FASD, or fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, is an umbrella term used to describe 4 medical diagnoses that individuals who were exposed prenatally to alcohol may have. FASD is not a diagnosis in itself. It refers to the spectrum, or variety of ways a person who has been prenatally exposed to alcohol may be affected by that exposure. Specific diagnoses under that umbrella include:

1. FAS – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
   Applies to those individuals who have both physical and neurological birth defects, including:
   
• A pattern of facial abnormalities, such as: short nose, thin upper lip, small lower jaw, receding chin, minor ear abnormalities
• A growth deficiency, making some individuals smaller than normal
• Central nervous system damage, which results in problems with thinking processes and behaviour
• Prenatal exposure to alcohol
  
2. pFAS – Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
   Refers to those who have a cluster of the following characteristics:
   
• Some facial anomalies commonly found in FAS
• Central nervous system damage which results in behavioural and cognitive problems
• No growth deficiency
• Prenatal exposure to alcohol
  
3. ARND – Alcohol Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder:
   Refers to those individuals affected in the following ways:
   
• No obvious facial anomalies normally associated with FAS
• No growth deficiency
• Central nervous system damage, which results in behavioural and cognitive problems
• Prenatal exposure to alcohol
  
4. ARBD: Alcohol Related Birth Defects:
   Describes the presence of:
   
   • Birth defects, including abnormalities of development, size, shape and organization of cells
   • Physical malformations
   • Prenatal exposure to alcohol