Everyone in the community can play a role in supporting healthy pregnancies and people with FASD. Your actions, big or small, can help shape a more equitable future for those with living experience of FASD and for women and gender diverse individuals who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.
Wondering where to start? Take action getting grounded in the basics:
- Take our Foundations in FASD online course
- Read the Common Messages Guide to learn how to write and talk about FASD in a respectful way
- Speak to local politicians about a National FASD Framework
- Pick the alcohol-free option for your next social event
With these foundations, you’ll be ready to further identify how you can play a larger role, regardless of your profession, or how you support others in your personal life (e.g., through advocacy, caregiving, etc).
Ready to take action? Explore how you can take action in your sector below:
Take action in health
Allied Health Professionals can support individuals with FASD through early intervention, therapy, and coordinated care that addresses developmental and behavioural needs. They also play a key role in the diagnosis of FASD. Play a part this FASD month by:
- taking the Multidisciplinary Team Training for Diagnosis of FASD online course
- reading the guideline for diagnosis across the lifespan
- learning about the Towards Healthy Outcomes framework
- reading the Broad Approaches to Psychotherapy for Individuals with FASD issue paper
- reading the Sensory Processing and FASD issue paper
- learning about FASD as a whole-body diagnosis
- teaching yourself about brief interventions
- learning about Perinatal Substance Use and Collaborative Practice
Nurses and midwives are essential to FASD prevention, intervention, and diagnosis. Engage your patients in a supportive and non-judgmental conversation about alcohol use during pregnancy by:
- taking the Prevention Conversation online course
- exploring 50 Brief Intervention Ideas for Dialogue, Skill Building, and Empowerment (English or French)
- sharing the Thinking About Pregnancy booklet with your patients
- becoming a member of CanFASD to stay-up-date on the latest FASD and prevention guidance
- compassionately supporting women who use alcohol by providing non-judgemental care and services
- using the Mothering and Opioids toolkit to learn about addressing stigma and acting collaboratively
Nutrition is an important aspect of a healthy pregnancy. Play a part this FASD month by:
- learning about Food Security/Nutrition and Basic Needs Support through Wraparound Programs
- reading an issue paper on Folic Acid, Choline Supplementation and FASD
- reading an issue paper on Nutritional Supplementation and FASD
Pharmacists can support individuals with FASD by providing medication management, education, and connecting them with appropriate healthcare resources. They also play a key role in promoting alcohol-free pregnancies by offering guidance on prenatal health and substance use. Play a part this FASD Awareness Month by:
- familiarizing yourself with the medication algorithm
- taking the Prevention Conversation online course
- understanding harm reduction, medication options, phamacotherapies for women with alcohol use disorders
- putting up prevention posters in your pharmacy
Physicians play a crucial role in the care of individuals with FASD. Provide more comprehensive support by:
- using the CanFASD’s algorithm to help figure out which medications to prescribe
- becoming a member of CanFASD to stay-up-date on the latest FASD guidance
- learning more about FASD and how to treat people with FASD with respect and kindness
- exploring 50 Brief Intervention Ideas for Dialogue, Skill Building, and Empowerment (English or French)
- sharing the Thinking About Pregnancy booklet with your patients
- compassionately supporting women who use alcohol by providing non-judgemental care and services
- using the Mothering and Opioids toolkit to learn about addressing stigma and acting collaboratively
- understanding harm reduction, medication options, phamacotherapies for women with alcohol use disorders
Take action in government
Government service workers play a powerful role in shaping a more inclusive future for people with FASD and reducing the stigma related to substance use during pregnancy. From policy analysts and program managers to education consultants, child and family services staff, civil servants, health system planners and youth outreach workers – your work has real impact.
By developing FASD-informed policies, programs, and services, you can help ensure individuals with FASD receive the support they need to thrive. You can also champion alcohol-free pregnancies by raising awareness and improving access to resources that address the complex realities behind alcohol use during pregnancy.
Play a part this FASD Awareness Month by:
- learning about a National FASD Framework
- ensuring polices are in place that support women and children’s health and the prevention of FASD
- resourcing programs that support individuals with FASD to be successful
- resourcing programs that provide holistic support to families
- ensuring that everyone working in working in disability departments are aware of FASD
- making service process and policies FASD-informed
- encouraging your government to join as a jurisdictional member of CanFASD
Policy makers are instrumental in creating alcohol policies that support FASD prevention. Support people with FASD and their families by:
- ensuring polices are in place that support women and children’s health and the prevention of FASD
- resourcing programs that support individuals with FASD to be successful
- resourcing programs that provide holistic support to families
Politicians are instrumental in helping people with FASD at an institutional level. Support people with FASD and their families by:
- supporting a National FASD Framework
- implementing universal training on stigma reduction, FASD- and trauma informed care across all sectors and organisations
- resourcing programs that support individuals with FASD to be successful
- resourcing programs that provide holistic support to families
Social service workers can support individuals with FASD by connecting them to essential services, advocating for their needs, and providing guidance on life skills. Better support people with FASD by:
- learning how to access the disability tax credit
- watching a webinar on innovative housing strategies for individuals with FASD
- reading about Employment and FASD
- learning about Wraparound programs for pregnancy and early parenting
- becoming familiar with your local FASD organisations
Take action in education
Coaches and recreational volunteers support individuals with FASD by fostering inclusive, structured environments that encourage social connection, skill-building, and confidence. Support people with FASD through your leadership by:
- taking the FASD for School Staff Level online course
- reading about Adaptive behavior, sleep, and physical activity in adolescents with FASD
- watching a video on the importance of movement in improving our students’ learning and attention
- learning about the Sensory World of People with FASD
- reading the Sensory Processing and FASD issue paper
Educators play an important role in ensuring students with FASD succeed in school, and having conversations with young people about alcohol, safe sex and relationships. Educators can better support people with FASD and people of reproductive age by:
- taking the FASD for School Staff Level II online course
- learning about Project CHOICES and the Prevention Conversation
- engaging in conversations around substance use, sexual health, and healthy relationships
- reading the Common Messages Guide to learn how to write and talk about FASD in a respectful way
- compassionately supporting women who use alcohol by providing non-judgemental care and services
Students are the next generation of professionals and community members who have the chance to shape a culture that is inclusive of people with FASD. Play a part this FASD Awareness Month by:
- exploring options for contraception that work for you
- following @pretestiebestie to learn about supporting your friends to not drink if they might be pregnant
- learning about alcohol and women’s health (FR)
- putting up prevention posters in your university public spaces
Take action in the legal system
Lawyers need to better understand how FASD impacts a person’s involvement in the legal system. Better support people with FASD by:
- taking the FASD for Judicial and Legal Professionals Level II online course
- supporting charities that support people with FASD
- reading the Common Messages Guide to learn how to write and talk about FASD in a respectful way
- learning more about trauma-informed practice
Judges need to better understand how FASD impacts a person’s involvement in the legal system. Better support people with FASD by:
- taking the FASD for Judicial and Legal Professionals online course
- learning more about trauma-informed practice
- getting inspired by success stories, like Manitoba’s FASD court and the All 4 One Youth Justice Program
- adopt evidence-based practices that support the wellbeing of mothers, children, and families
Police officers will come across justice-involved individuals with FASD. Play a part this FASD Awareness Month by:
- taking the FASD for Solicitor General Professionals Level II online course
- becoming a member of CanFASD to stay-up-date on the latest FASD guidance
- putting up prevention posters in your local community spaces
- learning about FASD and aggression
Take action in research
Researchers support individuals with FASD by advancing knowledge on prevention, diagnosis, and effective interventions through evidence-based studies. They also promote alcohol-free pregnancies by generating and sharing insights that inform public health policies and education efforts. Take action this FASD Awareness Month by:
- using the common messages guide when writing research articles
- learning about how to do research with people with living experience
- familiarising yourself with best practices and up-to-date research in FASD and FASD prevention
Take action in other fields
Accountants can help people with FASD by providing financial guidance and support tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. This may include assisting with budgeting, tax planning, and financial management to ensure that individuals with FASD can effectively manage their finances. Play a part this FASD Awareness Month by:
- familiarising yourself with the Disability Tax Credit
- signing up for a Registered Disability Savings Plan webinar
- supporting charities that support people with FASD
Employers can create inclusive and supportive workplaces for individuals with FASD, enabling them to thrive and contribute successfully to the company. Be an FASD-informed employer by:
- taking the Foundations in FASD online course
- reading the Employment and FASD issue paper
- being inspired by the list of programs and services that help people with FASD find and maintain employment
- providing information on alcohol and health to your employees
Media and marketing professionals play an important role in shaping the way the public thinks about FASD and prevention. Ensure that the marketing materials you share are informed, inclusive, and non-stigmatizing by:
- using the FASD Media Guide
- sharing information about FASD prevention with coworkers
- reading the Common Messages Guide to learn how to write and talk about FASD in a respectful way
Service industry workers can be supportive of people with FASD by creating an inclusive and accessible environment that meets the diverse needs of all customers. Play a part this FASD Month by:
- taking the Foundations in FASD online course
- adding a selection of mocktails to your menu as an alternative to alcohol
- putting up posters with information about alcohol use and pregnancy in your venue as well as information on where to receive support
- offering sensory-friendly environments for individuals with FASD
Take action in your personal life
Individuals with FASD and people who identify as having used alcohol during their pregnancy can play a part this FASD Awareness Month by:
- learning about the supports available for individuals with FASD or for supporting healthy pregnancies
- connecting with other individuals by becoming a member of CanFASD
Caring for an individual with FASD can be both tremendously challenging and rewarding. Whether you are just embarking on the caregiving journey or have spent many years providing care, your experiences and input can shape the future of FASD policy and research. Play a part by:
- reading the CanFASD caregiver guide
- participating in caregiver research studies
- connecting with other caregivers by becoming a member of CanFASD
Family members play a vital role in shaping our lives with wisdom, love, and stories. From teaching valuable life lessons to providing support, your input can influence those who may be pregnant. You can play a part by:
- picking an alcohol-free option at your next family gathering
- supporting an alcohol-free pregnancy
- learning more about FASD and how to treat people with FASD with respect and kindness
- putting up prevention posters in your local community spaces
- encouraging children in your life to show kindness, inclusion, and understanding toward their friends and classmates. Share the follow resources with them:
- Learning ways to offer support to a pregnant loved one who is using substances
Having a supportive community can make a significant difference in a person with FASD and their family’s quality of life. Be a kind friend, community member and neighbour and educate yourself by:
- picking the alcohol-free option for your next neighbourhood gathering
- learning more about FASD and how to treat people with FASD with respect and kindness
- reading the Common Messages Guide to learn how to write and talk about FASD in a respectful way
Including partners in FASD prevention efforts and preconception care is important in supporting a healthy pregnancy. Partners can influence women’s alcohol use.
Engaging partners in their own health, preconception health, and pregnancy planning can support the individual and couple in increasing preconception knowledge, evoke helpful changes in alcohol consumption, enhance maternal health outcomes, and support healthier relationships. Be a supportive partner by:
- reading about the Role of Partners in Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Prevention
- learning about what men can do to help
- picking the alcohol-free option for your next social event
- learning ways to offer support to a loved one who is pregnant and struggling with substance use
Can’t relate to anyone on the above list?
We guarantee there are things you can do to advocate for people with FASD and support healthy pregnancies.
Fill out the form below and we will get back to you with how you can play a part. We will share our favourites on social media!
The above suggestions are just a start. Browse the following resources to continue your education:
Take action in social services
Advocates and mentors
Advocates and mentors have powerful voices and lived experiences to share. Play a part this FASD Awareness Month by:
First responders
First responders (including firefighters and paramedics) can support individuals with FASD by recognizing behavioural and safety challenges during emergency responses and ensuring appropriate care and communication. Become FASD-informed by:
Housing service providers
It can be difficult for people with FASD to find and maintain safe and secure housing. Housing service providers can help people with FASD access safe and comfortable homes by:
Mental health and substance use professionals
Mental health is an important consideration for people with FASD, despite the challenges they face in accessing mental health services and support. If you are an addiction professional there is a good chance you’ve encountered someone with FASD, even if you didn’t recognize it at the time, or you may have worked with a pregnant women or gender diverse person.
If you are a frontline mental health counsellor, therapist, prevention mentor, crisis worker, substance use professional or community mental health provider, play a part in supporting people with FASD and healthy pregnancies by:
Parent-Child Assistance Program Mentors
Parent-Child Assistance Program (PCAP) Mentors support individuals with FASD by building trusting relationships, providing long-term, personalized support, and helping clients access health and social services. They promote alcohol-free pregnancies by empowering women through education, goal-setting, and nonjudgmental guidance. Play a part this FASD Awareness Month by:
Social workers
Social workers play an important role in helping people with FASD access the support they need, as well as supporting mother-child togetherness. Better support people with FASD and their families by:
Support workers
Support workers can assist individuals with FASD by providing consistent, compassionate care and helping them navigate challenges and access services. They also promote alcohol-free pregnancies by sharing information and encouraging healthy choices within their communities. Play a part this FASD Month by: