Making a diagnosis of FASD requires a multidisciplinary team and involves a complex physical and neurodevelopmental assessment. The 2016 Canadian Diagnostic Guidelines for FASD provide the basis for a FASD diagnosis (Cook et al., 2016).
Benefits of a diagnosis:
Identifies strengths and weaknesses – this will help a person with FASD get help in difficult areas and excel in areas that are strengths
Provides support for additional services and government benefits
Provides answers for older children and adults about why life has been difficult for them
Reduce the occurrence of additional challenges with more appropriate supports
Helps parents to understand the best ways to help their child succeed
Provides important information about supports for youth transitioning to adulthood, such as legal representation agreements and trusteeship (CanFASD, 2013)