FASD Diagnostic and Support Services
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a medical term. It describes brain differences seen in some children born to women who drank alcohol during pregnancy. These differences vary from one person to another and have lifelong implications. Early diagnosis makes it easier for children and their families to receive extra help.
A child with FASD has many strengths, skills, and interests.
A child with FASD may also:
- Have problems learning the way other kids do.
- Have behavioural difficulties.
- Be typically smaller than other kids of the same age.
- Have unique facial features.
- Struggle with thinking, speaking, understanding, hearing, or seeing.
FASD diagnostic and support services
The Yukon-based FASD diagnostic and support team assists in the early diagnosis of FASD to help children and their families access support services, and to begin long-term planning so the children grow to their fullest potential. This team consists of a pediatrician, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, psychologist, physiotherapist, and coordinator.
Making a referral:
- Parents or legal guardians of the child must be aware of, and agree to the referral.
- The child must be between birth and 5 years of age.
- There must be confirmation of alcohol consumption during the pregnancy.
How to make a referral to the FASD diagnostic support team?
Call the Child Development Centre at (867) 456-8182 or 1-866-835-8386 and ask to speak to the diagnostic coordinator.
Children between 5 to 18 years of age may be referred to the Child and Youth FASD Diagnostic and Support Team. Contact the diagnostic coordinator at (867) 456-8182 or 1-866-835-8386 for more information.
