The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) is a collaborative, interdisciplinary research network, with collaborators, researchers and partners across the nation. It is Canada’s first comprehensive national Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) research network.

CanFASD’s partnership brings together many scientific viewpoints to address complexities of FASD, with a focus of ensuring that research knowledge is translated to community and policy action. CanFASD researchers are currently taking part in almost all of the FASD research projects across Canada that are supported by PHAC. CanFASD researcher are currently leading 25 major projects related to FASD prevention, intervention and diagnostics and they connect researchers, graduate students and practitioners from communities and institutions across Canada, and internationally.

Foundations in FASD is a basic training course intended for everyone that will come into contact with individuals with FASD including all sectors of work, families, individuals with FASD, spouses, and the general public. This foundational level training program provides the perspective of individuals who have FASD, is evidence-based, employs a culturally sensitive approach, and is presented in a way that is responsive to the learners needs. This online basic training course will take on average two hours to complete. Level 1 training will provide knowledge and understanding of:

• an overview of FASD assessment and diagnosis in Canada

• an introduction to FASD interventions and promising approaches

• the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the fetus

• the impact of alcohol on brain development

• issues related to stigma and FASD

• strategies for prevention and support

• barriers to prevention and support

• the signs and symptoms of FASD across the lifespan

A certificate will be provided to each participant upon completion. The course can be accessed at https://estore.canfasd.ca/foundations-in-fasd

The Foundations in FASD course is one of several courses offered by CanFASD. Courses for practitioners in the field include The Prevention Conversation, Towards Improved Practice, and Multidisciplinary Team Training.