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developmental disability services regardless of full-scale IQ, courts should provide the sameprotections to people with FASD that they currently provide to offenders who qualify asintellectually disabled.66. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in Modern Society: ADisability with a DifferenceWhat is FASD: How is it Diagnosed and Assessed?Monty Nelson, University of Alberta (montyn@telus.net)The features and biophysical, psychological and neurological characteristics of Fetal AlcoholSpectrum Disorder (FASD) are the subject of this presentation. The structure of the 2005Canadian Guidelines for Diagnosis (based on initial guidelines from the United States) will bepresented, with a particular emphasis on the cognitive assessment and features of Adults withFASD. Although some of the facial and medical features may or may not be present, thecognitive symptoms of FASD may be the most significant in the person’s life. While thediagnostic process includes verification of prenatal alcohol exposure, post natal risk factors, anda medical evaluation of the individual’s facial features and growth, the neuropsychologicalevaluation is often the lengthiest part of the assessment. A review of the neuropsychologicalassessment process will be provided, as well as a discussion regarding typical suggestions forintervention in the adult population.FASD in the Life of a Patient: FASD and Primary Health CareHasu Rajani, University of Alberta (hrajani@ualberta.ca)Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) affects the patient across his or her lifespan. Thepresentation usually varies with age and is related to alcohol being a risk factor for birth defects,behavioural disorders, and learning disorders. The individuals have issues related to mentalhealth, addiction, employment and housing. There is a high correlation between FASD diagnosisand risk of interaction with the justice system. These effects of FASD on the individual present avariety of, and as the person ages, a changing set of challenges for the health care provider andfor supporting agencies and literally all public bodies, which the FASD patient will or mayinteract with throughout their lives. This paper considers the manner in which a primary healthcare network may effectively handle patients who are affected by the disorder, and whyinnovative responses are not only desirable but also necessary.164