FASD Basics
Alcohol use during pregnancy can produce serious neurobehavioural effects in the fetus. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that describes the range of neurological and behavioural challenges that may affect a person if the person's birth mother drank alcohol while she was pregnant. FASD is a major cause of preventable birth defects and the leading form of developmental delay in North America. It is a serious public health issue that can profoundly impact the individual, family and society.