Canada is in the midst of a housing crisis. A systematic failure to provide decent and affordable housing means far too many people are ending up homeless. Rigid and unresponsive policies perpetuate adversity and fuel stigma that places blame on the individual.
And for already vulnerable and marginalized people, finding a suitable place to live can be all the more challenging. That includes people with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). FASD is used to describe impacts on the brain and body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol .
In other words, when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, it can cross the placenta and impact fetal development . If you are unfamiliar with the term, you're not alone: despite an estimated 1.5 million Canadians living with the disorder, awareness of FASD is limited and support remains insufficient.
However, the lack of consistent systematic support means that 90% of individuals with FASD will experience mental health issues , and they are around 20 times more likely to struggle with substance use than the general population. As a result of these challenges, many people with FASD also experience homelessness : whether it be hidden (couch surfing, or residence in shelters) or more visible (having no physical shelter available). However, with recognition and accommodation, success and stability are possible.
September marks fetal alcohol spectrum disorder Awareness Month . Now is an apt time to learn more about the disorder and about thos.