About the Assessment
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a public health issue with long-lasting health and social impacts. It is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in Canada. Often called an invisible disorder, FASD is challenging to detect and diagnose.
To better understand how to prevent FASD and support people affected by it, including individuals with FASD, family, and caregivers, the Public Health Agency of Canada has asked the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) to lead an assessment on FASD. This assessment will help identify challenges as well as opportunities to strengthen Canada’s approach to addressing FASD, and inform future priorities for action.
Canadian Academy of Health Sciences assessments are formal reports prepared under the direction of an independent panel. Assessment panel members are impartial experts who hold a balance of different views.
How an assessment works:
- The panel reviews findings from evidence and consultations and prepares a report.
- External experts then review this report, independently and anonymously.
- Finally, the report is submitted to the Public Health Agency of Canada.
This assessment will build on previous and ongoing work to address FASD in Canada. By analyzing scientific evidence and consulting with key organizations and individuals, the CAHS assessment report will identify pathways to address areas of greatest need related to FASD.
