RURAL FASD DIAGNOSTIC SERVICES MODEL: LAKELAND CENTRE FOR FETAL ALCOHOL SPECTRUM DISORDER

There are few FASD multi-disciplinary diagnostic teams in rural regions of Canada. Families often have difficulty accessing their services because of the lack of clinics available in Canada and the distance rural residents must travel to access one. Since its grass-roots beginning in 1995, the Lakeland Centre for FASD in north eastern Alberta has developed a community-based FASD diagnostic services model that utilizes the resources available in local communities and enhances the support to individuals and families living far away from urban centers. The article describes the history of the Lakeland Centre for FASD relative to the development of the model and diagnostic process used to diagnose children and adults. Rural adaptations to similar urban models are discussed. Critical elements to rural, in-kind services are also discussed along with ongoing challenges. Acknowledging the change in terminology over the years covered by this article, the term FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) is used throughout.