The Blog

On June 13th, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance posted a news release inviting Canadians to share their input regarding the next federal budget. CanFASD urges you to make a submission in support of the CanFASD Research Network and the work that we do.  FASD is a major public health issue that affects over 1.4 million Canadians – … Read More

Submitted by: Lisa Brownstone (left), Director, CanFASD Research Network, and Dorothy Reid (right), Co-chair, Family Advisory Committee. Dorothy Reid is the Co-Chair of the CanFASD Family Advisory Committee. She is also the owner of Reid Wellness Consulting, providing consultation and training to individuals and organizations on maintaining wellness. Dorothy previously worked with the Correctional System primarily in the area of … Read More

Canada Day is a day to celebrate, eat, spend time with friends and family and have fun. But, for children with sensory issues, this day could be quite overwhelming and stressful. A crowded place with lot of unknown people, loud noises, flashing, bright lights, distracting colors and unusual food are among the list of things that may be quite overwhelming … Read More

Fighting for a Future-2004 and Are we still fighting for a future-2019 The first ‘Fighting for a Future’ Symposium held in 2004 identified six areas that needed action for change and needed further research and support for individuals with FASD. They were: 1) Homelessness, 2) Finances,  3) Physical and Mental Health, 4) Education, Programming and Employment, 5) Legal Actions and … Read More

Background Approximately 94% of people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) experience mental health problems. Unfortunately, mental health disorders among individuals with FASD often go unnoticed, as healthcare professionals are not typically formally trained to identify FASD. In order to address this gap in mental healthcare, this study looks at the novel Canadian National Mental Health Strategy implemented in 2012 … Read More

Justin Veale is a 15 year-old, 10th grader living in Milton, ON, who is doing incredible things within his community. He also happens to have FASD. Justin first attended the Halton REACH For It event on November 8th 2014- Build Me Up Lego Day, which provided him the opportunity to build relationships with police officers in his community. Halton REACH For It … Read More

Background Various techniques are improving our understanding of FASD. Knowing that individuals with FASD often have comorbid mental health issues, Mental Health Professionals (MHP) are urged to understand the unique aspects of this disorder, in order to reduce stigma and properly treat individuals with FASD. Knowledge of FASD among Mental Health Professionals Due to the high prevalence of comorbid mental … Read More

“It’s not just about what you do for yourself, by yourself—everyone needs healthy and supportive places to work, live and learn” – Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)1 Mental health is not just about mental health issues. It is a state of well-being which is defined as a status “in which every individual realizes his or her own potential, can cope … Read More

June 22nd is Positive Media Day! As a primary source of information, the media has the ability to shape our perspectives and has a significant impact on how we view individuals with FASD. While media is often bias towards negative events, and the challenges faced by individuals with FASD, it’s important to highlight all of the strengths these individuals have. … Read More

Application deadline: August 31 2019 Award recipient will be notified by Sept 30, 2019 Claudette Bradshaw recently retired from the CanFASD Board of Directors and this award is to recognize her many years of service to the field of FASD, early education and homelessness. Honourable Bradshaw was a Member of Parliament for 10 years, served in many capacities and best … Read More