Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

What support is available for children and young people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)?

There is no treatment to reverse FASD, but early diagnosis and support can make a big difference.

Healthcare specialists will work with children and their families to develop an individual management plan. This plan will set out what interventions and support are needed, as well as signposting children and their families to additional resources and appropriate services. The management plan should cover the immediate needs of the child, as well as considering their longer-term needs. This plan should help to coordinate care across the healthcare, social care, and education settings.

Appropriate care and support can help to prevent problems that may develop later in life, such as mental health problems and behavioural challenges.

Adults with FASD can be supported to live and work independently.

What support is available for families and carers of children and young people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

Support for families and carers should be provided within the child or young person’s individual management plan. This should include signposting to appropriate resources and services.

Support groups can be helpful as they allow you to connect with people in a similar situation. Support can be found through the FASD UK Alliance.

The National Organisation for FASD is a charitable organisation that provides support for people with FASD and their families. They can provide advice and guidance through their helpline.

What support is available for people who are pregnant?

There is no proven safe amount of alcohol intake in pregnancy. Even low amounts of alcohol can affect your baby, so the safest approach is that you do not drink at all during pregnancy. Not every baby exposed to alcohol during pregnancy will develop FASD, but no one can predict which babies will develop the condition. The more a pregnant person drinks, the greater the risk to the child.

No alcohol means no risk!

There is lots of support available for you during your pregnancy. If you find that you are struggling, you can talk to your midwife. They will be able to put the right support in place to ensure that you and your baby are cared for.

Advice for healthcare professionals, social care professionals and educators

Raising awareness of FASD is essential. When children and young people present with developmental problems, prenatal alcohol exposure is often not considered. Those working with children and young people should be aware of the signs and symptoms associated with the condition.

All children and young people with significant physical, developmental or behavioural difficulties and probable alcohol exposure should be referred for assessment. Further support can be accessed through local Health Visitors, School Nurses and GPs.

If you want to learn more about FASD, the National Organisation for FASD has a range of information and training resources for healthcare professionals, social care workers and educators.

For further information about FASD, please visit our Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin Healthier Together website.

Last updated: 03/09/2024 12:06