FASD Awareness Month 2025
Recognized every September 9th, International FASD Awareness Day brings attention to the experiences of people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and their families, and works towards creating better supports and prevention. Since its inception in 1999, FASD Day events and awareness initiatives have extended beyond a single day, now running for the entire month of September. The month was first recognized by the Government of Canada in 2020 and remains globally acknowledged.
What is FASD?
FASD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities globally. It is a lifelong disability that encompasses a range of impacts on the brain and body resulting from exposure to alcohol in the womb. The effects of FASD can vary widely and may not be apparent until later in life. It’s estimated that around 3% of children and youth in Canada have been diagnosed with FASD; however, this number is likely an underestimate due to the difficulty getting a diagnosis and stigma surrounding the condition.
Our Ongoing FASD Research
To our lab and community, FASD awareness and action are not restricted to a single day or even month, but are ongoing commitments. Year-round, our research focuses on the unique experiences of youth with FASD, providing new supports that help our community. Here are just a few studies we’re running in 2025:
The CASP Study: This project aims to identify effective and valid risk and assessment tools for people with FASD experiencing suicidality. To determine the best risk-assessment practices, the study explores current measures and the perspectives of clinicians and people with FASD who have lived experience related to suicidality and risk assessments.
Parenting Adolescents with FASD: The journey of parents of children with FASD is unique, where traditional parenting styles may not be beneficial. The current study explores constructive parenting behaviours and characteristics associated with positive outcomes for adolescents with FASD.
Prenatal Exposure and Child Brain and Mental Health (PEACH) study: Many individuals with FASD experience co-occurring mental health problems. Limited understanding of the neurological basis for these problems has prevented the development of effective treatments. The PEACH study aims to identify different brain development patterns that can lead to earlier identification and appropriate intervention strategies for mental health concerns.
More to come…
FASD Awareness Day Events
Connect FASD and The Calgary FASD Network (CFAN) are inviting community members to join in on a morning panel and an afternoon barbecue:
Morning: Professional Development Panel
Location: Wood’s Homes Inglewood, 1008 14 Street SE
Topic: Turning knowledge into action—featuring experienced voices from our community, and lived experience stories
8:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Entrance Fee: $30 (Includes breakfast)
RSVP at: https://www.canadahelps.org/.../fasd-day-professional.../
Evening: Community BBQ Party & Market
Location: Wood’s Homes Inglewood, 1008 14 Street SE
Free BBQ snacks, entertainment & local market
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Free Entry!
RSVP at: https://www.canadahelps.org/.../fasd-day-community-bbq.../
For events available to the wider community, see:
FASD Awareness Campaigns
Red Shoes Rock: Started by RJ Formanek, an adult with FASD, “Red Shoes Rock” encourages people to wear red shoes (or red clothes) to begin conversations about FASD with others.
Canada Rocks Red for FASD: Key landmarks across Canada will be lit in red lights on September 9th to recognize FASD Awareness Day. Calgary Tower, Telus SPARK Science Centre, High Level Bridge of Edmonton, and more monuments will turn red on FASD Awareness Day.