Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

An umbrella term encompassing a variety of categories of fetal alcohol pathology

Health Canada has determined 4 FASD diagnoses to be used in Canada:

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS)	· Growth Restriction · Characteristic Facial Features: shortened eye slits, flattened mid-face, and flattened philtrum · Central Nervous System Involvement: impairment in 3 domains of brain function · With or without confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure
Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (PFAS)	· Two or more of the characteristic facial features · Impairment in 3 domains of brain function · Confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure
Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND)	· Impairment in 3 domains of brain function · Confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure
Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD)	· One or more birth defects known to be associated with fetal alcohol exposure · Confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure
NOTE: These diagnoses require exclusion of similar disorders of different etiology.

The incidence of FAS in North America is comparable to the incidence of Down Syndrome and spina bifida (1-2:1000 live births), but FASD is recognized as the leading known cause of birth defects and mental handicaps among the general population (9.1:1000 live births)
Women who have given birth to a child with FASD are considered high risk for giving birth to subsequent children with FASD.
Women who have low levels of literacy, are of minority status, or are living in poverty are over-represented among those who give birth to children with FASD.
Children with FASD generally exhibit a large number of 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