IC&YP Programme
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Overview
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a descriptor term used to identify the range of physical, emotional and developmental differences that may affect a person if they were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy. Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) is associated with numerous adverse outcomes. These include miscarriage, premature birth and impairment to the brain and organs of the developing fetus. The term FASD describes a continuum of neurodevelopmental difficulties and impacts across the whole body that can arise from PAE. FASD is described as a neurodevelopmental condition and is one of the most common neurodevelopment disorders, yet remains largely undiagnosed in Scotland. This term FASD describes a collection of disorders that are a consequence of altered development of the brain and central nervous system. FASD is lifelong condition.
Prevention
There is no known safe amount or time to consume alcohol during pregnancy, therefore, raising awareness of the risks associated with alcohol and pregnancy is critical to FASD prevention. Furthermore, improving the public’s awareness of alcohol’s effects on the fetus can significantly reduce self-reported intention to drink alcohol during pregnancy.
It is important to remember that whether its beer, wine, or spirits, alcohol can cause harm at any time during pregnancy. That’s why it is so important for practitioners across health and social care to take the opportunity to highlight the ‘No alcohol, No risk’ message. The Chief Medical Officer extended their guidelines in 2016, stating that:-
- If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, the safest approach is not to drink alcohol at all, to keep risks to your baby to a minimum. Furthermore;
- Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink the greater the risk.
Diagnosis, Interventions and Support
FASD is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders, yet it remains largely undiagnosed in Scotland. FASD is often referred to as an ‘invisible’ condition; meaning you often cannot tell by looking at someone whether they have been affected by PAE. Only a small proportion (approximately 10%) of those with FASD, exhibit the sentinel facial features associated with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). The remaining 90% of individuals affected will not demonstrate the sentinel facial features, therefore making their condition ‘invisible. This can make obtaining diagnosis and support more difficult.
Every individual diagnosis of FASD is unique. The way in which a developing fetus is affected is dependent on timing, frequency and amount of alcohol exposure. It is a pivotal factor that individuals are accurately understood in terms of their strengths and difficulties. A neurological profile is a key component in reducing assumptions of what may be driving learning or behavioural difficulties, and to share knowledge of the child’s neuropsychological profile so that others’ (particularly colleagues in education) can harness the child’s strengths and target areas to maximise attainment and enjoyment of school.
Additionally, support and understanding for families is essential. An understanding of the individual profile will help parents/carers to advocate for their child in order to achieve the best outcome for them at home, at school and in the community.
Training
There is no known safe amount or time to consume alcohol during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential that there is a clear message of no alcohol being the safest option during pregnancy. Training and awareness raising is a key component in keeping this message consistent.
Furthermore, providing training across health, social care and education is key to improving the knowledge and confidence of professionals working with individuals with FASD.
Useful Links – Training Information and Supports
Local Training
For details of training options available in Ayrshire and Arran, please e-mail: FASDtraining@aapct.scot.nhs.uk
Fetal Alcohol Advisory Support and Training Team (FAASTT)
Funded by Scottish Government the FAAST Team, based at the University of Edinburgh, supports health and social care professionals in their work with children and adults affected by FASD in Scotland. Services include consultancy, training, research and professional education courses. The FAAST Team also now offer Europe’s first PgCert in FASD.
Contacts:
E-mail: faast@ed.ac.uk
Web: https://www.faast.ed.ac.uk/
Eventbrite: FAASTTeam.eventbrite.com
FASD Hub Scotland
FASD Hub Scotland provide a support service for parents/carers (adoptive and biological parents, foster carers, kinship carers and step parents) across Scotland who live with children, young people and young adults who have a history of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE), with or without an FASD diagnosis.
Web: https://www.adoptionuk.org/fasd-hub
Education Scotland
Education Scotland offer a Professional Learning Activity (PLA) called ‘An Introduction to FASD and Supporting Learners’ which provides and introduction FASD and effective approaches to supporting individuals who may be affected (with our without diagnosis).
