Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) and the Law Webinar – 02-15-2023

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is one of the most common causes of developmental disability in Canada. It is an incurable and lifelong disability that is poorly understood. The majority of individuals with FASD have brain impairment as well confirmed exposure to prenatal alcohol that is known to be associated with physical and/or developmental effects. 50% of people with FASD will also have an intellectual disability. The impact on the brain leads to difficulties in adaptive behavior, attention, cognition, executive functioning, and memory. Many of the associated disabilities have an impact on all areas of an individual’s life, including mental health and wellbeing, challenges at school, involvement in the criminal justice system, substance use, challenges in academic achievement and problems with employment.  

Join us as we discuss the impact of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder on those who are living with this developmental disability and the challenges that these individuals face that bring them into contact with the criminal justice system. David Boulding, a retired lawyer and expert on FASD, will help explain the impact of this disability and share what he has learned in his practice about how to support individuals with FASD.  


This webinar will include:  

  • An overview of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder and its permanent nature 
  • The reasons that individuals with FASD come into contact with the justice system 
  • Steps and strategies that service providers working in the justice sector can take when they are working with individuals with FASD 
  • Lessons learned from British Columbia and how they can be applied in Ontario.  

Presenter: David Boulding