Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that affects individuals who were exposed to alcohol in utero. It is estimated that FASD affects 4% of the Canadian population. Despite its prevalence, FASD is not currently recognized as an exceptionality by the Ministry of Education in Ontario. As of 2018, FASD impacts more Canadians than Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome and Tourette’s Syndrome combined. 

This lack of recognition has serious consequences for individuals with FASD and their families. Without proper identification and support, individuals with FASD may not be receive proper accommodations and supports within the education system.  To receive accomodations, schools may rely on other exceptionality categories to provide supports to students which may not be appropriate for children with FASD.

Research shows that early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with FASD. By recognizing FASD as a separate category of exceptionalities, the Ministry of Education can ensure that these individuals receive appropriate accommodations and support within the education system.

Other provinces in Canada have already recognized FASD as a category of exceptionalities. For example, British Columbia has included it since 2004. It's time for Ontario to follow suit.

Furthermore, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission included the following in their Calls to Action in 2015:

33. We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to recognize as a high priority the need to address and prevent Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), and to develop, in collaboration with Aboriginal people, FASD preventive programs that can be delivered in a culturally appropriate manner.

While there is much work to be done in addressing the needs of those with FASD, the Ontario Ministry of Education can take the long overdue step of naming FASD as an exceptionality within their categories of exceptionalities.

We further encourage the Ministry of Education to work with those with FASD, their caregivers and experts, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous to provide better education experiences and outcomes in adulthood for people with FASD.  

Sources:

-CanFASD Canada Resource Network https://canfasd.ca/wp-content/uploads/publications/Prevalence-1-Issue-Paper-FINAL.pdf

- Public Health Agency of Canada: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/fetal-alcohol-spectrum-disorder-canada-surveillance-report-2019.html
- CanFASD Research Network: https://canfasd.ca/
- BC Ministry of Education: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/administration/special-needs/categories-of-designation/fasd-Truth and Reconcilitation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/british-columbians-our-governments/indigenous-people/aboriginal-peoples-documents/calls_to_action_english2.pdf