Assessment & Diagnosis

Assessment and diagnosis can be an important step in understanding how the brain works and why certain challenges — or strengths — show up in everyday life. At Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society, assessment and diagnosis are not about labels. They are about clarity, understanding, and access to the right supports.

FFAS has long offered assessment and diagnosis for children through our clinic, helping families better understand their child’s needs and plan supports that fit. A diagnosis can help explain behaviours that may otherwise be misunderstood, reduce blame or self-doubt, and guide more effective strategies at home, at school, and in the community.

We are also pleased to share that FFAS is now working in partnership with Storify to support assessment and diagnosis for adults. Many adults reach later stages of life without answers, often carrying years of confusion about why certain things feel harder, take longer, or require different approaches. Adult diagnosis can be a turning point — not because it changes who someone is, but because it helps make sense of their experiences.

For both children and adults, a diagnosis can open doors. It can support access to services and accommodations, inform health and support planning, and help individuals and families advocate more effectively within systems. Just as importantly, it can bring relief — replacing uncertainty with understanding, and helping people recognize that challenges are brain-based, not personal failures.

Assessment and diagnosis are not the end of the journey — they are a starting point. They provide a clearer map, helping individuals, families, and support networks plan the road ahead with greater confidence, compassion, and direction.

If you’d like to learn more about assessment and diagnosis through FFAS, including our work with adults, we invite you to connect with us to explore next steps.