Why Diagnosis is Important
Clear answers lead to better outcomes. A proper FASD assessment helps us understand how a person’s brain works, not just how they behave. Diagnosis identifies both strengths and areas of challenge, allowing supports to be tailored so individuals can succeed at home, school, work, and in their communities. When expectations match brain function, people do better.
How Common Is FASD?
FASD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities, yet it remains widely under-identified.
- FASD affects 4% of the population. Recent research has indicated that FASD impacts 8% of North Americans.
- It is more prevalent than Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and Tourette syndrome combined.
- Despite this, less than 1% of people who should have FASD in Ontario have received a diagnosis or have access to assessment services.
This gap leaves many individuals and families without answers, appropriate supports, or understanding.
Why Assessment Makes Such a Difference
Without diagnosis, brain-based challenges related to prenatal alcohol exposure are often misunderstood as:
- “Just” mental health issues
- Trauma or attachment difficulties alone
- Poor parenting or lack of motivation
This leads to misplaced blame, ineffective interventions, and preventable struggles.
Assessment helps shift the focus from “What’s wrong?” to “What’s going on, and how can we support this person better?”
To Find Assessment Services Links Click Here.
What Does an FASD Assessment Look At?
FASD assessments explore functioning across 10 brain domains, including memory, neuro anatomy, academic achievement, cognition, attention, executive functioning, language, attention, emotional regulation, and adaptive skills.
Many individuals show a scattered profile:
- Strong skills in some areas (e.g., reading, verbal ability)
- Significant challenges in others (e.g., working memory, impulse control)
Without specialized testing, this uneven profile can be confusing for families, teachers, employers, and the individual themselves.
Why Early Assessment/Diagnosis Matters
Research shows that early diagnosis and early access to supports:
- Reduce the risk of secondary disabilities
- Improve long-term outcomes
- Decrease emotional, social, and economic costs
- Support better mental health, stability, and quality of life
Diagnosis also supports prevention, increasing awareness about prenatal health and the risks of alcohol use—even before pregnancy is confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is diagnosis just about getting a label?
No. Diagnosis is about understanding the brain so supports, expectations, and environments can be adjusted to fit the person.
Can someone have FASD even if they seem very capable?
Yes. Many individuals with FASD have strong language or academic skills but struggle with memory, judgment, impulse control, or daily living skills. This is often called a “cloak of competence.”
Does diagnosis help adults too?
Absolutely. Diagnosis at any age can improve self-understanding, reduce shame, and open doors to appropriate supports and accommodations.
Who is involved in an FASD assessment?
Assessments are ideally completed by a multidisciplinary team, often including:
- Physician or nurse practitioner
- Psychologist
- Occupational therapist
- Speech-language pathologist
- Social worker
Families are encouraged to include people who know the individual well to support functional understanding.
Does diagnosis help prevent FASD?
Yes. Assessment and diagnosis increase awareness within families and communities, contributing directly to prevention and informed prenatal health decisions.
Resources and Links
The Diagnostic Guidelines http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2015/12/14/cmaj.141593 were established in Canada in 2005 and updated in 2015.
Watch Morgan Fawcett below share his journey with FASD
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0VrkLQfkFg)