What is fetal alcohol spectrum disorder?
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong disability that affects the brain and body. It is caused by exposure to alcohol before birth.
FASD is the leading known cause of preventable non-genetic developmental disability in Australia, yet many people have never heard of it.
When alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, it passes through the placenta directly to the developing baby. This can affect the growth and development of the baby’s brain, body and organs.
The more alcohol that is consumed, and the more often it is consumed, the greater the risk of harm.
Every pregnancy is different. It is not possible to predict whether, or to what extent, alcohol exposure will affect an individual pregnancy. A range of different factors influence the level of risk. This is why no amount, type or timing of alcohol during pregnancy has been proven safe.
What is it like living with FASD?
People living with FASD face cognitive challenges with learning, memory, attention, communication, and emotional and behavioural regulation.
People living with FASD can:
- Have challenges with processing information, learning, impulsivity and understanding consequences.
- Have difficulty managing responses to sensory input like light, sound, touch, which can lead to overwhelm and distress.
- Have challenges regulating their emotions and behaviour or adapting their behaviour in different settings.
- Have delays with language development, which can hinder their ability to communicate thoughts, needs or desires and impact social participation
- Struggle with memory and attention needed to manage daily tasks and responsibilities.
Although there are many shared challenges, every person with FASD is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, identity and story.
Learn more about common behavioural symptoms and signs of FASD by visiting the NOFASD Australia website.
“Understanding FASD has the power to change the trajectory of a life. A diagnosis doesn’t change who a person is — it helps people understand themselves, be understood by others, and access the support and opportunities they need to reach their potential.”
What causes FASD?
FASD is caused by prenatal alcohol exposure.
Alcohol consumed at any stage of pregnancy passes directly to the developing baby and can damage their brain, body, and organs.
There are many reasons a baby may be exposed to alcohol before birth. Some people may not know they are pregnant, may receive unclear advice, or may find it hard to stop drinking without support. If alcohol exposure has happened, support and information can help people take the next step without shame or blame.
Diagnosing FASD
A FASD diagnosis involves looking at whether a person was exposed to alcohol before birth and how this may have affected their brain and development. Diagnosis is made by trained health professionals and requires evidence of significant impairment across multiple areas of brain function.
A person with FASD will often need lifelong, tailored support. A timely diagnosis can help them and their family or caregivers access the right supports, care and accommodations to help them reach their full potential.
If you have concerns about FASD, discuss this with your doctor or other healthcare providers. To find a FASD-informed healthcare provider, search the FASD Hub Services Directory.
understanding changes how we respond
When we understand that FASD affects how a person processes information, communicates, remembers and regulates emotions, we can adjust the environment and provide support that works for them.
Think you or someone you know might have FASD?
There is no single test that can confirm whether someone is living with FASD. Some signs of FASD can look similar to other neurodevelopmental disabilities and behavioural disorders or conditions, so assessment needs to consider the person’s history, development and possible alcohol exposure before birth.
A FASD assessment is usually completed by a skilled multidisciplinary health professional team. The team looks at different areas of a person’s development, including learning, memory, attention, communication, daily functioning, physical development and individual strengths.
Assessment can take place at any age. Services for adults can be harder to access, but support is available to help people understand their options and find an appropriate pathway.
Other ways to get help
Find a FASD-informed service
FASD Hub Australia has a directory of health professionals and services that can assist with FASD assessment, diagnosis and support.
Availability and costs vary between locations and providers.
Talk to someone who understands
NOFASD Australia provides free and confidential information and support to people living with FASD, families, carers and people exploring assessment or diagnosis.
Call the NOFASD National Helpline on 1800 860 613 for information, support and referral options.
Finding it hard to stop drinking alcohol?
If it’s difficult for you to stop drinking alcohol, help is available. Speak to your doctor, midwife, or obstetrician for support. You can also speak with an alcohol support service.
“Having a FASD diagnosis enabled us to see our son differently, to parent differently, to admire our son for his resilience, tenacity, perseverance, and motivation to continue trying, despite the daily hurdles and challenges he faced.”
– Parent of a child with FASD
Words to know
- Neurodevelopmental disability – a condition that affects how the brain grows and works.
- Hidden disability – a disability that may not be immediately obvious to other people.
- Prenatal alcohol exposure – when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy (the stage before birth) and is passed to the developing baby.
- Spectrum – means that people are affected in a wide variety of different ways.
- Diagnosis – the formal identification of a condition (in this case FASD) by a qualified health professional.
- Lived experience – knowledge and understanding gained from personal experience (includes people with FASD, families and carers).
- Stigma – negative attitudes or judgement that can make it harder for people to seek support.
- Emotional regulation – the ability to understand and manage emotional responses.
- Strengths based – focusing on what a person can do or does well, rather than what they can’t do.