Item - 2018.HL28.11
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Board of Health on July 16, 2018 and was adopted without amendment.
HL28.11 - Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Adopted
- Wards:
- All
Board Decision
The Board of Health:
1. Requested the Medical Officer of Health to consult with the Toronto Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Coordinating Network on potential measures the City of Toronto could undertake to improve prevention, access to services, and access to supportive housing for people living with FASD, in consultation with the Director, Affordable Housing Office, the Executive Director, Social Development, Finance and Administration, and the General Manager, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, and report back to the Board of Health in the first quarter of 2019.
Origin
Summary
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a brain-based, neuro-developmental disability with behavioural symptoms resulting from a fetus’ pre-natal exposure to alcohol. The neuro-developmental impacts of FASD are on physical, behavioural, emotional, social, and cognitive functioning. FASD is the leading cause of developmental disabilities in North America.
A recent study conducted by Dr. Lana Popova of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, involving 2,555 7-9-year-old students in Greater Toronto Area schools found the prevalence rate to be 2-3 percent. This research corroborates new research data emanating from the United States that estimates the prevalence rate for FASD to be 3-5 percent. Due to the stigma associated with women drinking while pregnant, it is believed that women tend to underreport their consumption of alcohol during pregnancy, leading researchers to estimate that the prevalence of FASD is underreported.
FASD is referred to as an invisible disability because, while a small percentage of those affected display facial features associated with FASD, the majority do not. They are assumed to be able to behave, perform, and achieve like everyone else whereas, in reality, they simply cannot. Every day, they experience failure when they are expected to live up to expectations that are unrealistic and do not take into account their damaged brains.
When FASD is not diagnosed early and followed by effective interventions, adverse outcomes
can be expected. The costs of supporting those affected by FASD in Canada is estimated at $6.2 billion annually. The estimated return on investment in prevention of FASD is significant.
People affected by FASD are some of the most vulnerable, misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and at-risk members of our community. The Toronto FASD Coordinating Network has identified the need for all levels of government – municipal, provincial, and federal – to work on three priorities: prevention, access to services, and supportive housing.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2018/hl/bgrd/backgroundfile-118765.pdf