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Northwestern Ontario FASD Clinic

At the Northwestern Ontario Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Clinic, our goal is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families across Northwestern Ontario by providing comprehensive diagnostic assessments and helping connect clients with the supports they need.

The FASD Diagnostic clinic is a collaborative project between 11 different organizations including:

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Kenora Association for Community Living
Kenora Chiefs Advisory
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Eligibility & Referrals

  • Children, youth and adults living in the Kenora, Rainy River, Sioux Lookout and Far North Areas with suspected Prenatal Alcohol Exposure are eligible.
  • Health professionals, educators, families and clients can submit a referral. It is recommended the referring party speak directly to the client, parent, or guardian to discuss the referral and receive verbal consent to initiate the referral. Click below to complete a referral with the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNHA) or FIREFLY.
SLFNHA Intake Form
FIREFLY Intake Form
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Proof of Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE)

  • In order to be assessed for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder proof/ documentation of prenatal alcohol exposure must be given. This information must come from a reliable source (parent/caregiver, family member, CAS Worker).  
  • Click here or more information on PAE.

Team Effort

Throughout this process, you will be supported by a dedicated team that includes:

  • Coordinator
  • Physician
  • Psychologist/Psychometrist
  • Occupational Therapist (OT) 
  • Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

What the Clinic Offers

  • Provides assessment and diagnostic services for children/youth/adults residing in the Kenora and Rainy River districts including Far North Areas. 
  • Provides referrals to community service providers. 
  • Provides recommendations for caregivers and educators. 
  • Provides community networking. 
  • Provides training and consultation for para-professionals and professionals, including educators, social service providers and those working in the legal professions. 

FASD Clinic Process Map

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1. After Referral is Received:

After submitting a referral, a member of our team will connect with you to discuss the appropriate pathway for what you are looking for. If an FASD assessment is deemed appropriate, a member of our team will be available to you and/or your circle of support throughout the process. As a part of this process a semi-structured interview is done to understand the client better.

2. Assessments

Standardized assessment tools and questionnaires are used to gather information. The following people will be involved in the assessment:

  1. Occupational Therapist (OT)
  2. Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
  3. Psychometrist/Psychologist
  4. Physician
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3. After Assessments are Done:

Once all assessments are complete, our team will meet with you to discuss the findings of the assessment. A Summary report is sent to you within 6-8 weeks after the results have been communicated.

Possible outcomes from Assessment:

  • No diagnosis
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder with Sentinel Facial Features
  • Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder without Sentinel Facial Features
  • An At risk designation (generally re-assessment is recommended in 3+ years time)
  • An alternative diagnosis or co-occurring diagnosis

 

A member of our team will be identified to provide support with follow up recommendations. Follow up recommendations may include referrals to external or internal supports and services, or may identify sources of funding.

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