Research Priorities

Our research reflects the diversity and complexity of the field but we place particular focus in the following priority areas:

Why is FASD Research Important?

FASD is still a relatively new field, and our knowledge and understanding of this disability is rapidly growing and changing. Research is an important step to building a complete understanding of FASD. Research helps us develop evidence-informed, effective supports, services, and policies that can help lessen the impact of FASD on individuals, families, and communities and support those who are affected.

In order to create effective research, we need to make the voices of all impacted parties are included. That is why CanFASD has built a network of stakeholders from across Canada who can help to inform our research at every step of the way.

CanFASD Research Structure

CanFASD has a unique structure that brings together researchers, students, practitioners, policymakers, families, and communities across Canada and internationally to address the complexities of FASD. Our focus is on making sure research knowledge is translated to community, practice, and policy action.

Our cross-jurisdictional Research Leads and Indigenous Advisor work collaboratively with CanFASD Staff and their own respective networks. They conduct, coordinate, and facilitate research related to FASD. Our goal is to make sure the research we do is meaningful and applicable to our stakeholders.

A key component of our work is collaboration. Our Adult FASD Expert Collaboration Team (AFECT) and Family Advisory Committee (FAC) work alongside our Research Leads and staff to contribute their knowledge, expertise, and experience to the research.

Tools & Resources for Conducting FASD Research

Conducting Research with Individuals Who Have Intellectual Disabilities: Ethical and Practical Implications for Qualitative Research — Despite the acknowledgement that individuals with intellectual disabilities are the experts on their own experiences, these individuals have been largely omitted from the disability discourse. Research in the field of disability has typically been done on individuals with disabilities, rather than with them, disempowering this already vulnerable population.

Guidelines for Including People with Disabilities in Research — To promote an inclusive approach to disability research the NDA has established these guidelines, which identify some of the key considerations for inclusion and outlines models that researchers can use to include people with disabilities in their research.

Considerations When Planning Collaborative Research in FASD: Information for Research Teams — This document provides a list of issues you may wish to consider if you choose to do collaborative research in the field of FASD from the lens of individuals with FASD and their caregivers.

Current FASD Research Projects

CanFASD is currently involved in over 75 research projects related to FASD. Below are a few of the major current and ongoing research projects that we are working on.