Physical Wellbeing and FASD

Physical health and wellbeing is essential for our daily functioning, especially for individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Physical health and wellbeing will change throughout our lifespans. It may also be affected by different events and environments.

Sleep, nutrition, medication, sensory and motor functioning, and physical activity are all essential elements to support physical health. When implemented properly, interventions that target these elements can help improve health outcomes and the overall quality of life in people with FASD.

Healthcare providers, including nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals, are often the first point of contact when health concerns arise. They play a critical role in monitoring physical wellbeing across the lifespan, coordinating care with other healthcare providers, and advocating for their patient’s needs.

Resources to Support Physical Wellbeing in FASD

Medication Algorithm for FASD

People with FASD are often prescribed too many medications or are prescribed medications that don’t work for them. Out researchers alongside other experts spent years reviewing the evidence about psychotropic medications and people with FASD and came up with a decision-tree style algorithm to support physicians when prescribing medication for those with FASD and prenatal alcohol exposure. Some of the resources from this project include:

Learn more about this project here: https://canfasd.ca/algorithm/

Research on FASD and Physical Wellbeing

Research Articles

Below you can find research authored by CanFASD researchers and other partners related to FASD and physical health and wellbeing.

Beyond the Brain: The Physical Health and Whole-Body Impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (open access)
Chelsea Vanderpeet, Lisa Akison, Karen Moritz, Nicole Hayes & Natasha Reid
Alcohol Research, June 2025

Marijuana Use During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Implications for Neonatal and Childhood Outcomes
Sheryl A. Ryan, Seth D. Ammerman & Mary E. O’Connor
American Academy of Paediatrics, September 2018

Issue Papers

Explore our issue papers on physical health and wellbeing in people with FASD. These materials provide research insights and recommendations for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.

Folic Acid, Choline Supplementation and FASD (2024)
Nutrition is an important aspect of a healthy pregnancy but drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Emerging evidence suggests that the use of certain micronutrient supplements during pregnancy may mitigate some effects of prenatal alcohol exposure.

Cannabis Use During Pregnancy (2018)
In 2018, the Canadian government introduced legislation allowed adults to legally possess and use cannabis. This paper explores what is known about the effects of cannabis use during pregnancy.