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Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Program

What is the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Program?

The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Program is offered throughout Ontario to provide support to families of children or youth with confirmed or suspected FASD. Navigating services can be challenging and the FASD Workers through Contact Niagara can assist with accessing suitable supports and services. FASD Workers provide information about this disorder. They can help with developing strength-based support plans and coordinating services for children/youth up to the age of 18 (or 21 if still in school) in family, school, and community life.

Services are available in English and French. Interpreters can be accessed to support communication in other languages.

FASD Workers can connect families to Indigenous based supports.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Individuals with FASD are unique and have areas of both strengths and challenges.

There is no known safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy.

Canadian FASD Research Network (2019), FASD Common Messaging Guide Original Document July 2017 Updated December 2018.

Who is the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
(FASD) Program for?

  • Anyone who wants to learn more about FASD or has questions.
  • Children/youth with suspected or identified FASD who are under 18, and young people between 18 and 21 who remain in school.
  • Families who have children/youth with suspected or identified FASD who need extra support to navigate the system.

Where is the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
(FASD) Program provided?

  • Via telephone
  • Media
  • In person
  • In the community and at meetings

Why is the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
(FASD) Program provided?

This program helps families to:

  • Establish goals
  • Reduce isolation
  • Have increased awareness and understanding about FASD
  • Build connections
  • Access services for their children and youth
  • Support an FASD diagnosis and assist access to FASD diagnosis
  • Develop a plan that focuses on your child or youth’s strengths
  • Plan for transitions
  • Access FASD workshops
  • Educate teachers and other professionals in your child’s life about FASD
  • Be empowered to make informed decisions about your child’s care and family’s needs

How is the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
(FASD) Program accessed?

Contact the FASD Program directly to ask for support, or ask a professional (doctor, teacher, social worker etc.) to call on your behalf:

Fill out a self-referral form
FASD Program referral form

Online Request Forms

For Professionals
A referral form can be submitted along with a signed consent.

Online Request Forms

By fax to (905) 684-2728

For Families and Caregivers
A referral form can be submitted along with a signed consent.

Online Request Forms

Contact Niagara

Address: 23 Hannover Dr #8 St. Catharines, ON L2W 1A3

Phone: (905) 684-3407 Cathy Gales Ext. 7238

Email: Cathy@contactniagara.org