Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder is a diagnostic term for severe neurodevelopmental impairments that result from brain damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The effects may not be seen at birth. You may see these as difficulties develop as the child gets older – problems with physical activities, learning, language, memory and behaviour. FASD has lifelong consequences.

FASD occurs in all parts of Australian society where alcohol is consumed. No level of maternal alcohol consumption at any time during pregnancy can be guaranteed to be completely ‘safe’ or ‘no risk’ for the developing fetus. Partners, friends and family all play a major part in supporting a pregnant woman to stop or reduce her drinking. If you have a partner or friend who is pregnant then let them know you are there for them and will support them in stopping drinking.

FASD is only one part of a person’s identity. Every person with FASD will have strengths and difficulties in different areas. This depends on the parts of the brain that have been most damaged by exposure to alcohol. There is no 'one size fits all' for people with FASD and not everyone will experience the same difficulties. Just like other people with or without a disability, they enjoy a variety of activities and can make a valuable contribution to their community. We encourage respectful engagement with those with FASD and their families to reduce the negativity and stigma often associated with FASD.

How common is FASD?

There is little information on the prevalence of FASD in general population in Western Australia (WA). Internationally the prevalence of FASD in the general population is estimated to be between 2 and 4%.

In one area of WA 19% of 7-8-year-old children were found to have FASD and in the only juvenile detention centre in WA 36% of young people were diagnosed with FASD.

What are the early signs to look out for?

FASD may not be seen at birth and is usually not diagnosed until a child is at primary school. Some people with FASD will have distinctive facial features, but most will not. We working hard to find ways of identifying FASD as early as possible.

Some difficulties will start very early in life, such as poor sleep patterns, irritability and sensory problems (noise, touch, pain) and will become more obvious as they develop – problems with abstract concepts, inability to plan, transfer learning form one situation to another, social skills, interpersonal relationships, sharing and taking turns, impulse control, memory and behaviour. Before problems escalate we need early diagnosis, interventions and strategies that meet the needs of the individual child. Without these interventions we see many young people with issues at school, multiple foster placements, reduced self-esteem and depression, problems with alcohol and other drugs and often trouble with the law.

Some early problems that may be seen in babies and young children:

• poor sucking reflexes
• poor sleep patterns
• irritability
• cry often or very quiet and not responsive
• strong startle reflex
• sensory problems - noise, lighting, pain, cold
• problems with toileting

Problems that may be seen in children as they develop:

• low IQ (not necessarily an intellectual disability with an IQ less than 70)
• social and behavioural problems
• delayed development
• inability to connect past experiences with present action
• may seem competent and agree but not understand
• short attention span and poor memory
• inability to generalise information
• slow cognitive and auditory pace
• impaired judgment and impulsivity
• emotional – angry, frustrated
• immature
• poor language and communication skills

Is there a cure?

FASD is a lifelong condition. There is no ‘cure’. Early diagnosis and interventions for the child with FASD and family support, strategies and services will help manage the impairments and allow the child to lead the best life possible. It is also important to remember that people with FASD also have many positive attributes.

For more information about alcohol and pregnancy and FASD, visit FASD Hub Australia. The FASD Hub is a collaboration of Australian organisations led by Telethon Kids Institute and the University of Sydney.