What is FASD?
When pregnant women drink alcohol, it can lead to a range of birth defects and health and development problems in babies and children. These problems are called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Our illustrated guide has everything you need to know about alcohol and pregnancy, plus suggestions for quitting alcohol while pregnant.
What causes FASD?
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) can happen when women drink alcohol during pregnancy.
Alcohol passes through the placenta and enters the bloodstream of unborn babies. This can affect brain development in unborn babies. It can also have serious, lifelong consequences for health, growth and development.
There is no ‘safe’ level of drinking while pregnant. It’s best not to drink at all. Regular or heavy binge-drinking puts unborn babies at most risk of FASD.
Women who are pregnant, or who could get pregnant, should not drink alcohol.
Not every pregnancy is planned, and many women drink alcohol before they realise they’re pregnant. If you find out you’re pregnant and know you’ve drunk alcohol – especially if you drank a lot in the early stages of pregnancy – it’s a good idea to talk with your GP.
Signs and symptoms of FASD
The signs of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) vary, but many children with FASD might have the following signs.
Thinking, learning and understanding signs
Children with FASD might have:
- learning difficulties
- intellectual disability
- poor memory
- difficulty communicating.
Behaviour signs
Children with FASD might:
- be impulsive and hyperactive
- find it hard to organise themselves
- find it hard to manage personal hygiene and other daily tasks
- have anxiety or depression
- behave and express emotions like younger children do.
Physical signs
Children with FASD might have:
- slow growth
- small head size
- poor coordination and fine motor skills
- hearing difficulties.
How is FASD diagnosed?
A paediatrician can diagnose fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) by looking for the signs above and using a special set of criteria.
The earlier a child gets a diagnosis of FASD, the earlier the child can get intervention to help them reach their potential. If you have any concerns about your child and FASD, it’s a good idea to speak with your GP.
Being told that your baby or child has FASD can be a big shock for you and your family. If you need information and support, NOFASD Australia is a good place to start.
Treatment, therapies and supports for children with FASD
There’s no cure for fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). But children with FASD can get support to learn and develop skills and improve their quality of life.
For example, if children have difficulties with speech and communication, speech therapy might help. If children have learning and behaviour difficulties at school, there might be options for school disability support. Occupational therapy can help children with movement and daily care difficulties.
When children have FASD, a team of health professionals might support the whole family. In addition to your GP and paediatrician, this team might include the following:
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) might support your child with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), as well as you and your family. Our guide has answers to your questions about the NDIS.