FASD Hub

FASD stands for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. It can arise from alcohol exposure during pregnancy and affects the developing brain and body of an individual before they are born. FASD is a lifelong, neurodevelopmental condition, often referred to as a hidden disability. Each person with FASD is affected differently. Each person with FASD has both strengths and challenges.

Individuals with FASD and their families may need support to learn FASD-informed strategies to help them prosper. When an early diagnosis is made, the right supports are put in place in education, at home, and in the workplace, individuals are more likely to succeed and achieve throughout life.

Care experienced children and young people could be four times as likely to have FASD as the general population with some studies estimating prevalence could be as high as 33%.

(Lange et al., 2013)

FASD is estimated to be 3-5 times more prevalent than autism and on par with typical ADHD.

(FAAST 2013 / SIGN 145)

What is FASD?

FASD is a condition that may occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol prenatally. Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) can occur at any point during the pregnancy, including before the pregnancy is detected. Alcohol is included within the group of substances called teratogens, or poisons, meaning that it is a substance that can cross to the developing fetus and cause harm at any stage of pregnancy. There is no known safe amount or time to consume alcohol during pregnancy, and the UK’s Chief Medical Officer’s advice is that those who are pregnant, or planning a pregnancy, should abstain from alcohol.