Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

FASD can affect learning, regulation and everyday functioning across life. Understanding each person's strengths and needs helps make assessment, relationships and support more useful.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, or FASD, describes developmental effects caused by alcohol exposure before birth. People can have very different combinations of abilities and difficulties. FASD can affect childhood and adult life; it is not an addiction and does not mean that someone will develop one.

Assessment considers development, health, history and everyday functioning. Exposure alone does not establish the diagnosis. Neither does a person's appearance or a single learning or behaviour difficulty. Support should respond to actual needs and include the person's own goals.

Clear communication, appropriate teaching, practical assistance and treatment of other health conditions can help. There is no treatment that simply erases FASD, but lifelong does not mean that learning or improvement is impossible. New illness must not be attributed automatically to the condition. Sudden confusion needs immediate medical help. Get emergency help now for immediate danger; suicidal crisis also needs urgent help.

Full access is needed to read this Topic's articles.