Understanding Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
FASD is a lifelong condition. It happens when a baby is exposed to alcohol before birth. It affects how the brain and body grow.
Effects vary, impacting physical, emotional, behavioural, and neurological functions. All people with FASD have many strengths. While incurable, early intervention and support can significantly improve outcomes by nurturing these individual strengths.
Co-occurring conditions
Alcohol in pregnancy can affect many parts of the body, such as:
- central nervous system
- vision
- hearing
- cardiac
- circulation
- digestion
- musculoskeletal
- respiratory
This means people with FASD may also have other health needs. Cognitive function varies, ranging from typical to learning disabilities. FASD also ties in with other neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD and Autism. This is common due to overlapping characteristics.
Support for difficulties associated with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Every child with FASD is unique. What works for one child may not work for another. Try different ideas and see what helps.
- Somerset’s Graduated Response Tool
- Sensory Processing Handbook.
- Somerset Emotional and Mental Health Route-map and Somerset Children and Young People Health and Wellbeing website.
Some children with FASD seem like they can think and talk well, but still struggle with planning, staying calm, or controlling their actions. This is called executive functioning. They may find tests or tricky tasks very hard unless they get the right support.
The booklet below gives simple ways to help with:
- paying attention
- remembering things
- planning and organising
- managing time
- staying calm
- understanding feelings
- stopping and thinking before acting
- starting tasks
- switching between tasks
- talking and joining in with others
- moving and using their body
- sensory needs
Some children and young people with FASD are looked after or were looked after in the past. Professionals can ask the Statutory Virtual School or the Post‑Adoption Support Worker for help.
Top tips for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
Some key top tips are listed below, but you can also find more in the booklet above.
- Children with FASD often act younger than their age. They may be more like half their age. Change your expectations to match this.
- See each child as an individual. One size does not fit all.
- Children with FASD can be strong in some areas and struggle in others. Look closely at their strengths and needs.
- Alcohol use in pregnancy can happen for many reasons. Be kind and avoid blame.
- Challenging behaviour is communication. It means the child needs help, not punishment. Usual behaviour strategies relying on ability to link cause and effect often do not work and may make things worse.
- Some therapies may not help because of brain changes. They need FASD‑informed support.
- Keep instructions short and clear. Give up to 20 seconds for the child to respond. If repeating, keep the same words.
- Give the child sensory breaks and a calm sensory space. This can make a big difference.
- Children with FASD need extra help when moving schools. Start planning early and agree a clear transition plan with both schools.