Ottawa – Each year we mark Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day and FASD Awareness Month to raise awareness about the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, highlight prevention and support efforts, and encourage individuals to learn more about FASD and its impacts. Early intervention services help.
The theme for this year’s FASD Awareness Month is Uniting Our Strengths: Finding Solutions Together. The impacts of FASD are far reaching in all parts of our communities and collaboration is important as we seek adapted solutions. FASD is a lifelong disorder caused by prenatal alcohol exposure that can affect both brain and body development. It is the leading cause of preventable developmental disabilities in Canada. The only way to fully prevent FASD is to avoid drinking alcohol, in any amount and at any point during and when planning a pregnancy. While there is no cure, services and supports play an important role in managing FASD.
Individuals with FASD can face many mental health challenges, which can include anxiety disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as well as difficulties with substance use, among others. Early and appropriate support can improve mental health outcomes for people with FASD, enhance their quality of life, and allow them to reach their full potential.
Supporting Canadians with FASD, their families and their caregivers is essential. We are working with partners to advance action on FASD awareness and prevention, including through the FASD National Strategic Projects Fund (NSPF), which provides $1.5 million annually to national projects focused on prevention, education and knowledge exchange.
Unfortunately, FASD is not always well understood by the wider community. That’s why raising awareness is key. This FASD Month, you can support those living with FASD by learning more about the disorder. We encourage you to use the hashtag #FASDMonth2023 to raise awareness and share inspiring stories about FASD in your community.
If you or someone you know is pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you can support them by going alcohol-free with them, encouraging them not to drink alcohol, and planning non-alcoholic activities. – Mark Holland, P.C., M.P., Ya’ara Saks, P.C., M.P.