GNWT Focus on FASD
The GNWT and the Department of Health and Social Services have identified FASD to be a focus within the priorities of Prevention and Child and Family Services. FASD is a priority of Prevention Services because FASD is a life-long disability that is entirely preventable. If the mother does not drink during pregnancy, the baby will not have FASD.
Alcohol is classified as a known teratogen, which means that it can cause birth defects in the developing fetus. The more alcohol a pregnant woman drinks, the greater the risk of the fetus developing FASD. Drinking in pregnancy may cause changes in the facial features, heart and other organs, bones, and the central nervous system.
FASD is a priority of Child and Family Services because of the increased knowledge of early brain development. Research findings provide a strong foundation for the refocusing of policy and investments on the early years of a child’s development. “Critical times for brain development of specific functions have been discovered. Critical periods are windows of opportunity in early life when the brain is primed to receive sensory input and develop more complex functions” (McCain and Mustard, 1999).