Who can make a referral?

Referrals to the Manitoba FASD Network are accepted from families, physicians, Child and Family Services, schools, health care professionals, and community agencies.

Referrals

Referral forms are available from your regional FASD Diagnostic Coordinator, or can be downloaded here. They should be submitted to the FASD Diagnostic Coordinator in your region.

Referral Form
School Form
General Information Form CFS
General Information Form for Parents/Caregivers
Day Care Form

What Happens After the Referral is Received?

  • The referral is assessed for eligibility.
  • The coordinator will send an intake package to the legal guardian, including information form, school and/or daycare questionnaire, and consent form for release of information. The coordinator in your region can help you complete these.
  • Families will submit copies of assessments from the school or community agencies to the regional FASD Diagnostic Coordinator.
  • Families are informed by letter when their child is placed on the wait list and will be contacted directly to schedule appointments.
  • Families can contact the coordinator at any time.

What Does the Assessment Involve?

The assessment follows national guidelines and is completed by a multidisciplinary team. It includes a comprehensive assessment of brain functioning and behaviour, growth and facial characteristics, and prenatal and postnatal influences on physical, emotional and cognitive development.

For preschool children, the assessment team may include a developmental paediatrician, geneticist, speech and language pathologist (SLP), occupational therapist (OT), and social worker. The number of appointments will depend on the age and needs of the child.

For school-age children and adolescents, assessment may also include appointments with a psychologist.

What Happens After Diagnosis?

A report is written by the assessment team, which includes the diagnosis, recommendations and a description of the child’s strengths and challenges. This report is sent to the legal guardian and others as required, with consent.

The Regional FASD Diagnostic Coordinator is available after diagnosis to provide education, support and planning follow-up for families, depending on the needs of the child or youth.

Building Circles of Support, an FASD education series, is provided in Winnipeg and via telehealth in all regions, in partnership with the Manitoba FASD Network. It was created to answer families’ most common questions and concerns. Please contact your Regional FASD Diagnostic Coordinator for times and dates.