CanFASD Issue Papers

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Sensory Processing and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (2024)

Sensory processing (SP) refers to how our brains organize sensory information through taste, touch, sight, smell, balance, and internal sensations, and how we respond to that input. Challenges with SP can contribute to difficulty in many areas of an individual’s daily life, such as adaptive and executive functioning, social skills, academics, and cognition. Many individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) and their families report difficulties with SP, but empirical data in this area is relatively limited. Although there is emerging evidence that many young children with FASD experience SP differences, very little research exists that helps us understand SP differences among people with FASD across the lifespan. Importantly, there is also a notable lack of research on interventions to support the sensory needs of people with FASD.

The purpose of this issue paper is to describe current research on the rates, patterns, and correlates of sensory processing differences among people with FASD across the lifespan. Implications of sensory differences from a lived experience perspective will be emphasized.

The Prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (2024)

Since fetal alcohol syndrome was first defined in North America in the 1970s, researchers have been working to determine prevalence rates of the disability. Now referred to in Canada as fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), the social, health, and economic impacts of FASD for families and communities are profound, thus understanding its scope is critical. Over the years, researchers have used various methodologies in a range of geographical regions and populations around the world in their efforts to establish prevalence rates. Because of these differing approaches, FASD prevalence findings have not always been consistent.

The purpose of this issue paper is to share the most up-to-date findings of FASD prevalence research and provide clarity around the question “How many people have FASD?”

FASD Prevalence in Special Populations (2024)

Based on the most current research, the estimated prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in the general North American population is at least 8%. However, rates of FASD are believed to be higher in certain groups. Examining the varying rates of FASD across different groups is critical to understand the demographic, social, geographical, and cultural factors that underlie alcohol consumption during pregnancy, and which groups may benefit from additional or tailored support to promote healthy outcomes.

The purpose of this issue paper is to take a closer look at the research on special groups thought to experience higher rates of FASD, including children in care, individuals involved in the criminal legal system, and Indigenous communities.

Gap Analysis: Human Trafficking and Alcohol Use in Pregnancy (2024)

The purpose of this gap analysis is to describe the interconnections between human trafficking and prenatal alcohol use, and to provide research, policy, and practice recommendations to support survivor centric FASD prevention efforts.

A Place to Call Home: Addressing Housing Needs for Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (2024)

The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the existing literature on housing for people with FASD and recommendations for policymakers and service providers for implementing FASD-informed approaches to effectively address housing needs.

Folic Acid, Choline Supplementation and FASD (2024)

Nutrition is an important aspect of a healthy pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies and thus vitamin, mineral and essential nutrient supplements may be beneficial. Emerging evidence suggests that the use of certain micronutrient supplements during pregnancy, such as folic acid and choline, may mitigate some effects of prenatal alcohol exposure. While more research is needed to better understand the potential of folic acid and choline supplementation to lessen the teratogenicity of alcohol use during pregnancy and thus improve infant and child outcomes, this issue paper highlights what is known and the role of nutrition in healthy pregnancies, FASD prevention, and improving health equity for women and gender diverse people who use substances during pregnancy.