Making a diagnosis of FASD requires a multidisciplinary team and involves a complex physical and neurodevelopmental assessment. The 2016 Canadian Diagnostic Guidelines for FASD provide the basis for a FASD diagnosis (Cook et al., 2016).

Benefits of a diagnosis:

  • Identifies strengths and weaknesses – this will help a person with FASD get help in difficult areas and excel in areas that are strengths
  • Provides support for additional services and government benefits
  • Provides answers for older children and adults about why life has been difficult for them
  • Reduce the occurrence of additional challenges with more appropriate supports
  • Helps parents to understand the best ways to help their child succeed
  • Provides important information about supports for youth transitioning to adulthood, such as legal representation agreements and trusteeship (CanFASD, 2013)