Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder assessment.
Enviros FASD Assessment and Diagnosis Centre (NDC)
Referrals to Enviros NDC may be made by:
- Individuals and families
- Adoptive parents, foster parents, guardians
- Professionals working with children, youth, or adults
- Agencies, caregivers, and support persons
- Justice, medical, education, and social service professionals
For more information contact Enviros NDC at 403-829-8060 or [email protected].
Understanding FASD and Prevalence of FASD
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a permanent neurodevelopmental disability that affects brain development and functioning. FASD can impact the entire body, including cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, physical health, learning, and daily living skills.
Researchers currently estimate that at least 4% of individuals in Canada have FASD. FASD is 2.5 times more prevalent than Autism and 28 times more prevalent than Down Syndrome.
FASD is recognized as one of the most common neurodevelopmental disabilities in Canada.
Who We Are
The Enviros Neurodevelopmental Assessment and Diagnostic Centre (NDC) is part of Enviros, a Calgary-based non-profit social services agency established in 1976.
Enviros NDC is the only clinical team in Calgary providing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) assessment and diagnostic services for children, youth, and adults. We are also the only FASD clinic in Southern Alberta completing assessments for the Calgary Youth Courts.
Our multidisciplinary team delivers comprehensive FASD assessments, diagnostic services, and follow-up support, helping individuals and families better understand FASD and transition to long-term, meaningful supports.
Why Choose Enviros NDC
- Specialized expertise: Our team is specifically trained in FASD assessment and diagnostic practices and brings extensive clinical and systems-level experience.
- Multidisciplinary approach: Assessments are completed by a coordinated team that considers the whole person, not just test results.
- Individualized and trauma-informed: We recognize that every individual’s history, strengths, and needs are unique, and we tailor our approach accordingly.
- Justice and systems experience: Enviros NDC has specialized expertise supporting individuals involved with the justice system, including assessments for the Calgary Youth Courts.
- Beyond diagnosis: We focus on practical recommendations, connection to supports, and long-term outcomes, not just the diagnostic outcome.
- Respect, strengths, and inclusion: Our work is grounded in a culture of compassion, collaboration, and respect. We intentionally take a strengths-based approach and highlighting each individual’s abilities and protective factors throughout the assessment process and integrating those strengths into practical, meaningful recommendations, while still recognizing areas where support is needed.
- Cultural humility and connection: We are committed to culturally responsive practice and supporting individuals’ connection to culture and identity. This may include practices such as offering smudging prior to clinic appointments and/or involving our Indigenous Liaison in case conferences.
- Nationally Recognized Leadership – Enviros NDC is recognized nationally for innovation and excellence in improving outcomes for individuals with FASD.
Our Team
The Enviros NDC team is comprised of professionals who are specifically trained in FASD assessment and support; and who are deeply committed to helping individuals with FASD reach their full potential.
Our core team includes a physician, psychologist, clinic coordinator, and social worker. When clinically indicated, additional professionals such as a speech-language pathologist and/or occupational therapist may also be consulted.
Candace Windisch
Director of Services
Sylvie Horan
FASD Intervention, FASD Evolution, Neurodevelopmental Assessment & Diagnostic Centre Manager
Grants and Funding
Enviros NDC is a not-for-profit clinic, and FASD assessments are not covered by Alberta Health Services. NDC does have a limited number of grants available each year to cover assessment costs for individuals who meet eligibility criteria.
Referrals are also accepted on a contract basis from other funders. These referrals must be made through a formal directive, such as:
- A referral and evaluation form from Children’s Services
- A directive from a post-adoption social worker
- Section 34 referrals from the courts Contact us for more information about cost and whether an FASD assessment is appropriate.
Contact Us to Get Started
For more information on how to refer individuals, the assessment process and whether no-cost assessments are available, contact Enviros NDC at 403-829-8060 or [email protected].
Benefits of an FASD Assessment
There is strong evidence that early and appropriate supports improves outcomes for individuals with FASD across the lifespan.
An FASD assessment provides:
- A clear understanding of how each individual is uniquely impacted by FASD
- Identification of individual strengths and areas of need
- Personalized strategies to support daily living and functioning
- Recommendations for targeted supports such as occupational therapy, counselling, and other services
- Access to effective, life-long resources and supports
Receiving a diagnosis may also enable individuals to qualify for publicly funded programs and services.
Examples of supports that may become accessible include:
- Assured Income for the Severely Disabled (AISH)
- Persons with Developmental Disabilities (PDD)
FASD FAQ
“Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a diagnostic term used to describe impacts on the brain and
body of individuals prenatally exposed to alcohol. FASD is a lifelong disability. Individuals with FASD will
experience some degree of challenges in their daily living, and need support with motor skills, physical
health, learning, memory, attention, communication, emotional regulation, and social skills to reach
their full potential. Each individual with FASD is unique and has areas of both strengths and challenges.”
The referral, along with any accompanying documentation is reviewed by the clinic coordinator who will
then contact the referral source to discuss the next steps. It is important to keep in mind that referrals
received with complete documentation will be processed more rapidly. Wait times will vary.
Once a referral is accepted, the Enviros NDC Clinic Coordinator will schedule a meet-and-greet appointment. This appointment provides an opportunity to review the referral package, explain the assessment process, and answer any questions. Appointments can be held in person, online, or by phone.
With signed consent, the clinic will request relevant records and information, which may include birth records, medical and health information, education records, adoption or child welfare records, mental health and social service records, legal information, and any previous assessments. Obtaining these records can take several months.
Once all required records, checklists, and background information have been received and reviewed, the first assessment appointment will be scheduled.
Referrals to Enviros NDC may be made by:
- Individuals and families
- Adoptive parents, foster parents, guardians
- Professionals working with children, youth, or adults
- Agencies, caregivers, and support persons
- Justice, medical, education, and social service professionals
