NEWS RELEASE

Members of the CanFASD Research Network to provide a FASD perspective at substance use conference in Ottawa

(November 19, 2019) Members of the Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD) will be attending and presenting at the CCSA’s Issue of Substance Conference in Ottawa, Ontario from November 25, 2019 to November 27, 2019.

CanFASD is Canada’s first ever national research network devoted to addressing the complexities of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. It affects approximately 4% of Canadians, more than cerebral palsy, autism and Down Syndrome combined. CanFASD works to better our understanding of this disorder and improve outcomes for those affected by FASD. Their presence at the Issues of Substance Conference will provide a much-needed perspective on the complex relationship between FASD and substance use.

The Issues of Substance conference Canada’s only national conference that brings together experts from a wide range of disciplines to address issues relating to substance use and addiction in Canada. This year’s theme highlights the importance of research and real-life experiences to provide effective solutions addressing substance use in Canada. To learn more about the CCSA’s 2019 Issues of Substance Conference please visit their website: https://issuesofsubstance.ca 

Along with other agencies and organizations such as the Centre for Addictions and Mental Health (CAMH), the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), CanFASD has chosen to sponsor this event. The support of these organizations and more makes it possible for the Issues of Substance conference to function on such an enormous scale.

There is an incredibly complex relationship between FASD and substance use. Substance use can impact FASD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment initiatives, but substance use can also be impacted by this disorder. The National FASD Database has found that 48% of individuals diagnosed with FASD are using substances, and research suggests that approximately 56,000 Canadians with FASD have substance use and addiction problems. To learn more about the National FASD Database click here: https://canfasd.ca/topics/diagnosis/#nationaldatabase

CanFASD is using diverse research methods to develop innovative solutions and resources to address FASD in Canada. CanFASD uses a multidisciplinary approach to develop resources and solutions that consider FASD in relation to all areas of an individual’s life, from housing and education to substance use and mental health. This approach listens to the voices of researchers and professions from a number of different fields, as well as the experiences of individuals with FASD, their families, and their communities. From this they are able to develop solutions that effectively support these individuals and improve prevention efforts.

CanFASD hopes their presence at the CCSA conference will help to improve understanding of the impacts of FASD and its relationship to substance use. They seek to strengthen partnerships with related organizations across Canada and improve FASD research, practice, and policy to better outcomes for all Canadians.

“CanFASD is very pleased to attend this event as sponsors and presenters. FASD is a complicated disorder to prevent, and a unique population to support. Improving our understanding around substance use and educating mental health professionals on these complexities is an important step to improving these outcomes.”

Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director, CanFASD

“We are so excited to be a part of this national learning and sharing event on substance use and addiction. We hope our presence can help emphasize the importance of including FASD in conversations about substance use and mental health.”

Kathy Unsworth, Managing Director, CanFASD

About CanFASD:

The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is Canada’s first national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network. CanFASD works collaboratively with researchers and partners across the nation to address complexities of FASD. Our mission is to produce and maintain national, collaborative research designed for sharing with all Canadians, leading to prevention strategies and improved support services for people affected by FASD.
For more information on CanFASD, please visit: https://canfasd.ca/

To speak with a CanFASD expert regarding CanFASD’s participation at the CCSA Issues of Substance Conference please contact:
Audrey McFarlane
1 (780) 815-0406
amcfarlane@lcfasd.com

NEWS RELEASE

Experts on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will travel to Yellowknife to discuss FASD

(October 17, 2019) The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) Board of Directors is meeting in Yellowknife at the end of October to discuss nation-wide Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) strategic priorities.

FASD is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body of people who were exposed to alcohol in the womb. CanFASD is Canada’s first comprehensive national research network focuses on addressing the complexities of FASD.

A key component to CanFASD’s success is the partnerships they’ve developed with individuals and organizations across Canada and around the world. Their trip to Yellowknife will allow them to further develop these partnerships within organizations and communities in the Northwest Territories.

Community members within Yellowknife will have the opportunity to interact with experts in the field of FASD at two public events. The first is a presentation with Dr. Jacqueline Pei, the Senior Research Lead at CanFASD.

Dr. Pei will be discussing a new intervention model to improve outcomes for individuals with FASD. As the lead researcher on this project, Dr. Pei will give the audience a unique insight into the behind-the-scenes work that lead up to the release of this document.

The development of this intervention model perfectly illustrates CanFASD’s collaborative process. This research was conducted in partnership with a number of researchers, families and service providers, and research institutions including CanFASD and the University of Alberta. To learn more about this research, please visit our page https://canfasd.ca/publications/towards-healthy-outcomes/.

The event will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 PM on October 28, 2019 in the auditorium of Northern United Place. It is an afternoon recommended for families of individuals with FASD and service providers, but all are welcome.

CanFASD will also be hosting a public meet and greet with Board Members, researchers, and select staff members. This informal event will give attendees the unique opportunity to talk with FASD experts from across Canada. This event is open to the public. It is being held from 5:30 to 7:00 PM on October 29, 2019 at the Flavour Trader in the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

In between these events CanFASD will be hard at work to develop a new CanFASD Strategic Plan. Meetings with board and committee members have been scheduled to review of CanFASD’s current initiatives in the areas of FASD prevention, intervention, and diagnosis.

A major product of these meetings will be the development of CanFASD’s new Strategic Plan, which outlines the path the organization has to follow to remain a national leader in FASD research.

We are excited to have an opportunity to increase our understanding of FASD in the Northwest Territories by connecting with individuals, families, caregivers, agencies and government. This helps us to ensure the research we are undertaking and resulting new knowledge remains relevant and gets to the people who need it most. We deeply appreciate the time people are willing to spend with us and share their valuable insights and perspectives.

Tim Moorhouse, CanFASD, Board Chair

I’m excited to connect with community members and explore ways in which we might work together to support healthy outcomes in individuals with FASD.

Dr. Jacqueline Pei, Senior Research Lead, CanFASD

About CanFASD:

The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is Canada’s first national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network. CanFASD works collaboratively with researchers and partners across the nation to address complexities of FASD. Our mission is to produce and maintain national, collaborative research designed for sharing with all Canadians, leading to prevention strategies and improved support services for people affected by FASD.
For more information on CanFASD, please visit: https://canfasd.ca/

MEDIA ADVISORY

Experts on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) will travel to Yellowknife from October 26 to October 30 to discuss FASD initiatives

CanFASD representatives will be available to the media to discuss the landscape of FASD in the Northwest Territories and across Canada

(October 17, 2019) Representatives from the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Research Network (CanFASD) are meeting in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories from October 26th to 30th to discuss nation-wide FASD initiatives. Board and committee meetings, as well as public events have been scheduled during this time period. Prominent speakers will include CanFASD Executive Director, Audrey McFarlane and Senior Research Lead, Dr. Jacqueline Pei. There will be opportunities to meet with other FASD experts such as Mr. Tim Moorhouse, the CanFASD Board Chair.

This is an opportunity for media personal and community members to interact with experts of a nation-wide research network to learn more about FASD, its effects on Canadians, and the supports available. The media is invited to attend two such events: the CanFASD Meet and Greet and Improving Healthy Outcomes for Individuals with FASD.

CanFASD representatives will also be available for media interviews upon request.

Improving Healthy Outcomes for Individuals with FASD

What: In partnership with other researchers and organizations, Dr. Jacqueline Pei has recently released a new FASD Intervention model, designed to improve outcomes for individuals with FASD. In an event open to the public, Dr. Pei herself will be discussing this model and explaining how it can be implemented. She and CanFASD Executive Director, Audrey McFarlane, will be hosting an open question and answer period as part of this event.

Who: CanFASD Senior Research Lead, Dr. Jacqueline Pei, and Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director with CanFASD

When: 28 October 2019 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Where: Auditorium of the Northern United Place

CanFASD Meet and Greet

What: CanFASD is hosting an informal public meet and greet. Attendees will have the opportunity to talk to FASD researchers, CanFASD Board Members, and select CanFASD staff about FASD initiatives in Canada and around the world.

Who: Mr. Tim Moorhouse, CanFASD Board Chair; Dr. Jacqueline Pei, CanFASD Senior Research Lead; and Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director with CanFASD, in addition to other members from CanFASD Staff and Board of Directors.

When: 29 October 2019 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM

Where: The Flavour Trader in the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.

For more information, please contact Audrey McFarlane by phone at 1 (780) 815-0406 or by email at audrey.mcfarlane@canfasd.ca.

About CanFASD:

The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is Canada’s first national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network. CanFASD works collaboratively with researchers and partners across the nation to address complexities of FASD. Our mission is to produce and maintain national, collaborative research designed for sharing with all Canadians, leading to prevention strategies and improved support services for people affected by FASD.
For more information on CanFASD, please visit: https://canfasd.ca/

NEWS RELEASE

CanFASD urges politicians to make FASD part of the conversation this election

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(October 17, 2019) Organizations across the nation are asking Canadians to make Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) part of the conversation during the 2019 Federal Election.

The movement began at the end of September, as the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) released content urging Canadians to ask electoral candidates where FASD fits on their election platform.

FASD is a diagnostic term used to describe the impacts on the brain and body of someone who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges. There is no cure for FASD,but proper supports and resources that play to their strengths can help individuals with FASD live successful, meaningful lives.

Approximately 4% of Canadians, 1.4 million people, have FASD. It affects more people than autism, cerebral palsy, and Down’s syndrome combined.However, researchers believe that number is higher than estimated. The stigma surrounding alcohol use and pregnancy and the lack of FASD specific training for medical professionals can significantly affect the rate of diagnosis.

Despite its prevalence, FASD has not been widely discussed during this election. Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director at CanFASD believes this is a mistake, “Why are 1.4 million people not being discussed during this election? This is the largest population of disabled people in Canada that no one is talking about.  We can do better.”

FASD is costly from both a social and economic standpoint because of the wide range of possible negative consequences. Individuals with FASD and their families need extra supports and resources across all sectors in order to overcome the challenges they face. Research estimates that FASD costs Canadian taxpayers approximately 9.7 billion dollars each year. Funding for FASD prevention, diagnosis, and treatment initiatives can significantly reduce that cost.

FASD is a preventable disability, resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE). CanFASD stresses that consuming alcohol during pregnancy is not as simple as “choosing not to”. Factors such as addiction, trauma, abusive relationships, misinformation, unplanned pregnancies and lack of awareness may contribute to PAE.

“Prevention initiatives are complicated. However, we know we can reduce the number of people born with this disability if we devote funding and resources to awareness campaigns, addiction services, supports for victims of domestic abuse, and widespread access to contraception.”

CanFASD points to the work the government of Australia has done to develop a national strategy to address FASD in Australia, and stresses the need for government of Canada to show strong leadership to address the complexities of FASD.

“Families and individuals with FASD are struggling in Canada, having poor outcomes because of the lack of supports and evidence informed information. Canada can do better to support the prevention of this disorder and provide support to those with it,” says McFarlane.

Our society needs to make FASD a consideration in this election, and the first step forward is making FASD part of the conversation. For more information about FASD, please read CanFASD’s Backgrounder.

Families and individuals with FASD are struggling in Canada, having poor outcomes because of the lack of supports and evidence informed information. Canada can do better to support the prevention of this disorder and provide support to those with it.

—Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director, CanFASD

Why are 1.4 million people not being discussed during this election?  This is the largest population of disabled people in Canada that no one is talking about.  We can do better.

—Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director, CanFASD

To speak with a CanFASD expert regarding FASD and the 2019 Federal Election please contact:

Audrey McFarlane
780.815.0406
AMcFarlane@lcfasd.com

CanFASD and FASD Research Australia to work together to advance knowledge and understanding of FASD

(November 21, 2018) The Canada FASD Research Network (CanFASD) and the FASD Research Australia Centre of Research Excellence (FASD Research Australia) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance research into the prevention, diagnosis and intervention of FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder).

The Canada-Australia FASD Research Network was signed at the second Australasian FASD Conference in Perth, Western Australia. The conference brought delegates from across the world to discuss a wide range of FASD-related topics, including prevention, screening and diagnosis, epigenetics, education, justice, parent and caregiver support, and management strategies.

The MOU is a three-year agreement between the two organizations, intended to facilitate the discussions around, but not limited, to:

  • the expansion and enrichment of both research networks
  • the promotion of academic research excellence in the area of alcohol use during pregnancy, FASD diagnosis and intervention
  • the promotion of knowledge mobilization of FASD-related tools and resources to improve prevention, diagnosis and intervention

Canada and Australia are currently the only countries in the world with national FASD research networks. The two countries share a similar philosophy in the prevention and intervention of FASD; however, Australia is united under a national FASD strategy, whereas Canada’s FASD strategies are still managed at the provincial level.

CanFASD is committed to being a global leader in FASD research. By partnering with FASD Research Australia, we are advancing prevention, diagnosis and intervention for people with FASD.

Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director, CanFASD

FASD occurs in all sectors of society, across all nations. The Canada-Australia FASD Research Network MOU provides the basis for our work with Australia, and we look forward to progressing our united work in the area of FASD research.

Dr. Nancy Poole, Prevention Lead, CanFASD

About CanFASD:

The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is an interdisciplinary research network, with researchers and partners across the nation. It is Canada’s first comprehensive national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network.
CanFASD recently held a first-of-its-kind, collaborative FASD event with caregivers, government officials and FASD research experts to set the research direction for coming years. The results of this event are now available on the CanFASD website.

About FASD Research Australia:

FASD Research Australia aims to contribute to the sustainable empowerment of communities, organizations and professionals to address FASD, and reduce its compounding impact on impacted children, their families and the wider community. It harnesses the extensive skills and experience of a multidisciplinary research and clinical team and their networks to support high- quality and high-impact research to address three key areas related to FASD.

To speak with a CanFASD expert regarding the MOU or Canada’s role at the Australasian FASD Conference in Perth, please contact:

Audrey McFarlane
780.815.0406
AMcFarlane@lcfasd.com


NEWS RELEASE

CanFASD develops first plan to address Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 34

Truth & Reconciliation Call to Action #34: A Framework forActionhelps make reconciliation a reality

October 10, 2018The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD), in partnership with the University of Regina, has released concrete recommendations and action items to address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s (TRC) Call to Action 34.

The TRC’s Call to Action 34 calls on national, provincial and territorial governments to make changes to the criminal justice system to improve outcomes for offenders with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).

Truth & Reconciliation Call to Action #34: A Framework for Actionprovides background on the complex issue of individuals with FASD in the justice system with a goal to take up the TRC’s Call to Action to help improve outcomes for individuals with FASD. As well, it acknowledges the ongoing impacts of the Indian Residential School (IRS) system and provides mechanisms to bring about necessary changes in the areas of education, access, training, justice, evaluation and community supports.

TheFramework for Actionis part of CanFASD’s ongoing commitment to take up the Calls to Action and to be actively involved in work and partnerships that focus on reconciliation and improving the lives of those with FASD. It is informed by a CanFASD-supported national research project lead by Dr. Michelle Stewart from the University of Regina, that focused on FASD and justice practices across Canada, and by the 2017 national symposium on FASD, Justice and Reconciliation. It is an evidence-based response to the TRC Calls to Action and presents 12 recommendations to help foster change in frontline justice service delivery, policy development and research in the field.

The full work can be accessed through CanFASD’s website.

We must be willing to have a national conversation about FASD that recognizes the role of racism, colonialism, inequality and trauma. We wrote this document with researchers, policy makers and frontline workers in mind but the TRC was a national call to action – we hope that this framework helps instigate necessary conversations but more critically we hope it helps facilitate action.

Dr. Michelle Stewart, Associate Professor, Justice Studies University of Regina, Treaty Four Territory

The Framework for Action builds off the important work done at the 2017 national symposium on FASD, Justice and Reconciliation. A person with FASD may experience many challenges in their lifetime, including contact with the criminal justice system. If we don’t acknowledge the connection between the Residential School System, trauma and alcohol consumption, the cycle will continue and we will never be able to achieve true reconciliation.

Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director, CanFASD

About CanFASD:

The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is an interdisciplinary research network, with researchers and partners across the nation. It is Canada’s first comprehensive national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network. For more information on CanFASD, please visit: https://canfasd.ca/

For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:

Jenny Renner
780.862.2957
jrenner@brln.ca


NEWS RELEASE

Canadian FASD experts bring research to international conference

September 22, 2018 — Seven Canadian Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) associates are slated to present at the European Conference on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (EUFASD) in Berlin this week.

The EUFASD conference gives academics, caretakers, NGOs, policy makers, professionals and people who have Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) the opportunity to share learnings and experiences, and promote greater international understanding of FASD. The conference will cover a wide range of topics including prevention, social determinants, diagnosis, epigenetics, psychological profiles, behavioural management, education, prevalence, family support, criminal justice system difficulties, social care needs, practical management, pharmacology and other cutting-edge research.

Dr. Nancy Poole, CanFASD Prevention Lead and Director of the British Columbia Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health in Vancouver, will lead the Canadian contingent as a keynote speaker and presenter. Her presentation “Multilevel prevention guided by virtual national research network” parallels the work she does with CanFASD and will discuss the benefits of bringing researchers, policy makers, service providers and women with histories substance abuse together to develop effective FASD prevention strategies.

Other Canadian presenters and their topics include:

  • Rose Schmidt, Centre of Excellence for Women’s Health, “Discussing multiple substances by multiple providers, as a key FASD prevention strategy”
  • Dr. Jocelynn L. Cook, CanFASD Data lead, and Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada, “The evolution, priorities and highlights of the latest FASD research in Canada”
  • Kathy Unsworth, CanFASD, “Developing an FASD framework for the Canadian workforce: a model for implementation”
  • Elizabeth Carlson, University of Alberta, “Prenatal alcohol exposure and its relation to intelligence, executive functions and antisocial and prosocial behaviour”
  • Jeff Noble, FASDForever, “Keys to FASD success for caregivers”

Sharing qualitative and quantitative research findings across jurisdictions is essential for bettering global FASD prevention and intervention strategies. I look forward to engaging with our international FASD partners, learning from their experiences and data.

Dr. Nancy Poole

It’s exciting to see Canada’s expertise in the FASD field recognized around the world. Events like the EUFASD conference give us the opportunity to be a part of the international FASD conversation and helps ensure that we continue to be leaders in FASD research and service delivery.

Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director for CanFASD

About CanFASD:

The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is an interdisciplinary research network, with researchers and partners across the nation. It is Canada’s first comprehensive national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network. For more information on CanFASD, please visit:https://www.canfasd.ca/

To find out more about Canada’s presence at the EUFASAD conference, please contact:

Audrey McFarlane
780.815.0406
AMcFarlane@lcfasd.com


NEWS RELEASE

First-ever comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder database developed by CanFASD

(July 3, 2018) The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is launching the only comprehensive Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) database in the world, providing key insight into the profile of individuals with FASD as well as Canada’s first-ever national prevalence statistics.

CanFASD can now get real-time data from clinics across Canada, helping inform policy and practice at a national level. Information from the database will also provide data back to each of the diagnostic clinics to help them inform and support their own work.

The database will also provide opportunities for national education and training to improve services for individuals with this neurodevelopmental disorder.

CanFASD’s national database is important for understanding the relationship between diagnostic capacity and service availability for individuals with FASD. In-depth research will inform policy decision and resource allocations pertaining to health services provided to those with FASD. Currently, there are more than 25 clinics from nine provinces and territories participating.

Canada does not have its own prevalence number. We have been extrapolating from American studies and small regional or provincial studies to estimate Canadian prevalence rates of FASD. It’s a complex disorder to diagnose because it’s not as simple as one test – FASD is a different experience for each person affected. This database will not only provide data on prevalence, but it will provide important implications when developing services and policies.

Audrey McFarlane, Executive Director, CanFASD

Collection of standardized data on children assessed for neurodevelopmental disorders across the country will provide evidence related to prevalence, risk factors, interventions and short and long-term outcomes. Comparisons in diagnoses made per capita and variations or similarity in treatment recommendations across jurisdictions will be highly useful in providing information to governments in developing improved policy and programming. This data will also provide important information to develop effective prevention messaging and interventions and supports for families.

Kathy Unsworth, Managing Director, CanFASD

About CanFASD:

The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is an interdisciplinary research network, with researchers and partners across the nation. It is Canada’s first comprehensive national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network.

CanFASD recently held a first-of-its-kind, collaborative FASD event with caregivers, government officials and FASD research experts to set the research direction for coming years. The results of this event are now available on the CanFASD website.

To set up an interview with a CanFASD expert that can speak to prevalence of FASD in Canada and the national FASD database, please contact:

Audrey McFarlane
780.815.0406
AMcFarlane@lcfasd.com