The CanFASD Research Network has released a new policy action paper called Toward a Standard Definition of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Canada. This policy action paper describes the approach taken to create a standard definition of FASD in Canada, as well as our proposed definition for use in FASD policy and practice finishing with the recommendation that this definition be used by governments and policy makers across Canada to promote standardization and consistent language when discussing FASD.

"Language is a reflection of how people in a society see one another, which can impact perceptions and consequently how people think... Changing the phrasing in the way we speak and write about Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), as well as focusing upon a person's abilities, rather than their, disabilities, can assist us in changing perspectives both inside and outside of the FASD community."

"This [proposed] definition emphasizes the whole-body implications of FASD and highlights that each individual with FASD is unique, with their own individual strengths and challenges."

You can check out the full report here.