What is FASD (Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder)

Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is a brain-based, neurodevelopmental disorder that requires appropriate diagnosis, assessment and support across the lifespan. 

Recent research has found that over 6% of British children could have symptoms of a disorder caused by drinking in pregnancy. FASD may not be detected at birth but sometimes becomes apparent later, however it carries lifelong implications. Its effects are diverse and range from cognitive and sensory processing issues and Attention Deficit Disorder to heart problems and concerns with bones and organs.

FASD is a spectrum and quite often people with FASD have multiple diagnoses of varying degrees. One study listed more than 400 co-occurring conditions. Every person with FASD is affected differently. There is a common misconception that someone has to have specific facial features to have a diagnosis. This is incorrect. By some estimates, it is less than 10% of those on the FASD spectrum who have these distinctive facial features.

The majority of individuals with FASD may experience difficulties in many of the following areas:

• Executive Functioning ,attention, learning and memory
• Sensory impairment
• understanding the world around them
• Poor social skills
• Hyperactivity (ADHD)
• Delayed language development and communication
• Delays in meeting milestones

It is unknown if there is a safe amount of alcohol that you can drink when you are Pregnant, however, we do know that even small amounts of alcohol cross over the Placenta into the baby’s circulation. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy may cause Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Some people say drinking small amounts of alcohol while pregnant is okay. But the truth is that the safest option during pregnancy is not to drink alcohol at all.

This condition is preventable only when there is no prenatal alcohol exposure. 
The UK Chief Medical Officer guidance changed in 2016 to a recommendation that
“no alcohol be consumed in pregnancy and when planning a pregnancy.”