Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

What is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition. This means that it is a condition which affects the brains development. It causes a range of cognitive, emotional and behavioural difficulties. Each person with FASD is affected differently. Once a person is diagnosed with FASD, appropriate care can be put in place to help support the person with FASD and their family.

What causes Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

FASD is caused by exposure to alcohol whilst in the womb. When a pregnant person drinks, the alcohol in their bloodstream passes through the placenta and into the bloodstream of the fetus. Because the liver in the fetus is still developing, it cannot filter out the toxins from the alcohol. As a result, the toxins circulate in the fetal bloodstream and cause damage to brain cells and cells of the nervous system.

What are the symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

FASD can cause a range of symptoms. You may notice that a child has problems with:

• movement, balance, vision and hearing
• learning, concentration and memory
• developing social skills and managing emotions
• hyperactivity and impulsiveness
• communication and speech
• physical problems with the heart, kidneys, bones, joints and muscles.

What to do if you’re worried your child is displaying symptoms of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Speak to a healthcare professional (e.g. your GP, health visitor or school nurse) if you are concerned about your child’s development or think they could have FASD. Early diagnosis can help to get the right support in place for your child and limit the impact of the condition on their daily life.

Healthcare professionals will need to know whether your child was exposed to alcohol during pregnancy to make a diagnosis of FASD. We know it may be difficult to talk about your concerns linking to FASD. However, you are not alone and conversations with a healthcare professional are non-judgemental - they are here to support you and your child to get the support you need.

How is Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder diagnosed?

If a diagnosis of FASD is suspected, a referral will be made to a specialist team for assessment.

The assessment is likely to include a physical examination and some tests to rule out genetic conditions that can present similarly to FASD.

A detailed assessment will be carried out to assess motor (movement) skills, language skills, cognition and emotional regulation.

A diagnosis is made when there is a history of alcohol exposure and evidence of long-standing symptoms affecting 3 or more brain functions.

Last updated: 03/09/2024 11:44