FASD Assessment & Diagnosis

Information in Saskatchewan

Many families in Saskatchewan find themselves seeking diagnosis and assessment services for a child or adult they suspect has been affected by prenatal alcohol exposure. Seeking a diagnosis can be a complex, time consuming and daunting process. In addition to having limited diagnostic services there seems to be a lack of information about how to access the services that do exist. Compounding this, many individuals and families have mixed feelings about whether a diagnosis will be beneficial to them.

Diagnosis and assessment can be done throughout the lifespan. Early diagnosis is advisable when this is an option. The process is less complex for children; it may be easier to establish evidence of maternal alcohol consumption and recommendations can be implemented in the child’s life early on. Studies have shown that children who receive an early diagnosis are much less likely to develop secondary disabilities. Common secondary disabilities include: academic struggles, mental health or addictions issues, conflict with the law, unemployment and homelessness. Reference: Streissguth, A., & Kanter, J. (1997). The challenge of fetal alcohol syndrome: Overcoming secondary disabilities. Seattle, WA: University of Washington.

Early diagnosis may not always be an option. Individuals often begin the diagnostic and assessment process during adolescence or adulthood due to increased struggles with daily functioning, social difficulties, and the previously mentioned secondary disabilities. Regardless of when an individual is diagnosed, there are benefits for the individual, the family, and their circles of support.

Diagnosis must be made by a qualified physician. Ideally, a team of professionals, which may include an occupational therapist, physiotherapist, psychologist, social worker, and speech and language pathologist, are involved in the process. Together, the team gathers family history and conducts a thorough assessment of the individual to determine a diagnosis. The term Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is not a diagnosis. This is an umbrella term that encompasses the range of disabilities caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The diagnostic terms that you will hear are: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (pFAS), and Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND).

Following assessment, it is possible that the individual may not receive a diagnosis within the spectrum of FASD. They may have a different disability or in some cases they may have an FASD as well as a co-existing diagnosis.

In Saskatchewan, diagnostic services are presently available in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert. What follows is a brief overview of some of the services available at the present time; not all services are necessarily presented in this overview. There may be a waiting period at each location though the time period will fluctuate.

Saskatoon:

Alvin Buckwold Child Development Program, Kinsmen Children's Centre
Contact: Anita Grosse for information on the diagnostic process.
(306) 655-1085
Support provided through diagnosis, assessment, and follow up for children birth to 18 years. Medical referral
required.
A travelling clinic will also provide diagnosis in northern communities 3 times each year.

Regina:

The FASD Centre at Regina
Community Clinic
Contact: Cheryl Charron, FASD Case Coordinator for information on the diagnostic process.
(306) 543-7880 ext 268
Diagnosis of persons ages 6 through adulthood. Guidance is provided to the
individual and family during the process of appointments, scheduling, and follow-up.

Regina Child and Youth Services
Contact: Intake Office
(306) 766-6700
Specialized assessment service for complex cognitive disorders for
persons aged 6-24.

Wascana Rehabilitation Centre
(306) 766-5100 or 766-5710
Children’s Programs offers services
accessed through referral by family physician.

Prince Albert:

There are two teams that provide diagnostic and assessment services. Both teams are part of the Prince Albert Parkland Health Region.

The Early Childhood Development Team is located in the Therapies Department at the Victoria Hospital (Box 3000, 1200 24th Street West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 5T4). This team provides services for children from birth to preschool age. Contact: Early Childhood Development Team, 765-6126.

The mailing address for the Child and Youth Development Clinic is Mental Health, Lower Level Victoria Square, Box 3003, 2345 10th Avenue West, Prince Albert, SK S6V 6G1. This team provides assessment and diagnostic services for children starting in Kindergarten, through to young adults aged 24 years. Contact: Laurie Janzen, Clinic Coordinator, 765-6068.

 

 

 For Diagnostic Terms and Information and more information about diagnosis download the .pdf document below:

Diagnostic Terms & Criteria