CanFASD series on FASD FAQ's Part 3

In this third video of the CanFASD series of five which is located in CanFASD's Foundations in FASD online course, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8npYyC2nmOE&list=PLBhdT-nylDEM80KSG-J4vmfyE5L8q7WwW&index=3 Dr. Hanlon-Dearman answers the question, “Why is it so important to use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnosing FASD?”

Dr. Hanlon-Dearman explains that FASD is a multifaceted disability impacting all parts of the individual’s life and requires multiple supports.  She starts by explaining the purpose of having a medical practitioner doing the diagnosis based on the 2015 Canadian Guidelines.  It is important to note that diagnosis still requires documentation of alcohol usage during pregnancy by a credible source.  And because there is currently 428 comorbid conditions associated with FASD, a knowledgeable practitioner is vital.  She also refers to the importance of a psychological assessment to establish cognitive and adaptive functioning.  She goes on to explain that someone with FASD may have high cognitive functioning but tends to be very low on adaptive functioning.  This means someone may know how to go into a store and make a purchase, but is unable to do so because of the sounds, smells, sights.  They will likely have no understanding of correct change so are dependent on the cashier to do it correctly.  They will likely be unable to read the signs correctly and become very anxious and have an inappropriate public display.  Our current criteria of eligibility for Developmental Services says both cognitive and adaptive must be below the 5th percentile.  Most people with FASD will have cognitive in the 5-15 percentile and adaptive below 0.1 percentile.  This is why people with FASD don’t currently receive any support.  This denial of services doesn’t happen to the same extent to people with autism who will also have higher cognitive levels and low adaptive levels because a diagnosis of autism is deemed as an eligible diagnosis.  Dr. Hanlon-Dearman also explains the importance of speech-language pathologists.  SLP’s determine the communication skills of an individual with FASD including their ability to pronounce words.  A recent study on speech impairments for boys with FASD ages 4-10 determined 90% of them had a speech impairment at a level of disorder instead of delay.  This means without intensive and prolonged support, these boys are at a high risk of poor social skills, isolation, trauma, and later severe mental health challenges.  In our area of the Ottawa Valley, the only publicly funded organization providing speech support from ages 5-18 is the Champlain LHIN which will not do so without a medical diagnosis and doctor recommendation.  So you can’t get an FASD diagnosis without the speech assessment and you can’t get a speech assessment without an FASD diagnosis.  Dr. Hanlon-Dearman finishes by speaking about the role of an occupational therapist.  They determine motor skills and sensory profiles which tends to be very extreme for people with FASD.  Once again, the Champlain LHIN is the only publicly funded organization providing this service and again require the diagnosis first.

As a result, the only current option to diagnosis for FASD is through private means which on average is about $3000 to $4500 per person.  It also takes another $5000-$7000 a year in private support to have the individual achieve successful outcomes.

Knowing all of these facts, it becomes obvious why it is difficult for anyone to access supports in the province of Ontario and why the Rural FASD Support Network is committed to starting the conversations needed to make a change for the better.