6.7.6 Percentage of First Nations children* aged 0 to 11 years who were diagnosed with a mental health condition or disorder, by type of condition or disorder, Canada, 2015/2016
| Anxiety or mood disorder | Attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder | Autism spectrum disorder | Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type of Mental Health Condition | 0.8 | 1.8 | 0.7 | 0.5 |
*Living on reserve and northern communities
Source: CICH graphic created using data adapted from the First Nations Information Governance Centre, National Report of the First Nations Regional Health Survey Phase 3: Volume One, (Ottawa: 2018). 200 pages. Published in March 2018.
In 2015/2016, 1.8% of First Nations children living on reserve and northern communities were diagnosed with attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Just under 1% were diagnosed with anxiety or a mood disorder (0.8%) and autism spectrum disorder (0.7%).
0.5% were diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
Implications
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD)4 result from in utero alcohol exposure and are generally characterized by pre- and/or post-natal growth deficiencies, central nervous dysfunction, and cranio-facial malformations.5 The disabilities associated with FASD can have lifelong implications for the health and well-being of individuals. FASD is considered a significant public health issue in many Indigenous communities that needs be addressed with culturally appropriate methods “that foster cultural reintegration, personal and collective healing, and positive change.”6
4The full spectrum of effects associated with inutero exposure to alcohol are commonly referred to as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD).
5Tait, C.L. (2003). Fetal alcohol syndrome among Aboriginal people in Canada: Review and analysis of the intergenerational links to residential schools. Ottawa, ON: Aboriginal Healing Foundation.
6Indian Friendship Centres. (2013). Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: A position paper. Toronto, ON: Author, p. 4.