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- FASD impacts approximately 4% of Canadians.
- FASD impacts more people in Canada than Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, and Down syndrome combined.
- It is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb.
- Individuals with FASD are known for having a number of different strengths, including being friendly, likeable, affectionate, determined, hard-working, forgiving, non-judgemental and caring.
- 90% of individuals with FASD also experience mental health issues.
- The social and economic cost of FASD in Canada is estimated to be $1.8 billion annually.
- Individuals with FASD achieve positive outcomes if their needs and challenges are addressed early on in life and they have access to supports that carry into adulthood.
- Referenced from CanFASD, www.CanFASD.ca
- FASD is commonly underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Conduct Disorder (Stevens S, Nash K, Koren G, Rovet J. Autism Characteristics in Children with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. Child Neuropsychology. 2013;2(3):219-227)
