Interagency Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Program

Program Objective

To work hand in hand with families and community to address the issue of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder by providing thoughtful and creative services in an understanding, supportive and nurturing manner.

Services

• There are not costs for the interagency FASD program services
• Services are provided with a non-judgmental approach
• Involvement in the program is voluntary

The program provides:

• Home-based services for families caring for children up to age 6 who have been prenatally exposed to alcohol and other substances
• Help in understanding the strengths and challenges of FASD
• Assistance and advocacy for families in matters of housing, childcare and daily living issues
• Information about alcohol-related disabilities and the sensory needs of children
• Support in accessing diagnostic services and other community-based programs

Consultation services include:

• Information and strategies about FASD in childcare and school settings
• Workshops and training for parent and professionals
• Short-term consultation for families and agencies

Presentations

Our FASD specialists are available to do presentations for workplaces, schools and health and social service organizations. Topics we typically address include:

• FASD Basics
• Diagnosis
• Effects on the Brain
• Strategies
• Effects on the family
• FASD through the lifespan
• Alcohol and Society
• Sensory Integration

Contact us to discuss your presentation needs and fees.

About FASD

FASD stands for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. FASD describes the range of effects that can be experienced by individuals whose mothers drank alcohol during pregnancy.

How can FASD affect individuals?

Alcohol changes the way babies' brains develop. These changes to the brain are life-long. Individuals may have trouble with:

• Remembering
• Planning
• Organizing
• Emotional control
• Learning from experience
• Understanding what others say
• Speech
• Problem solving
• Adapting to new situations
• Attention and focus
• Over stimulation
• Eating
• Sleeping
• Movement and balance
• Fine motor skills
• Hyperactivity

Some individuals may also have changes to their face and body or have other serious medical conditions. These additional changes make it easier to diagnose FASD, but it is important to remember the effects on the brain can be just as significant even if these changes are not present.

Diagnosis

In Manitoba, diagnosis takes place at the

Manitoba FASD Centre
633 Wellington Crescent
Winnipeg, MB R3M 0A8
Phone: (204) 235-8866
Fax: (204) 235-8870

Children and adolescents can be diagnosed. If you want to refer a child for diagnosis, complete the referral form available for download at www.fasdmanitoba.com and send it to the Centre by mail or fax. Or write directly to the Manitoba FASD Centre. Both parents and professionals can refer children to the MB.FASD Centre.

The guidelines for diagnosis in Canada give three possible diagnoses. The names and a brief description of criteria for each are in the chart below.

(Chart adapted with permission from the (Manitoba FASD Centre)