MEDIA RELEASE

(October 25, 2023, Saskatoon) The first-ever Canada FASD Conference will be hosted at TCU Place in Saskatoon from November 7 to 9. This sold-out event brings together over 500 researchers, caregivers, individuals with FASD, policymakers and professionals to share what they know about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

The conference’s unique program connects those with lived experience of FASD with renowned researchers and practitioners in the field. The final program has been released, with presentations covering a wealth of topics that intersect with FASD, including justice, diagnosis, and prevention. The demand for this event has exceeded its capacity, with tickets selling out more than 100 days before the event and a waitlist of over 200 people.

An estimated 4% of Canadians have FASD – more than autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome combined. It is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people exposed to alcohol prenatally. Support for and awareness of this disability varies significantly across the country. The conference will unite people from all across Canada and internationally, with the goal of transforming evidence into action.

Saskatoon’s local FASD organization, the FASD Network of Saskatchewan, is providing a local perspective in the support and preparation of this event. It is being hosted in partnership with the Canada FASD Research Network, the Canada Northwest FASD Partnership, the Governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Read the full media release here.