What is FASD?
Gulliver explains that FASD is a lifelong disability that impacts the brain and body, affecting learning, memory, attention, communication, and emotional regulation. Yet with the right supports, individuals can thrive.
What is FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, or FASD is a lifelong disability that impacts the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. It can affect learning, memory, communication, emotional regulation, social understanding, attention, motor skills, and sensory processing. FASD looks different in every individual and often goes unrecognized.
People with FASD are often working incredibly hard, even when it doesn’t appear that way. Supports such as predictable routines, visual tools, extra time, reminders, and calm spaces are not special privileges. They are essential accommodations that reduce barriers and help individuals succeed.
Every person with FASD has their own mix of strengths and challenges. With understanding, early intervention, and the right support, children and adults with FASD can grow, learn, and thrive.
Watch & Learn
Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Many challenges associated with FASD are invisible and often misunderstood as laziness or misbehaviour rather than differences in memory, time management, emotions, and sensory processing.
Quick Facts for Adults
- FASD is more common than many people realize, affecting an estimated 4% of Canadians (1 in 25).
- It is a lifelong, brain-based, whole body disorder that can affect memory, learning, emotions, communication, attention, social skills, and physical health.
- Every individual with FASD is unique in both their strengths and challenges.
- Many people are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to limited awareness and diagnostic access.
- With the right intervention and support, individuals with FASD can thrive.
Everyone’s Brain Is Different
Gulliver introduces his friend Marty to explain FASD in a warm, child-friendly way, celebrating his creativity, kindness, and strengths while helping kids understand that his brain works differently. Through simple tips, the video models how friends can support one another with empathy and understanding.
Quick Facts for Kids
- FASD is something some kids are born with.
- Kids with FASD learn and grow in their own way.
- Every kid is unique.
- Lots of kids and adults have FASD.
- With support, kids with FASD can do amazing things.
Explore Resources
What is FASD
Facts and basics
A visual learning tool that helps people with FASD, and those who support them, understand common strengths and challenges, with practical strategies for success.
A guide with information about FASD, its impacts and strategies for success.
Un guide contenant des informations sur les TSAF, leurs répercussions et les stratégies pour réussir.
An informative quick reference guide on FASD by New Directions in Manitoba.
Guide de référence concise et informative sur les TSAF, publié par New Directions au Manitoba.
An organization dedicated to education, support, and awareness around FASD in Newfoundland and Labrador and Atlantic Canada, offering a library of clear, easy-to-digest resources in English and French.
Family Voices
Lived experience helps deepen understanding and build connection.
Hear directly from parents:
Interview with Allison
Allison is a London, Ontario teacher, musician, and the founder of Dreams Come True Music Studio, where she creates inclusive spaces for people of all ages and all abilities to learn, grow, and shine through music. She’s also a proud parent to Cameron.