 90% of individuals with FASD will develop secondary disabilities including mental health problems, disrupted school
   experience, legal troubles, confinement, inappropriate sexual behaviour, substance use problems, requiring dependent
   living situations, and problems with employment.

Protective Factors for Children with FASD

> Living in a stable nurturing home
> Early diagnosis
> Appropriate interventions and support at school
> Never having experienced violence
> Experiencing a good quality home
> Having basic needs met