FASD Assessment and Diagnostic Services
What is FASD?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals diagnosed with FASD will experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and may need support with motor skills, physical health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach their full potential. Each individual diagnosed with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.
Why Diagnose?
Early diagnosis increases successful outcomes and quality of life, while also reducing the risks of developing secondary disabilities. We identify specific strengths and challenges for each child/individual and connect them and their caregivers with appropriate supports, services and information.
Our Assessment & Diagnostic Services
Individuals referred to the clinic are eligible for assessment by a multi-disciplinary team, once prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been confirmed. We collaborate with the individual and their support network to find documentation of prenatal alcohol exposure.
Our clinic abides by the 2015 Revised Canadian Guidelines for standardized diagnosis and utilizes the expertise of pediatricians, physicians, psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, and other professionals who are involved in the individual’s life. After multitudes of comprehensive assessments are completed, the multidisciplinary clinic team utilizes the guidelines to determine if a diagnosis of FASD is appropriate. Recommendations, including community referrals, are developed specifically for each individual, and a follow-up coordinator will support the individual/caregivers and develop plans to assist with implementing clinic recommendations. Individuals who receive an FASD diagnosis are connected with further follow-up supports.
Assessment and diagnostic services may or may not lead to a confirmed diagnosis of FASD. The process of diagnosis for FASD includes assessment in 10 different brain domains as outlined in the diagnostic guidelines. The diagnostic process also includes a collection of current and historical information regarding the individual.
Eligibility
Individuals aged 8+ residing in Southwestern Alberta.
Geographical borders are defined as Bow Island west to the British Columbia border and Vauxhall south to the U.S. border.
Anyone can make a referral to the Lethbridge Family Services FASD Assessment & Diagnostic team, but only individuals with documented prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) are eligible for Assessment and Diagnosis from the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT).
Where Are the Services Provided?
The assessment and diagnostic services are located in Lethbridge.
How Much Will It Cost?
There is no direct cost to individuals being assessed, as FASD Assessment & Diagnostic Services is funded by the South Alberta FASD Network in collaboration with the Cross Ministry Committee. Fee for service opportunities may be available.
How Do I Access This Program?
Referral forms are available online and can be emailed, mailed (to 1107 2A Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 0E6), faxed (to 403-327-5726), or hand-delivered. Telephone referrals are also accepted.
For More Information
Contact Lynette Taal, Program Manager at 403-320-9119 or ltaal@lfsfamily.ca.
Online Resources
South Alberta FASD Network: safasd.ca
FASD Alberta Networks: fasdalberta.ca
FASD in Alberta, Government of Alberta: www.alberta.ca/fasd-in-alberta
Contact: Lynette Taal, Program Manager
Email: ltaal@lfsfamily.ca
Phone: 403-320-9119
Service Location: 1107 2A Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB
Office Hours:
Monday–Friday
8:00 am—4:00 pm
Closed Statutory Holidays
